Big toe stiffness and joint pain are often caused by arthritis.  Arthritis can affect any area of the foot, and is particularly common in the big toe joint. Symptoms of arthritis include joint pain, joint stiffness, and sometimes a bony prominence (hard area or bump at the big toe joint.) This bony prominence may or may not be noticeable but tends to get larger over time, and often rubs against shoes which can cause pain as well. The pain from arthritis in the foot typically becomes worse with extended time on your feet and with activities that place more stress on the joint. As with arthritis that affects other areas of the body, arthritis in the big toe joint and arthritis in other areas of the foot only tends to get worse over time. Not only does the pain become more frequent and worse over time, but the joint becomes less mobile and patients will report “my toe doesn’t move as much as it used to, and I can’t bend it as much as the other foot.” As the condition worsens, there are fewer treatment options available. Therefore it is particularly important to have your pain or stiffness evaluated as soon as possible. It is also important to note that there are treatment options available for big toe pain that do NOT involve surgery. Call us at 586-298-1585 so that we can help you before the condition worsens.

A stress fracture is a type of fracture that occurs from overuse, and can develop following an increase in your activity level rather than from a specific injury. Stress fractures involving the foot may cause pain, swelling, and/or warmth over the area of the fracture. As with other types of foot fractures, stress fractures require immobilization via a walking boot, cast, or specialized shoe that helps to decrease pressure on the fracture area in order to help the healing process. Please remember that foot pain is NOT normal and should not be ignored. Call our office at 586-298-1585 to have your pain identified, treated, and alleviated!

Suh stated that his feet were numb at the Lions’ game in frigid Green Bay, and this is why he stepped on Aaron Rodgers. This won’t be an issue for the players participating in the Super Bowl in AZ. There are more permanent causes of numb feet, however, including diabetes, chemo, vitamin deficiency, and many other causes. Numbness is a symptom of a condition called peripheral neuropathy. Those with peripheral neuropathy are at increased risk for foot problems including open wounds, infection, and even amputation. To learn more about peripheral neuropathy, visit https://tenderfootandanklecare.com/neuropathy/

American Diabetes Month is almost over.  A recent study revealed that 30% of Americans who have diabetes are NOT aware that they do!  Risk factors for diabetes include exercising <3x/week, having a close relative with it, having high blood pressure or cholesterol, being overweight, or having a history of gestational diabetes or a baby who weighed over 9 lbs.  As diabetes can result in serious foot complications including infection or even amputation, it’s critical that those with diabetes have a thorough foot exam by a physician and inspect their feet every day at home.  To learn more about diabetic foot care, visit https://tenderfootandanklecare.com/diabetic-foot-care/

Summertime means swimming for many people.   For those with arthritis in their big toe joint, this can lead to pain due to extra pressure on the area that can result from being barefoot on a hard surface, such as the bottom of a pool.  Arthritis in the big toe joint is called hallux limitus or hallux rigidus.  Like many types of arthritis, this gets worse over time.  Learn more about this condition and its treatment at https://tenderfootandanklecare.com/hallux-limitushallux-rigidus/

Free pedometer giveaway this Sat from 10-12 at my Clinton Twp. office!  Having a Spring in to STEP event for patients and their families.  All friends are welcome also!  Here’s to 10,000 steps a day and a healthy, more enjoyable life!!  For more info, just ask or click on https://tenderfootandanklecare.com/

I’ve seen a lot of fractures recently, particularly since the weather has improved. Important to note the following re: a fracture/broken bone, as many people are unaware of this info:
1) Being able to walk after an injury does NOT mean that you don’t have a fracture. With 28 bones in each foot, it’s certainly possible to be able to walk even with a fracture.
2) However, walking on a fracture can worsen the break, which can lead to non-healing and/or surgery being required.
3) Sometimes a fracture needs to be reset (often in the office) in order to allow for proper healing and to help prevent future problems such as arthritis…
4) If concerned about an injury, call us at 586-298-1585!

Four days before the Final Four begins, here are four words of advice for parents: keep your children active!  This is particularly important with increasing numbers of children being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and in light of new research showing that 1 in 3 children ages 9-11 have high cholesterol.  High cholesterol, as we know, leads to heart disease.  So even though children love their computers and video games, have them limit time on these devices in favor of exercise, which is critical for their health.