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Foot drop is a condition that makes it difficult to lift the front part of the foot while walking. This problem can lead to tripping, balance issues, and a high-stepping gait. Exercises that strengthen the muscles in the front of the lower leg can help improve foot movement and ankle control. Common exercises include seated toe raises, resistance-band ankle flexion, and calf stretches. These movements help strengthen muscles that lift the foot and improve flexibility in the ankle joint. Stretching exercises for the front of the ankle and shin can reduce stiffness and improve movement. A podiatrist can examine the foot and ankle to determine the cause, including nerve injuries, muscle weakness, or tendon problems. Treatment includes custom orthotics, bracing, and gait evaluation. Targeted exercise programs may be designed to improve balance and walking ability. If you have symptoms of foot drop, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Robbi Young from Grand Haven Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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

A foot stress fracture is a small crack in a bone that develops from repetitive force or overuse, rather than a single injury. It often occurs when activity levels increase too quickly or when the feet are not properly supported. Symptoms include pain that worsens during weight-bearing activities and improves with rest. Risk factors include overuse, poor footwear, and weak bone health. Preventive steps include wearing properly fitted shoes, gradually increasing exercise intensity, and incorporating cross-training activities to reduce repeated strain. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D can support bone strength. Additionally, pushing through pain during exercise can worsen the injury. If you have symptoms of a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat it.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. Robbi Young from Grand Haven Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

Toenail fungus is a common infection that affects the nail and surrounding tissue. The nail may appear thickened, yellow, white, or brittle, and it can become distorted or separate from the nail bed. Some people notice a mild odor or debris beneath the nail. In certain cases, the area may feel uncomfortable, especially in tight shoes. Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments and infections can develop from walking barefoot in public areas, wearing damp footwear, or having small cracks in the skin or nail. A podiatrist can evaluate the nail and may confirm the infection through testing to guide treatment. Care may include topical medications, oral antifungal therapy, or debridement to reduce thickness and improve medication effectiveness. Early treatment can help prevent the infection from spreading or worsening. If you have toenail fungus, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Robbi Young of Grand Haven Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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

Falls can happen more easily when stabilizer muscles are weak, core strength is limited, or balance is reduced. All of these factors affect how the body responds to movement and uneven surfaces. Such challenges may increase the risk of injuries, including ankle sprains or even stress fractures in the feet. Improving strength through gentle exercise, practicing balance activities, and wearing supportive footwear can help reduce risk. Paying attention to changes in walking patterns or discomfort is also important. A podiatrist can assess foot structure, identify underlying concerns, and recommend treatment or orthotics to improve stability. If you have noticed changes in your balance or have foot and ankle pain from falling, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment solutions and prevention tips.

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. Robbi Young from Grand Haven Foot & Ankle. 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 office located in Grand Haven, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.