A foot wound often needs more than a clean dressing. Each step can pressure damaged skin, slow healing, and deepen the wound. An off-loading device reduces that pressure by shifting weight away from the sore area. A podiatrist can recommend a healing shoe, sandal, or walking boot. A heel-suspension boot is also a choice. Prefabricated sandals and healing shoes differ in their design, materials, and purpose. They can provide better fit, support, and protection than standard choices. However, a ready-made device needs a molded footbed or custom insert to provide proper support and pressure relief.

A podiatrist selects and adjusts the device based on the wound and foot shape. The correct device must fit well and stay in the proper position. A custom insert can have a recessed area under the wound so the sore spot does not bear weight. A metatarsal bar can move pressure away from the front of the foot. A higher boot can give added support to a foot with major shape changes. For a heel wound, a specially cut boot can keep the injured area from touching a bed, chair, or footstool. 

Off-loading works best as one part of professional wound care. A podiatrist can examine the wound, remove unhealthy tissue, and apply an appropriate dressing. Follow-up visits allow the doctor to check healing and adjust the device as swelling or pressure points change. Patients should use the off-loading device exactly as directed, including when walking or resting. A poorly fitted device can rub the skin, shift pressure to a new area, or cause the wound to worsen. Prompt care is especially important if redness, drainage, or swelling develops. Odor can also signal a problem. If you have a foot wound that needs professional care, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can discuss the benefits of off-loading devices with you.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Lawrence Fallat, DPM from Michigan. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Canton and Taylor, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Cuboid syndrome can cause pain along the outside of the foot, near the little toe. The cuboid is a small bone in the middle of the foot that helps support movement and stability. Cuboid syndrome develops when this bone shifts partly out of its normal position. Pain can begin after a sudden injury or repeated stress on the foot. Symptoms include aching or sharp pain, difficulty walking, and swelling. Some patients also have reduced foot or ankle movement. Pain can become stronger when putting weight on the foot or pushing off the toes.

Overuse and ankle sprains are leading causes of cuboid syndrome. Running and other intense activities can place repeated stress on the joints of the foot. An inward-twisting ankle sprain can also disturb the position of the cuboid. People whose feet turn inward while walking can face a higher risk. Tight calf muscles can add stress to the cuboid area. Other risk factors include high-impact sports, uneven training surfaces, and wearing shoes that lack proper support. Because cuboid syndrome can resemble a stress fracture or other foot problem, an accurate evaluation is important.

A podiatrist can examine the foot, review how the pain started, and assess foot movement. The evaluation can also identify an ankle injury or abnormal foot mechanics that could be contributing to symptoms. Treatment can include manipulation to restore the cuboid's position, supportive taping, or padding to stabilize the middle of the foot. Orthotics can provide added support and improve foot alignment. A podiatrist can also recommend changes to activities and shoes to reduce repeated strain. Recovery depends on the severity and cause of the problem. If you have symptoms of cuboid syndrome, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Lawrence Fallat, DPM from Michigan. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Canton and Taylor, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Falls in seniors are a leading cause of injury and often result from a loss of balance or coordination. A fall occurs when the body is unable to maintain stability during movement or standing. Age-related changes in the muscles and joints can affect balance and increase the chance of falling. Reduced physical activity and underlying health conditions may also contribute. Understanding fall prevention strategies is key to protecting long term mobility and safety.

Common symptoms associated with fall risk include dizziness, instability, and difficulty maintaining posture. Seniors may feel unsure when walking on uneven surfaces or when changing direction. After a fall, individuals may experience pain in the feet, ankles, or other parts of the body. Swelling and limited movement can interfere with daily activities. Identifying these symptoms early can help reduce the likelihood of repeated falls.

Risk factors include poor physical conditioning, weak muscles, and lack of balance training. Social isolation and limited activity may lead to reduced strength and coordination. Foot problems, such as pain or improper footwear, can affect stability and increase fall risk. Environmental factors like poor lighting or cluttered walkways may also contribute. Falls often result from a combination of physical and environmental issues that affect safe movement.

Preventing falls involves improving balance and maintaining an active lifestyle. Exercises such as tai chi, pilates, and yoga can strengthen muscles and enhance coordination. Practicing balance techniques like walking in a straight line can improve stability. Wearing supportive footwear and regular foot care are also important for safe movement. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury after a fall, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions, and additional fall prevention tips.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Lawrence Fallat, DPM from Michigan. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Canton and Taylor, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken ankle is an injury that occurs when one or more bones in the ankle are cracked or fractured. The ankle is made up of several bones, ligaments, and tissues that work together to support movement and balance. A fracture can happen from a fall, sports injury, accident, or sudden twisting motion. Ankle fractures can affect a person’s ability to stand, walk, and complete daily activities comfortably. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, and difficulty putting weight on the affected foot. Some patients may notice changes in the appearance of the ankle or a feeling of instability. A podiatrist can evaluate the injury and determine the severity of the fracture.

A podiatrist performs a detailed examination to understand the extent of an ankle fracture and how it affects foot and ankle function. The evaluation includes reviewing the injury, checking movement, and assessing the condition of the surrounding tissues. Imaging tests may be used to view the bones and identify the location of the fracture. A podiatrist develops a treatment plan based on the type of fracture, the patient’s health, and activity needs. Treatment includes methods to support proper healing, protect the injured area, and restore ankle function. 

Research shows that ankle fractures can affect mobility and long-term joint function, making proper diagnosis and treatment important. A podiatrist helps patients understand their injury and creates a plan focused on restoring strength, stability, and movement. Care may involve monitoring healing progress and addressing changes in foot mechanics after the injury. A podiatrist also evaluates how the ankle is functioning because changes in movement can affect other areas of the foot and lower body. Treatment plans are personalized according to each patient’s condition and recovery goals. If you have symptoms of a broken ankle, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropractor for diagnosis and treatment.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Lawrence Fallat, DPM from Michigan. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Canton and Taylor, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.