Items filtered by date: April 2019

Patients who have flat feet are often aware of the absence of an arch. This is typically noticed while standing as the foot lies flat on the floor. The arch helps to balance the body’s weight between the feet and the legs and will generally determine a person’s walking style. People who have flat feet often notice their feet will roll inward or outward, and this is referred to as overpronation. The most common symptom that is associated with this condition is pain that is felt where the arch should be, and this may be a result of ligaments and muscles that have become strained. Existing medical conditions, which include arthritis or cerebral palsy may cause this condition to occur, in addition to genetic factors. If you have flat feet, it is suggested that you counsel with a podiatrist who can guide you toward proper treatment options.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Westland Foot & Ankle Specialists, P.C.. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

A bone that extends on the side of the big toe is referred to as a bunion. A common reason for this condition to develop can come from wearing shoes that do not provide adequate room for the toes to move freely in. The toes may shift, and one toe may overlap the other. The toes have limited space to move around in, and this may result in cramping. There are other factors that can contribute to the development of bunions, which includes genetics or arthritis. Mild relief may be found when the correct size shoes are worn, and this is helpful in preventing pressure that is put on the bunion. When this condition exists, a diagnosis is performed, which includes having an X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound taken. If you have developed a bunion, it is strongly suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly treat this ailment.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Westland Foot & Ankle Specialists, P.C.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

An ingrown toenail can cause discomfort in the foot. The symptoms that are associated with ingrown toenails include reddened skin surrounding the affected nail, discharge from the affected toe, and extreme sensitivity when that part of the foot is touched. This condition may develop due to a variety of reasons, including toenails that have been trimmed incorrectly, wearing shoes that are too tight, or a possible injury that has occurred to the toe. It is important to treat ingrown toenails promptly. Comfort may be found when properly fitting shoes are worn, socks are changed frequently, and the feet are washed daily. If the toenail should become infected, an effective method for complete relief may be to have the nail partially or totally removed. An ingrown toenail can be quite painful. If you feel you have this condition, seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat your condition.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Westland Foot & Ankle Specialists, P.C.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

Many patients have dry, hardened skin on the heels of their feet. In severe cases, deep cracks may form. These deep cracks are known as fissures, and in the heels can also be referred to as cracked heels. This uncomfortable ailment may be caused by standing for extended periods of time throughout the day. Existing medical conditions, which can include eczema or dermatitis, may contribute to the development of cracked heels. Wearing shoes that have an open back may also contribute to development. Cracked heels can also be a result of the lack of support the fatty pad in the heel receives when the feet endure pressure from walking. Mild relief may be found when the feet are washed and dried thoroughly, followed by using an effective moisturizer. This may help the skin on the feet maintain flexibility. If you have developed cracked heels, consult with a podiatrist to learn about additional treatment options.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Westland Foot & Ankle Specialists, P.C.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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

The healing process is comprised of different stages when wounds are located on the feet. It begins with blood vessels becoming constricted at the sight of the wound. This may be effective in preventing blood loss. When this is completed, collagen forms inside the wound, and this may enable the wound to close. The last stage occurs as the body produces additional collagen, and the wound will gradually disappear. There may be obstacles that exist which can prevent proper wound healing. These may include poor dietary choices, smoking, or medical conditions such as diabetes or immune disorders. When a wound develops, it is beneficial to clean the area by gently washing it, and removing any dirt that may be present. If you have a wound on your foot, it is suggested to speak to a podiatrist who can properly treat this ailment by applying the appropriate dressing, and prescribing the correct medication.

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 one of our podiatrists from Westland Foot & Ankle Specialists, P.C.. Our doctors 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 feel free to contact our office located in Westland, MI. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.