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June 2019

Tuesday, 25 June 2019 00:00

The Dangers of Wearing Flip Flops

Research has indicated that many flip-flops do not provide adequate support nor shock absorption that the feet need for comfort. The function of flip-flops is to cover the bottom of the feet, but arch support is not present in many of these types of shoes. While flip-flops are being worn, the muscles and ligaments in the feet may change slightly, and this can negatively affect the joints next to them. This can produce a chain effect that may be harmful to the rest of the body. It is suggested to wear flip flops in moderation, or if you are going to be sitting for the majority of the day. If you would like additional information about how flip-flops can affect the feet, it is advised that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist.

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Bazzi Podiatry. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

  • Ankle problems
  • Hip problems
  • Lower back problems
  • Pain in the balls of the feet
  • Problems with foot arches
  • Changes in the way you walk

Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?

Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

  • Sprained ankles
  • Blisters
  • Infections
  • Cuts and Scrapes

I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?

When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Detroit, West Detroit, Northwest Detroit, Sterling Heights, Hamtramck and Dearborn Heights, MI .  We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Flip Flops and Feet

Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.

Tuesday, 18 June 2019 00:00

Where Is the Plantar Fascia Located?

The tissue that is located on the bottom of the foot is referred to as the plantar fascia. It connects the toes to the heel bone, and establishes the arch in the foot. If this band of tissue becomes inflamed, the medical condition known as plantar fasciitis may develop. This can be a result of wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or it may happen if the foot is overused, or not stretched properly. Additionally, if patients run frequently on uneven surfaces, or if there is a sudden weight gain, the chances of developing this condition may increase. The symptoms that are associated with plantar fasciitis often include foot pain when taking the first steps after waking up, and discomfort while participating in running and jumping activities. If you feel you have developed this condition, it is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly treat plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from Bazzi Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Non-supportive shoes
  • Overpronation
  • Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

  • Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
  • Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
  • Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Detroit, West Detroit, Northwest Detroit, Sterling Heights, Hamtramck and Dearborn Heights, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis
Tuesday, 11 June 2019 00:00

Possible Causes of Ingrown Toenails

The big toe is typically affected if an ingrown toenail has developed. It is a condition that happens when the side of the nail grows into the surrounding skin. There are several symptoms that are associated with this ailment, including pain, swelling, and inflammation which can cause tenderness. Many patients develop ingrown toenails for a variety of reasons. These include wearing shoes and socks that do not fit correctly, trimming toenails improperly, or an injury which may have happened to the toe. Mild relief may be found when the toe is soaked in warm water, followed by using a cotton ball to to separate the nail from the skin. If you are a diabetic patient, or if an infection has formed, it is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Bazzi Podiatry. 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

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. 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 one of our offices located in Detroit, West Detroit, Northwest Detroit, Sterling Heights, Hamtramck, Dearborn Heights, and Madison Heights, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Ingrown Toenail Care
Monday, 03 June 2019 00:00

Tips for People with Flat Feet

Having flat feet can cause pain, difficulty with exercising, and hardships for finding shoes. However, you are not necessarily stuck with the issues flat feet generate. There are a few things to do to help with this condition. Primarily, you can stretch the calf muscle, as to avoid further arch collapse. Next, you can perform exercises that strengthen the intrinsic foot muscles near the arch. While wearing shoes, you can wear inserts that align the bones of the foot properly. Conversely, going barefoot when possible could help strengthen the foot. In cases where a flat foot imposes an extreme burden on the person’s life, surgery may be an option. Surgery would be the only comprehensive cure for a flat foot. All of the other options alleviate pain and improve alignment. If you have flat feet, consult with a podiatrist to find out which treatment alternatives could work for you.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Bazzi Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

  • Pain around the heel or arch area
  • Trouble standing on the tip toe
  • Swelling around the inside of the ankle
  • Flat look to one or both feet
  • Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Detroit, West Detroit, Northwest Detroit, Sterling Heights, Hamtramck and Dearborn Heights, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Flat Feet
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