November 2022

The body’s need for speed and movement starts with the feet. They are considered to be the foundation of the body, and for the majority of the population, they are essential in completing daily activities. The gait is known as the walking style, and this movement may be measured to learn how an individual walks, runs, and moves. There are various parts to the foot bones, consisting of the forefoot, midfoot, and hindfoot. The back of the foot, which is also known as the hindfoot, is found under the ankle joint and is composed of two bones. Five bones are found in the midfoot, located in the center of the foot. The forefoot is the front of the foot, which houses the metatarsals, phalanges, and sesamoid bone. The foot bones and ankles work together to produce a smooth walk, which is made up of two phases, consisting of the swing and stance phases. The ankle and muscles in the front and back of the leg enable the foot to move up and down, and the transverse tarsal joint propels the foot to move forward. If you would like additional information about how the ankle and feet work together, please consult with a podiatrist who can provide you with the information you are seeking.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Michael A. Wood from Foot Health Institute. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Lansing, and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Hammertoe is considered to be a deformity. It is a foot condition that usually affects the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th toes, and causes them to bend downward at the joint. This can resemble a hammer, hence the name. Wearing shoes that do not have ample room for the toes to move freely may be a top reason why hammertoe occurs. Research has shown women are more prone to developing hammertoes and this may be the result of wearing high heels that have pointed toes. In the beginning stages, the toes may remain flexible and it is somewhat reasonable that they can be manipulated into their normal position. In more severe cases, corns may develop on top of the toes from friction as the toes rub that portion of the shoe. Additionally, there may be medical conditions that can lead to the onset of hammertoe, including rheumatoid arthritis, peripheral neuropathy, and inflammatory joint diseases. If you are afflicted with hammertoe, please consult with a podiatrist who can determine its severity and offer the correct treatment options. 

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Michael A. Wood from Foot Health Institute. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Lansing, and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

One common ankle injury is an avulsion fracture. This occurs when a ligament or tendon tears off a portion of the bone. An avulsion fracture is commonly the result of a trauma or fall. While some avulsion fractures may require surgery, that determination depends on how far the bone fragment is pulled from the rest of the bone. Falling on the pavement or ice, turning too quickly, or even getting hit by a baseball can cause an avulsion fracture. Symptoms of an avulsion fracture include sharp pain in the fractured joint, especially if you try to move it. Other symptoms are swelling, bruising, and limited mobility. The severity of an avulsion fracture is generally determined by taking an X-ray. Treatment will depend on the extent of the injury, ranging from rest and elevation and strengthening exercises to surgery. In some cases, pins may need to be used to stabilize the joint and hasten recovery. In more serious injuries, a cast may be required. If you have injured your ankle, please visit a podiatrist as soon as possible for immediate treatment. 

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Michael A. Wood from Foot Health Institute. 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 one of our offices located in Lansing, and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An ankle sprain occurs by twisting the ankle beyond its normal range of motion. A common type of sprain is the eversion sprain, resulting from rolling the ankle inward. Doing this can damage the ligaments in the ankle and cause severe pain or discomfort. The ankle can be sprained in several ways, including running on uneven surfaces and changing directions suddenly while engaging in sporting activities. Additionally, wearing shoes that do not fit correctly or provide minimal support may be another reason a sprained ankle can happen. An X-ray is often taken to provide a proper diagnosis. This is successful in ruling out a fracture, and the right course of treatment can begin. Many people use crutches to keep their weight off the affected foot. If you have sprained your ankle, please consult a podiatrist who can determine the type of sprain and help you with the correct treatment.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Dr. Michael A. Wood from Foot Health Institute. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Lansing, and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Runners who run on tracks or other smooth surfaces may have the perfect shoes for that environment. However, if a runner switches to trail running, the old footwear may not fill the requirements. Running experts suggest that trail runners wear shoes that include extra protection against sharp objects and provide soles with extra grip. Lug patterns on the bottom of the sole may differ for runs on muddy or rugged terrain. A wide forefoot in the shoe is important for running long distances or for runners who have wide feet. The weight of the shoe is another factor that must be considered, depending on how far you plan to run. Having a padded collar and tongue can also cushion the feet and provide support. For more information on protecting your feet during a trail run, it might be a good idea to consult with a podiatrist. 

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact Dr. Michael A. Wood from Foot Health Institute. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

• Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• There should be little to no slipping at the heel
• Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
• Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
• Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our one of our offices located in Lansing, and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.