October 2023

Our feet, often overlooked and underappreciated, are the unsung heroes that support your body every day. They endure a tremendous amount of stress and strain, yet it is common to neglect their care. Everyday foot care is not just a matter of comfort; it is a fundamental aspect of overall well-being. Neglecting foot health can lead to a host of problems, from painful calluses and ingrown toenails to more serious issues like fungal infections and chronic foot pain. Basic daily care involves washing and drying your feet, trimming toenails straight across, and wearing properly fitting shoes. Incorporating foot massages, stretches, and moisturizing into your routine can also enhance circulation and keep the skin supple. By taking a few minutes each day to care for your feet, you can maintain their health, prevent future problems, and ensure that they continue to support you in every step you take. There are a multitude of methods to maintain foot care. If you are interested in learning more about this, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective foot care techniques.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Gary Cesar from Michigan Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

Athlete's foot, medically known as tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet, particularly between the toes. It's caused by various types of fungi, including trichophyton and epidermophyton, which thrive in warm, damp environments such as sweaty socks or tight shoes. Athlete's foot often starts with itching and burning sensations, followed by red, flaky, or scaly skin, and sometimes is accompanied by blisters and a foul odor. To prevent athlete's foot, it is important to maintain exceptional foot health. Wash and thoroughly dry your feet daily, ensuring the spaces between your toes are clean and dry. Changing socks frequently, especially after physical activities, can also help. Opt for breathable footwear and avoid walking barefoot in public areas like locker rooms or swimming pools. By incorporating these practices into your routine, you can combat and prevent athlete's foot, maintaining healthy and happy feet. If you have developed athlete’s foot, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can prescribe the right course of treatment for you.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Gary Cesar from Michigan Foot and Ankle Center.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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

Diabetic foot complications can be debilitating, but choosing the appropriate footwear can help to manage the symptoms. Diabetic shoes are specially designed with extra depth and a roomy toe box to accommodate custom orthotics or insoles. These shoes are typically made from soft, breathable materials to minimize friction and pressure points, as well as reduce the risk of blisters, calluses, and ulcers. Diabetic shoes often feature seamless interiors and come with supportive arches and cushioned insoles for added comfort. Custom orthotics, prescribed by a podiatrist, are designed to provide personalized support for your unique foot structure and gait. These can be placed inside your regular shoes or diabetic shoes, offering stability, shock absorption, and pressure relief where needed. Extra-wide shoes are a good choice, as they offer ample room for the feet without causing pressure or constriction. Shoes with adjustable closures, such as Velcro straps or laces, can provide a secure fit without excessive tightness. Many people choose to wear diabetic socks, which are generally made from moisture-wicking materials to keep your feet dry and comfortable. They typically have seamless construction to minimize friction and reduce the risk of blisters and ulcers. If you have foot conditions caused by diabetes, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can monitor and manage any problems that may occur.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Gary Cesar from Michigan Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

As you age, ensuring your home is safe becomes increasingly important to prevent falls and injuries. Fall proofing your living space can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. This can begin by decluttering walkways and removing any potential tripping hazards, such as loose rugs or cords. Installing grab bars in bathrooms and railings on stairs can help to provide support. Adequate lighting throughout your home is essential, and well lit areas can help you see potential obstacles more clearly. Keep frequently used items within easy reach to prevent unnecessary stretching or bending. Consider non-slip mats in the bathroom and kitchen to avoid slipping on wet surfaces. Regularly inspect and maintain the condition of your floors, ensuring they are even and free of loose tiles or floorboards. If you would like to learn about how fall prevention techniques can protect the feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Dr. Gary Cesar from Michigan Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

Flat feet, also known as pes planus, is a condition where the arches of the feet collapse, causing the entire sole to touch the ground. Contrary to common belief, flat feet are not always problematic or painful. Many individuals with flat feet experience no discomfort or other issues, leading active and fulfilling lives. However, some may face challenges such as foot pain or lower limb fatigue, especially if the condition alters their gait or posture. Flat feet can be hereditary, a result of injury, or develop over time due to wear and tear. Wearing proper footwear, practicing exercises to strengthen foot muscles, and using orthotic inserts can offer relief and support. Understanding the facts about flat feet can empower individuals to manage any associated concerns effectively and lead an active, healthy lifestyle. If you have flat feet, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to monitor this condition.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Gary Cesar from Michigan Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor 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 our offices located in Lansing and Mt. Pleasant, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.