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Peripheral Neuropathy and the Feet

Peripheral neuropathy affects the nerves in the feet, often leading to unusual sensations that can develop gradually. Patients may notice burning, tingling, numbness, or a pins and needles feeling, especially in the toes or soles. The skin may appear normal, but the loss of sensation can make it difficult to detect injuries, increasing the risk of unnoticed wounds. Some individuals also experience sharp or shooting pain, particularly at night. Common causes include diabetes, nerve compression, certain medications, or underlying medical conditions that affect nerve health. A podiatrist can evaluate nerve function through a detailed exam and may recommend additional testing to determine the cause. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, protecting the feet, and improving nerve health with medication, supportive footwear, and targeted exercises. Early attention is important to prevent complications. If you have symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from Geller Foot Clinic. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

  • Numbness
  • Sensation loss
  • Prickling and tingling sensations
  • Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
  • Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

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Definition of a Heel Spur

Heel spurs are bony growths that develop on the heel bone due to ongoing inflammation where the foot’s tendons connect to the heel. They are commonly located at the back of the heel or underneath it, and are often associated with conditions like arthritis or plantar fasciitis. Symptoms include sharp heel pain, tenderness, and discomfort while walking or standing. Risk factors include repetitive strain, improper footwear, excess weight, and prolonged standing. A podiatrist can diagnose heel spurs through examination and imaging, recommend supportive footwear, prescribe orthotics, and provide treatment to reduce inflammation and pain while improving function. If you have persistent heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat heel spurs.

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 Geller Foot Clinic. 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 office located in Lathrup Village, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Symptoms and Causes of Heel Fissures

Heel fissures are deep cracks that form in the thick skin on the back of the heel. These cracks often begin as dry, flaky areas that may widen, causing pain, bleeding, or difficulty walking. In severe cases, the skin may split deeply enough to expose sensitive tissue and increase the risk of infection. Common causes of heel fissures include prolonged standing, excess body weight, wearing open-backed shoes, and frequently walking barefoot. Dry climates and reduced sweat gland activity can also lead to rough, hardened skin. Diabetes, eczema, poor circulation, and fungal infections like athlete’s foot, also may raise the likelihood of developing heel fissures. Over time, repeated pressure on the heel can worsen the cracks and affect balance or stability. A podiatrist can assess skin health, identify underlying conditions, and recommend supportive footwear or custom orthotics to improve pressure distribution. If you have painful cracked heels, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Geller Foot Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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

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Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!

Ingrown Toenails and the Benefits of Podiatric Care

An ingrown toenail is defined as the edge of a toenail growing into the surrounding skin, which leads to irritation and inflammation. This condition most often affects the big toe and can become painful if left untreated. Causes include improper nail trimming, wearing tight fitting shoes, repetitive pressure on the toes, or injury to the nail. Symptoms include redness, swelling, tenderness, and discomfort along the nail border, sometimes accompanied by infection. Among the risk factors are curved nail growth, excessive sweating, poor foot hygiene, and repeated toe trauma. A podiatrist can safely treat ingrown toenails, relieve pain, and prevent infection through professional care. If you have toe pain or if swelling develops, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat ingrown toenails. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Geller Foot Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

  • Bacterial infections
  • Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
  • Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
  • Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
  • Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

Read more about Ingrown Toenails

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