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Dr. Karr is one of the top 2 podiatry surgeons to complete 100 lapiplasty procedures.

May 2021

Monday, 24 May 2021 00:00

Why Does the Bottom of My Foot Hurt?

Pain in the bottom of the foot can have a variety of causes. Wearing ill-fitting shoes or putting excessive strain on the foot may be responsible for your foot pain. If you feel pain in the bottom of your foot immediately after exercising or see swelling and bruising, you may have sprained your foot. Sharp burning or shooting pains in the foot and the sensation that you are walking on a pebble may be indicative of Morton’s neuroma. A sharp pain between your arch and heel or a stabbing pain in the heel are characteristic of plantar fasciitis. You may also have foot pain if you have flat feet or fallen arches. To determine the cause of your foot pain, and to find relief, please seek the care of a podiatrist. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Grand Blanc Family Footcare. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Read more about Foot Pain
Monday, 17 May 2021 00:00

Congenital Foot Deformities

When a baby is born, people will sometimes use the expression “10 fingers and 10 toes” to reference the newborn’s good health. But what if there is a problem with those 10 (or more) toes? Congenital foot deformities are differences in the structure of a baby’s feet that are present from birth. Fortunately, most of these conditions are treatable and do not cause any serious complications. Clubfoot is a deformity in which the baby’s feet are twisted inwards at the ankle. This generally does not cause any pain, but may interfere with walking later on. It can be corrected through a series of braces and casts. Metatarsus adductus is a common deformity in which part of the child’s foot turns inwards. Most cases resolve on their own, and stretching exercises or casts and orthotics can help those that don’t. Polydactyly is a mutation in which the baby has extra toes. Treatment will depend on the location and functionality of the extra toes, but may include surgery once the child is a little bit older. If you have any concerns about your baby’s foot health please consult with a podiatrist.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our podiatrists of Grand Blanc Family Footcare. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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

Read more about How to Care for Your Child's Feet

Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.

Monday, 10 May 2021 00:00

How Shoes Affect Your Plantar Fascia

The connective tissue on the bottom of your feet between your heel and toes is called the plantar fascia. That tissue can become aggravated from overuse, wearing high heels or shoes that change the shape of your foot when you walk, being obese, aging, having certain medical conditions, or being born with flat feet or high arches. This aggravation is called plantar fasciitis, and is the most common form of heel pain. Proper footwear may help avoid plantar fasciitis or reduce pain if it has already developed. Your shoes should allow the natural movement of your foot, and have cushioning that supports pressure points—especially the heel, while being flexible and offering proper arch support. A podiatrist can recommend shoes and even orthotics that can help your individual foot structure, while offering various treatments to relieve the pain and discomfort of plantar fasciitis.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Grand Blanc Family Footcare. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

  • Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
  • Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
  • Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
  • Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
  • Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

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

Read more about Proper Shoe Fitting
Monday, 03 May 2021 00:00

Factors That Lead to Turf Toe

Turf toe is a very common sports injury, particularly among football players and soccer players. It occurs when the big toe joint is sprained because of a repetitive upward bending of the joint that often occurs from jamming the toe, or pushing off while jumping or running. Turf toe gets its name because it is especially common when playing on artificial turf, where the foot is more prone to sticking to the hard surface and becoming jammed. Turf toe is commonly indicated by pain, swelling, and limited joint movement in the big toe. Treatment generally consists of rest, ice, compression and elevation, but severe cases may require surgery. Athletes who are experiencing these symptoms should consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.  

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 Grand Blanc Family Footcare. 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:

  • Achilles Tendonitis
  • Achilles Tendon Rupture
  • Ankle Sprains
  • Broken Foot
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Stress Fractures
  • Turf Toe

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 Grand Blanc, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries
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