May 2018

When babies' feet have ample room to move about in, the muscles in the feet become stronger by kicking and wiggling the toes. Research has shown that it’s not necessary for babies to wear shoes unless the weather is cold when they are taken outside. Babies feet grow rapidly, and it is beneficial to monitor the size of the shoes and socks that are worn for optimum comfort. Washing and drying the feet is a good hygiene practice to implement daily with extra attention taken to thoroughly dry between the toes which  may prevent excess moisture from developing. Most children begin to walk about 12 months of age and it may be beneficial to notice if the child’s feet or toes turn out. Wearing shoes that fit properly will aid in comfortable walking, and choosing shoes that are made of lightweight materials will allow the feet to breath. If you would like additional information about how to choose proper shoes for your child, please schedule a consultation with a podiatrist.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Michigan Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

If you have ever experienced a broken toe, you may be familiar with the pain and inconvenience that’s often associated with this condition. The toes are an important element in maintaining the body’s balance and it’s suggested to seek treatment as soon as possible. There are several ways your toes can fracture. These may include dropping a heavy object on the foot, falling, or another condition such as arthritis or gout which can weaken the bones in the toes. There are obvious symptoms that accompany a broken toe, including bruising and swelling, in addition to pain that does not subside. To properly diagnose this condition, an X-ray is generally performed and the correct treatment is determined by the severity of the break. If the bone is protruding through the skin, surgery may be necessary to ensure proper healing by placing the bone back into place. Please speak to a podiatrist if you have concerns and would like additional information about broken toes.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Michigan Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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

A bunion is an abnormal growth that forms on the bottom of the big toe. Typical symptoms include swelling, pain, and redness surrounding the area of the big toe, and the entire foot may change shape as a result of the bunion. Choosing to wear poorly fitting shoes may cause this condition to develop, in addition to having a family history of bunions. This ailment may be prevented by wearing shoes that have adequate room for the toes to move freely, and shoes with a lower heel are preferred. If you enjoy running or jogging, your feet should be properly supported in running shoes that fit correctly. It’s suggested to schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who is skilled in properly diagnosing this condition. Treatment options can be discussed, which may include custom-made orthotics for temporary relief or surgery for removal of the bunion.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Michigan Foot and Ankle. 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

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

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 one of our offices located in Ferndale, and Milford, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

If you are experiencing a dull achy feeling in your feet, you may have what is referred to as a stress fracture. It consists of small cracks in the bones of the feet, and is generally caused by a repetitive stress that’s inflicted on the foot. Causes of this type of fracture may include jogging frequently, adding additional intensity to the duration of the run, or extending the period of time the running activity is pursued. There are several symptoms that may be apparent, including weakness in the foot, and pain that won't cease and eventually worsens, specifically at night. It may be possible to prevent stress fractures from occurring by choosing to wear proper footwear, maintaining a proper nutritional lifestyle, and gradually increasing the intensity of running. After a diagnosis is performed, proper treatment may begin, which may include wearing a cast or undergoing surgery for severe stress fractures. Please consult with a podiatrist to learn more about stress fractures of the foot or ankle.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Michigan Foot and 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 one of our offices located in Ferndale, and Milford, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.