Childhood obesity is a pressing concern affecting millions worldwide, with repercussions extending beyond physical health. Among the many adverse effects, the impact on children's feet is often overlooked but significant. Excessive weight places immense pressure on the feet, leading to a range of orthopedic issues. Flat feet, for instance, are common among obese children, as the arches may collapse under the body's weight. This not only causes discomfort but also affects mobility and posture. Furthermore, obesity increases the risk of developing conditions like plantar fasciitis, where the tissue connecting the heel to the toes becomes inflamed due to strain. Over time, untreated foot problems can escalate, hindering a child's ability to engage in physical activities and leading to long-term health complications. Addressing childhood obesity is essential not only for overall health but also for preventing foot-related issues that can impact a child's quality of life. If your child has excess weight and has developed foot conditions, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned 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.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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.

Tailor's bunions, also known as bunionettes, are bony protrusions that develop on the outside of the foot at the base of the little toe. Similar to traditional bunions, they can cause pain, inflammation, redness, and difficulty wearing certain shoes. Tailor's bunions are often caused by pressure and friction, leading to the misalignment of the fifth metatarsal bone and the little toe. The discomfort and limitations caused by tailor's bunions can significantly impact one's quality of life, especially in terms of footwear choices and mobility. Simple activities such as walking or standing can become painful and challenging. If you have such a bunion and it is causing severe pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for interventions that can help.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Dr. Gary Cesar of Michigan Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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.

Cold feet can often signal poor circulation, a condition where blood flow to your extremities, especially the feet, is not adequate. There are several common causes of poor circulation in the feet. One is peripheral artery disease, where arteries narrow due to plaque buildup, reducing blood flow to your lower limbs. Diabetes can also contribute to poor circulation due to high blood sugar levels damaging blood vessels and nerves, leading to decreased sensation and blood flow. Additionally, conditions like Raynaud's disease cause blood vessels to narrow dramatically in response to cold or stress, further limiting blood flow. Smoking also worsens circulatory issues as it constricts blood vessels. It is important to get checked for any underlying health issues if you have circulatory issues in the feet and lower limbs. If you are experiencing cold feet on a regular basis, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist, a foot doctor who can diagnose the source of the issue and offer treatment solutions for poor circulation. 

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Dr. Gary Cesar of Michigan Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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.

Healing wounds properly involves cells moving and tissue rebuilding in a coordinated way. But in some wounds, like those in diabetes, this process does not work well due to various issues like poor blood flow, infections, and ongoing damage. There's hope for treating such wounds better. By understanding and fixing these issues, following proper care, and using new medical technology, there can be improvement for people with stubborn wounds. If you are diabetic and have chronic foot wounds, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss any new medical technology that might be applied to your case and provide you with relief.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Dr. Gary Cesar from Michigan Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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.