Contusions occur when an injured blood vessel leaks blood into the surrounding areas. On your skin, this typically means that a bruise will appear, with skin discoloration, tenderness, and pain. But did you know that you can also bruise a bone? Bones are made of tissues and blood vessels. An injury to the area, from a car accident, fall, or high impact sport for example, could make a blood vessel leak, creating a contusion. Symptoms of a bone contusion include stiffness, swelling, tenderness, difficulty using the affected area, and pain that lasts longer than the pain caused by a bruise elsewhere on the body. Bone bruises can take anywhere from a few days to a few months to heal, and recommended treatments vary based on the severity of the injury. If you are experiencing any foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from Arbor - Ypsi Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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

While the feet can often be ignored in self care, taking care of your feet is a big part of being healthy and avoiding problems down the road. Proper foot care can help prevent fungal infections, cracked heels, corns, calluses, bunions, ingrown toenails and much more from developing. Since bacteria and fungi thrive in damp areas, it is important to wash and dry your feet thoroughly—especially between the toes. Moisturize your heels to prevent them from becoming dry, chapped, or cracked. Pamper your feet occasionally by soaking them to keep them soft and supple. Trim toenails straight across but not so short that ingrown toenails can occur. Wear moisture-wicking socks to keep the feet dry, and comfortable shoes that support your heels and arches as well as fit properly. It is also suggested that you have your feet checked by a podiatrist to help you maintain the best overall foot health.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Arbor - Ypsi Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors 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 office located in Ann Arbor, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Heel pain is a common ailment which may be caused by an irritation of the nerves, arthritis, tendonitis, stress fractures in the heel, a cyst, or—most commonly—plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia—the long band of connective tissue on the sole which links the heel bone to the toes—becomes torn, stressed, or otherwise damaged. Repetitive movements during sporting activities, having flat feet or high arches, obesity, prolonged standing, non-supportive footwear and other factors can all put undue stress on the plantar fascia and cause this painful condition to manifest. If you have heel pain of any kind, make an appointment with a podiatrist who can pinpoint the cause of your heel pain and treat it accordingly.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Arbor - Ypsi Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Ann Arbor, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.