Wearing orthotics can help a variety of foot conditions. Orthotics are custom-made inserts for your feet that are worn in shoes. They can be effective in managing the symptoms of specific foot ailments, such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, and heel pain. Patients with flat feet or high arches may wear orthotics indefinitely, which might prevent these conditions from becoming worse. It is beneficial to practice stretches and exercises that can strengthen the feet. This may help to improve foot structure, and the need to wear orthotics may be eliminated. This is dependent on the reason orthotics are worn in the first place, so it is suggested that you are evaluated by a podiatrist. If you have foot pain and would like a proper diagnosis and relief options, it is suggested that you confer with this foot doctor who can determine if wearing orthotics is correct for you.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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

A heel spur is a small growth that forms from extra calcium deposits on the heel bone of the foot. The deposits often stretch from the heel bone to the arch area. They can be quite painful and interfere with normal functioning. Causes of heel spur development include wearing ill-fitting shoes, such as high heels, where pressure is transferred from the heel to the front of the foot. Having flat feet can also lead to the development of heel spurs due to increased pressure on the heel. Bruising can also be a cause for heel spurs because of repeated trauma on the heel. A stone bruise is a particular type of bruise most apt to turn into a heel spur. Such bruises are most common among athletes and runners. The activities can cause bruises to the fatty tissue, fibrous tissue, and heel pad located under the heel bone. When the heel pad wears down from repeated stress, there is less protection, and calcium deposits can form, which in turn can develop into heel spurs. If you have a heel spur and it is causing you discomfort, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

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

Pain in the ball of the foot is termed metatarsalgia because it is felt in the area of the metatarsal bones. Metatarsalgia can affect one or all of the five metatarsal bones that connect the toes to the other bones of the foot. Symptoms include a burning or an aching sensation, a sharp shooting pain, and tingling or numbness. Some patients report a feeling of having a tiny pebble inside their shoe under the ball of the foot. One of the most common causes of metatarsalgia is footwear that fits improperly. High heels with pointy toes are frequently a cause of metatarsal pain because these shoes force the ball of the foot into a small space.  Another cause of metatarsalgia is high-impact sports, especially running, that put extra pressure on the ball of the foot. Other reasons for metatarsalgia include being overweight, arthritis, certain foot deformities, and aging. If you have pain in the ball of the foot that continues to worsen, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for guidance.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

There are many positive things that running can provide. People who enjoy running find it is simple and inexpensive, and the endorphins that are produced can have an energetic effect. Preventing running injuries is important, especially to avoid gaps in your running routine. Running can be demanding on the body yet rewarding to the mind, and having a strong body may help to avoid painful running injuries. It is beneficial to warm up and cool down before running, in addition to gradually increasing speed and mileage. Performing exercises that target the glutes may help to strengthen the legs, and these can include squats and lunges. The feet land on the ground with an excessive amount of force, so it is important to choose shoes that fit your feet and running style correctly. If you have questions about how to prevent running injuries, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can help you with effective prevention methods.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? 
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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