Items filtered by date: August 2024

Ankle pain can stem from various issues affecting the complex structure of the ankle, which includes bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. The ankle joint comprises the tibia and fibula bones of the lower leg, which connect to the talus bone in the foot. Ligaments stabilize the joint, while tendons enable movement. Common causes of ankle pain can include sprains, arthritis, and fractures. Sprains occur when ligaments are stretched or torn, often due to twisting injuries. Strains involve overstretching or tearing of tendons or muscles. Arthritis can lead to inflammation and stiffness, while fractures result from trauma or severe impact. To alleviate ankle pain, consider resting the ankle to reduce swelling and discomfort. Mild pain relievers like ibuprofen may also help to provide temporary relief. For persistent or severe pain, it is suggested you contact a podiatrist for professional medical advice, as more advanced treatments may be necessary to address the underlying issue and restore function.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Lawrence Fallat, DPM from Michigan. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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.

Foot issues in older adults are often linked to frailty and decreased motor performance, significantly impacting their quality of life. Common problems include arthritis, bunions, calluses, and reduced foot flexibility, leading to pain and difficulty walking. These issues can increase the fear of falling, contributing to reduced mobility and independence. A podiatrist can perform a gait analysis and balance assessment to identify specific problems. Customized orthotics, proper footwear recommendations, and targeted exercises can improve stability and alleviate pain. If you are elderly or taking care of an older person, it is suggested that you schedule regular podiatric visits to help maintain foot health, enhance mobility, and reduce the risk of falls.

If you need your feet checked, contact Lawrence Fallat, DPM of Michigan. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Canton and Taylor, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Playing golf can lead to various types of foot pain, each with its own causes. Bunions, which are bony protrusions at the base of the big toe, can become aggravated by the pressure and movement associated with golf swings. Plantar fasciitis, marked by heel pain, often results from repetitive strain and excessive walking on hard surfaces. Metatarsalgia, characterized by pain in the ball of the foot, can occur due to the constant shifting of weight during swings. Achilles tendinitis, affecting the tendon at the back of the ankle, may result from overuse and intense activity. Additionally, ankle sprains are also common from sudden twists and uneven terrain. If you enjoy playing golf, and foot pain gets in the way, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment and injury prevention techniques.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Lawrence Fallat, DPM from Michigan. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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.

Laser therapy for toenail fungus is a non-invasive treatment aimed at eliminating fungal infections in toenails or fingernails. This procedure involves using concentrated light energy to target and destroy the fungus that resides beneath the nail bed without causing damage to surrounding tissues. The laser penetrates the nail plate to reach the infection, effectively killing the fungus and promoting healthy nail growth over time. Laser therapy is considered safe and painless, but typically requires multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart to achieve optimal results. It is often preferred for its minimal side effects compared to oral medications or topical treatments. However, like any treatment, results can vary, and some individuals may require additional sessions to completely eradicate the fungal infection. If you have developed stubborn toenail fungus, and are considering having this type of therapy, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if this is the right treatment for you.

Laser treatment can be an effective way to get rid of toenail fungus. If you have any questions about laser treatment, consult with Lawrence Fallat, DPM from Michigan. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment for fungal nails.

What Are Toenail Fungal Infections?

Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nail, is a relatively common and non-serious condition. Around 10 percent of U.S. citizens are afflicted with fungal nails. Common forms of fungus that infect the nail include dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.

Symptoms of Toenail Fungal Infections Include:

• Nail thickening
• Brittleness of the nail
• Discoloration of the nail

Diagnosis for Fungal Nails

Fungal infections are diagnosed by fungal culture and microscopy. This will rule out any other conditions such as nail trauma, psoriasis, lichen planus, and onychogryphosis.

What Is Laser Treatment?

Laser treatment is a non-invasive, safe, quick, and painless procedure that uses the heat from a laser to kill fungus in the nail. Each infected nail is targeted with a laser for several minutes. The treatment is usually utilized several different times over a select period. During this time, a podiatrist will keep an eye on the infection.

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.