Items filtered by date: March 2025

Custom foot orthotics have evolved significantly from simple arch supports to advanced medical devices tailored to individual biomechanics. Early orthotics, dating back centuries, were rudimentary leather or cork inserts designed to provide basic support. As medical understanding of foot mechanics grew, the 20th century saw the development of semi-rigid orthotics made from rubber, plastics, and metals. Today, custom orthotics are crafted using 3D scanning, pressure mapping, and advanced materials like carbon fiber and medical-grade EVA foam. These innovations allow for precise correction of gait abnormalities, improved shock absorption, and enhanced durability. Orthotics can now be specialized for various conditions, from plantar fasciitis to diabetic foot complications. With modern technology, custom orthotics continue to advance, offering better comfort, injury prevention, and performance enhancement for everyone from athletes to individuals with chronic foot pain. If you suffer from a foot or ankle problem, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to see if custom orthotics can help you.

Custom orthotics and shoe inserts are not just for cushioning the soles; they are about supporting the foundation of our body - our feet. The advantages extend far beyond immediate relief from discomfort. These personalized solutions, that Our doctors can prescribe, can significantly impact a person’s posture, alleviate pain in various parts of the body, and even enhance athletic performance.

As we lace up our shoes each day, having the right support can make a world of difference. Custom orthotics are like tailored suites for our feet, offering a bespoke solution to address our unique biomechanical needs. They provide stability where it is lacking, correct imbalances, and ensure that every step is a confident and pain-free one. 

Custom orthotics and shoe inserts offer long-term health benefits. By addressing issues such as overpronation or underpronation, heel pain, plantar fasciitis, etc. orthotics can help prevent injuries and mitigate the progression of existing conditions. It’s an investment not just in the present, but in the future health of your feet and consequently, your overall well-being. 

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

Hammertoe surgery is designed to correct toe deformities, but certain risk factors can make the procedure less successful. Poor circulation, often seen in people with diabetes or peripheral artery disease, slows healing and increases the risk of complications. Individuals with severe arthritis may struggle with joint stiffness even after surgery, limiting mobility and causing lingering discomfort. Weak bones due to osteoporosis can also make surgical correction less stable, increasing the chances of recurrence. Chronic swelling from conditions like lymphedema may lead to prolonged recovery and difficulties wearing shoes comfortably. Smoking and obesity further hinder healing by reducing oxygen supply and placing excess pressure on the feet. Non-surgical options such as orthotics, toe splints, and targeted exercises may be better alternatives for those at high risk. If you are in a high-risk group and would like relief for your hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help determine the safest and most effective treatment based on your specific health concerns.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact One of our podiatrists from Battle Creek Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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

A foot stress fracture is a small crack in the bone that occurs due to repetitive pressure or overuse, often caused by high-impact activities such as running or jumping. These fractures are most common in the metatarsal bones of the foot but can occur in other areas as well. The primary cause of a stress fracture is repetitive force or stress that exceeds the bone's ability to heal. Risk factors for developing a stress fracture include engaging in intense physical activity without proper rest, wearing improper footwear, and having poor bone health or alignment. Individuals with conditions like osteoporosis or those undergoing rapid increases in exercise intensity are also at higher risk. Symptoms typically include pain, swelling, and tenderness in a specific area of the foot, especially during activity. If you have endured a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you toward the necessary treatment for recovery.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact One of our podiatrists from Battle Creek Foot & Ankle. Our doctors 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 feel free to contact our office located in Battle Creek, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.