Flint Office
1303 S. Linden Rd., Suite D
Flint, MI 48532
If you are a tennis player, you may be more prone to experiencing certain overuse injuries of the lower extremities. “Jumper’s knee,” or patellar tendonitis, is one of these injuries. It occurs when the patellar tendon, which holds the knee straight, tears over time. Pain can be felt under the kneecap, and it may be difficult (or impossible) to straighten your leg. Achilles tendonitis is another common tennis injury. It occurs when the Achilles tendon, which connects the heel bone with the calf muscles, is chronically stressed and becomes inflamed and painful. Suddenly increasing the intensity or duration of play can sometimes cause this condition to occur. Ankle sprains are another common injury in tennis players, as the sport requires quick position changes, pivots, and sprints. This injury causes pain, swelling, tightness, and sometimes bruising in the ankle. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia tissue, which runs along the sole of the foot, gets overstressed, inflamed, and sometimes torn. Playing tennis can also cause a great deal of repetitive stress on bones, which ultimately may lead to a stress fracture. The shin bone is particularly prone to stress fractures which can produce a dull ache and weakness in the affected bone. If you have suffered any of these injuries or would like information on how to protect yourself from them, contact a podiatrist.
Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from Community Podiatry Group. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Common Injuries
The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.
Treatment
Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Flint, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
The foot condition known as ingrown toenails can be extremely uncomfortable. It is defined as a toenail that grows into the surrounding skin and can develop from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Additional reasons why ingrown toenails may occur include trimming the toenails improperly and sustaining a toe injury. It is relatively easy to see if an ingrown toenail has developed. The surrounding skin of the affected toenail will appear red and there can be a discharge that comes from it. The nail will generally feel better when it is soaked in warm water. This can also make it easier to gently pull the nail away from the skin. This is just a temporary fix, however, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can provide professional care for recurring and infected ingrown toenails.
Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Community Podiatry Group. 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
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 Flint, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Women are more prone to developing bunions than men. This may be a result of wearing high heels or shoes that do not have adequate room in the toe area. A bunion appears as a bony lump on the side of the big toe and is considered to be a foot deformity. This protrusion causes the bone in the big toe to gradually move toward the other toes and can produce pain and discomfort. People who develop bunions may eventually get osteoarthritis in the big toe, which can be the source of chronic pain. Additionally, the risk of getting a bunion may increase in patients who have short calf muscles or a shortened Achilles tendon, and medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and flat feet. Bunions may be prevented by wearing shoes that are comfortable and flat. It may help to frequently walk barefoot, which may be beneficial in strengthening the muscles in the overall foot. If you have developed a bunion, it is strongly suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can provide you with correct treatment options, which may include surgery for permanent removal.
If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Community Podiatry Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Bunion?
Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.
Causes
Symptoms
In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Flint, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.
A person with lupus might experience swelling in the feet and ankles because the inflammation of lupus attacks the kidneys, which can lead to fluid build-up or edema of the lower extremities. Swelling can make movement uncomfortable, lead to pain, and become more serious if left untreated. Reducing sodium in the diet and controlling high blood pressure can help with swelling. It is also wise to discuss medicines that can ease pain with a podiatrist. A podiatrist can provide valuable education on how Lupus affects the feet and assist in devising a customized treatment plan to control symptoms.
When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact one of our podiatrists from Community Podiatry Group. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.
Systemic Diseases of the Feet
Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable. Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.
Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.
Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.
Diabetes of the Feet
Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.
Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Flint, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
The cartilage in a joint can become damaged and worn down from the condition known as osteoarthritis (OA). This can expose bones in the damaged joint and cause them to rub together. OA often attacks the first metatarsophalangeal joint (at the base of the big toe). A variety of symptoms may occur including pain, swelling, and limited mobility. The body may respond by creating more bone which can develop into bone spurs that cause visible bumps, calluses, or a bunion in the big toe. In time, the pain can become more of a burning sensation and stiffness may set in to the point where the big toe becomes fixed (hallux rigidus) and unbendable. Age can be a contributing factor to OA, as well as prior injuries, obesity, and a genetic predisposition to the disease. Losing weight, taking anti-inflammatories, and icing the area may provide some relief from OA in the big toe. A podiatrist can provide orthotics, braces or splints, recommend proper shoes, suggest specific exercises and even use injectable corticosteroids to relieve pain and reduce swelling. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove deteriorated cartilage or repair/replace a severely damaged joint. Contact a podiatrist if you believe OA is causing pain and swelling in your big toe joint.
Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Community Podiatry Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Arthritic Foot Care
Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.
In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.
Alleviating Arthritic Pain
It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Flint, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
