July 2025

Strong ankles play an important role in stability, movement, and injury prevention. The ankle is a complex joint supported by bones, ligaments, and tendons that help carry body weight while allowing movement. Weak or tight ankles may increase the risk of sprains, joint pain, or limited mobility. Performing exercises designed to strengthen and stretch the muscles surrounding the ankle can help improve stability and balance. Movements such as raising the heels off the ground, curling a towel with the toes, or tracing the alphabet in the air with the foot can help target key muscle groups in the ankle and lower leg. These exercises may also promote better joint flexibility and reduce the risk of injury by supporting healthy ankle function. A podiatrist can recommend appropriate exercises and evaluate for any underlying conditions that may be affecting ankle strength or motion. If you have weak or unstable ankles, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam 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.

Cracked heels are a common foot concern where the skin surrounding the heel becomes dry, thick, and split due to pressure or dehydration. This condition may result from prolonged standing, wearing open-backed footwear, obesity, or skin disorders such as eczema. Risk factors include aging, poor hydration, and medical conditions like diabetes or thyroid issues. Symptoms often involve dry, rough skin with visible cracks, discomfort, and sometimes bleeding or infection. A podiatrist can treat cracked heels by removing hardened skin, applying healing treatments, and recommending moisturizers or custom orthotics. If you are experiencing pain or difficulty from dry, split heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for relief and appropriate treatment solutions.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, 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.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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.

Plantar fasciitis is a painful foot condition caused by strain and inflammation of the plantar fascia. This band of tissue supports the arch and connects the heel to the front of the foot. When the plantar fascia becomes damaged, ongoing heel pain may interfere with walking or standing. When pain continues for 12 months or more despite consistent medical treatment, surgery may be considered. A podiatrist may perform a plantar fasciotomy, which involves cutting part of the fascia to relieve tension. This procedure can be done in traditional open surgery or with a less invasive endoscopic method. Recovery generally begins with limited weight-bearing, with many people walking more comfortably within a few weeks and returning to full activity within two months. While surgery for plantar fasciitis is not needed in most cases, it may help reduce long-term pain and restore foot function when other options have failed. If you have foot pain from plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to determine whether surgery is an option.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Robbi Young of Grand Haven Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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.

Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in growing children, especially those who are active in sports. It occurs when the growth plate at the back of the heel becomes irritated from repetitive impact or tight calf muscles. Children may complain of pain during or after activity, and the heel may feel tender when pressed. Rest is important to allow healing, and switching to low-impact activities can reduce stress on the heel. Wearing supportive shoes with cushioning, heel lifts, or custom inserts may also help ease discomfort. Stretching exercises for the calves and Achilles tendon can improve flexibility and reduce tension. Most children improve with time and simple care, but the condition can return if stress on the heel continues. If heel pain persists or affects your child’s ability to stay active, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Robbi Young from Grand Haven Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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.

Negative pressure wound therapy applies controlled suction to non‑healing wounds on the foot, toes, or ankle to reduce excess fluid, improve blood flow, and stimulate healthy tissue formation. A podiatrist evaluates the wound’s depth, tissue condition, and surrounding skin before implementing therapy. The procedure involves using a porous dressing connected to a device that gently draws out excess fluids and encourages the wound edges to contract. This type of wound care also supports new tissue growth and promotes circulation. By removing excess fluid and proteins, the therapy helps restore proper pressure balance in the wound bed. It is most suitable for ulcers, non‑healing surgical sites, or complicated ankle wounds that have stalled in healing. Negative pressure therapy supports wound closure while it also minimizes infection risk and avoids unnecessary surgery. If you have foot wounds that will not heal, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

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