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Swelling of the feet can occur for several reasons related to circulation, fluid balance, or underlying health conditions. This condition, known as edema, develops when excess fluid collects in the tissues of the lower extremities. These help to support body weight and assist in returning blood toward the heart. Common causes of swelling include prolonged standing or sitting, injury, or medical conditions that affect how fluid is regulated in the body. The feet may appear puffy or enlarged, and the skin can feel tight or look shiny. Some people notice an indentation after pressing on the area. A podiatrist can evaluate the swelling through a physical exam and may recommend imaging or coordinate care to determine contributing factors. Treatment options include compression, elevation, and supportive footwear. Targeted exercises to improve circulation and reduce fluid buildup may be suggested. If your feet have become swollen, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate relief tips.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, 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.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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

Articular fractures in the foot are breaks that extend into a joint, which makes them more serious than typical fractures. Since joints allow smooth movement between bones, damage in this area can lead to stiffness, pain, or even arthritis if not handled properly. Doctors usually begin by using imaging tools like X-rays or CT scans to see how severe the injury is. For mild cases, treatment may include rest, wearing a cast or boot, and avoiding putting weight on the foot. More serious fractures often need surgery to realign the joint and hold the bones in place with screws or plates. Recovery doesn’t stop there. Targeted exercise plays a big role in regaining strength and flexibility. If you suspect a foot injury, it is suggested that you seek care from a podiatrist early to protect your mobility and long-term health.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Grand Blanc Family Footcare. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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.

Foot corns are small, thickened areas of skin that develop due to repeated pressure or friction, often forming on toes or the soles of the feet. Unlike plantar warts, corns are not caused by a virus but by mechanical stress from wearing tight shoes, high heels, or abnormal foot structure. They may feel hard or tender and can become painful when pressure is applied. Management focuses on reducing the source of irritation by wearing properly fitting, cushioned footwear and using protective pads to relieve pressure points. Regularly moisturizing the skin can help improve comfort. In some cases, over-the-counter treatments containing salicylic acid may be used carefully. If you have persistent or painful corns, it is suggested that you seek an evaluation by a podiatrist who can safely remove them and address underlying causes to prevent recurrence.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Grand Blanc Family Footcare. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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.

Onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the nail that leads to thickening, discoloration, and brittle changes, is being approached with greater accuracy and more individualized care. Evaluation often includes lab testing, such as nail sampling with a microscopic evaluation or culture to confirm fungus before care begins, helping to avoid unnecessary or ineffective medications. Care options have also expanded beyond standard oral medications. Newer topical treatments are designed to better reach the nail bed, improving results for some patients. In certain cases, combining methods may offer better outcomes and lower the chance of recurrence. Daily foot care, keeping nails trimmed, and choosing breathable footwear all support long-term nail health. When nail changes persist or worsen despite home care, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can guide you toward the most appropriate next steps.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, 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.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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