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Diabetic neuropathy is a nerve condition that develops when high blood sugar levels damage the nerves, most often in the feet. It may appear as tingling, burning, numbness, or sharp pain that can worsen over time. Some people notice a loss of sensation, which makes it difficult to feel cuts, blisters, or pressure. Causes are linked to long-term diabetes, poor blood sugar control, and reduced circulation. Risk factors include the duration of diabetes, age, and other health conditions that affect nerve health. A podiatrist plays a key role in identifying early signs through detailed exams and sensory testing. They can help manage complications, monitor skin and nail health, and create a plan to prevent serious issues such as ulcers or infection. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can treat foot neuropathy, and help you to manage this serious condition.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Dr. Robbi Young from Grand Haven Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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.

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.