Foot & Ankle Care in Livonia & Royal Oak, MI

Livonia: (734) 261-3400 Royal Oak: (248) 549-3338 House Calls
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  • Heel Pain

    Heel Pain Treatment In Livonia, MI

    Plantar fasciitis is the term commonly used to refer to heel pain and arch pain traced to an inflammation on the bottom of the foot. More specifically, plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the connective tissue, called plantar fascia, that stretches from the base of the toes, across the arch of the foot, to the point at which it inserts into the heel bone. Overpronation is the most common cause of plantar fasciitis or heel pain . As the foot rolls inward excessively when walking, it flattens the foot, lengthens the arch, and puts added tension on the plantar fascia. Over time, this causes inflammation and heel pain.

    Also known as heel spur syndrome , the condition is often successfully treated with conservative measures, such as the use of anti-inflammatory medications, ice packs, stretching exercises, orthotic devices, and physical therapy. Note: Please consult your physician before taking any medications. In persistent cases, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment (ESWT) may be used to treat the heel pain.

    For more information on Heel Pain Treatment, Call Nationwide Foot & Ankle Care in Livonia, MI at (734) 261-3400!

  • Toenail Fungus

    What is Toenail Fungus In Livonia, MI?

    Many people don’t realize they have a fungal nail problem and, therefore, don’t seek treatment. Yet, fungal toenail infections are a common foot health problem and can persist for years without ever causing pain. The disease, characterized by a change in a toenail’s color, is often considered nothing more than a mere blemish. Left untreated, however, it can present serious problems.

    Also referred to as onychomycosis , fungal nails are infections underneath the surface of the nail, which may also penetrate the nail. Fungal nail infections are often accompanied by a secondary bacterial and/or yeast infection in or about the nail plate, which ultimately can lead to difficulty and pain when walking or running. Symptoms may include discoloration, brittleness, loosening, thickening, or crumbling of the nail.

    A group of fungi, called dermophytes , easily attack the nail and thrive on keratin , the nail’s protein substance. In some cases, when these tiny organisms take hold, the nail may become thicker, yellowish-brown, or darker in color, and foul smelling. Debris may collect beneath the nail plate, white marks may frequently appear on the nail plate, and the infection is capable of spreading to other toenails, the skin, or even the fingernails.

    Nail bed injury may make the nail more susceptible to all types of infection, including fungal infection. Those who suffer chronic diseases, such as diabetes, circulatory problems, or immune-deficiency conditions, are especially prone to fungal nails. Other contributory factors may be a history of Athlete’s Foot or excessive perspiration.

    You can prevent fungal nail infections by taking these simple precautions:

    • Exercise proper hygiene and regularly inspect your feet and toes.
    • Keep your feet clean and dry.
    • Wear shower shoes in public facilities whenever possible.
    • Clip nails straight across so that the nail does not extend beyond the tip of the toe.
    • Use a quality foot powder (talcum, not cornstarch) in conjunction with shoes that fit well and are made of materials that breathe.
    • Avoid wearing excessively tight hosiery, which promotes moisture. Socks made of synthetic fiber tend to “wick” away moisture faster than cotton or wool socks, especially for those with more active lifestyles.
    • Disinfect home pedicure tools and don’t apply polish to nails suspected of infection.

    Depending on the type of infection you have, over-the-counter liquid antifungal agents may not prevent a fungal infection from recurring. A topical or oral medication may need to be prescribed, and the diseased nail matter and debris removed, a process called debridement . Note: Please consult your physician before taking any medications.

    In severe cases, surgical treatment may be required to remove the infected nail. Permanent removal of a chronically painful nail, which has not responded to any other treatment, permits the fungal infection to be cured and prevents the return of a deformed nail.

    For more information on toenail fungus, Call our Livonia, Royal Oak, or Commerce Township offices at (734) 261-3400!

  • Diabetic Footcare

    Diabetic Footcare In Livonia, MI

    Diabetics are more prone to various foot problems than those without diabetes due to the development of painful nerve damage called peripheral neuropathy, usually requiring diabetic footcare from a local podiatrist. Neuropathy can affect your entire body, but most often the legs and feet are the most prone areas to serious health complications.

    The damage to your nerves can cause the loss of feeling in your feet, making it difficult to detect extreme temperatures and pain as easily, or readily, as someone who does not have diabetes. As a result, you could sustain a serious cut or wound and not even notice your foot is injured until an infection begins. Many diabetic foot problems can be prevented in some measure with improved blood sugar control and a strengthened immune system.

    If you are among one of the millions of people in the United States with diabetes, it is important to visit your podiatrist for regular diabeitc footcare and foot examinations in order to maintain healthy feet and a strong body.

    For more immediate information on diabetic footcare treatment in Livonia, MI, please contact our podiatry office at (734) 261-3400 or through our site’s contact form today!

    Examine your Feet Daily

    Diabetic Footcare Livonia, MI

    Careful inspection of your feet on a regular basis is one of the easiest, least expensive and most effective measures for preventing foot complications. By examining your feet daily, and after every injury, you are taking a crucial step to preventing serious foot problems. Noticeable changes, such as temperature, skin color, pain, or swelling may be warning signs for poor circulation or loss of sensation that could potentially lead to something more serious.

    Annual examinations by your podiatrist are also vital for anyone with diabetes. A podiatrist can provide a more thorough exam and detect any signs of changes, such as broken skin or ulcers that can be detrimental to the health of your feet and body. Your podiatrist can also check for areas of high pressure or loss of blood circulation.

    Diabetic Footcare by Cleaning Your Feet

    With diabetes, it is important to keep your feet clean. Wash your feet daily with warm water and mild soap. After washing, make sure you dry your feet thoroughly, especially in-between the toes. You may also apply non-irritating moisturizer to prevent cracks and to keep your feet smooth.

    Be sure to also avoid ingrown toenails, which can get infected, by keeping them trimmed neatly. If you are unable to cut your toenails safely, ask your podiatrist for professional assistance. And never attempt to cut your own bunions or corns as this can lead to infection, as well. Instead, remember to visit your podiatrist for safe and pain free removal.

    To further protect your feet from diabetic harm, be sure to:

    • Avoid smoking, as it reduces blood flow to your feet
    • Buy comfortable shoes that are not too tight or too loose
    • Wear clean, dry socks and change them everyday
    • Never walk barefoot in order to protect your feet from harmful objects

    Diabetes is serious, especially when your feet are involved. Early detection and simple care are just a few things that can be done to control and prevent complications as they arise.

    Your podiatrist plays a critical role in the prevention and management of complications of the foot in diabetics. Talk to your podiatrist today to see what you can do now to keep your feet safe, strong, and healthy.

    For more information on Diabetic Footcare, Call Nationwide Foot & Ankle Care in Livonia, Royal Oak, and Commerce Township at (734) 261-3400!

  • Bunion Treatment

    Bunion Treatment In Livonia, MI

    A bunion is a bone deformity caused by an enlargement of the joint at the base and side of the big toe ( metatarsophalangeal joint ). Bunions form when the toe moves out of place. The enlargement and its protuberance cause friction and pressure as they rub against footwear. Over time, the movement of the big toe angles in toward the other toes, sometimes overlapping a third toe (known as Hallux Valgus ). The growing enlargement or protuberance then causes more irritation or inflammation. In some cases, the big toe moves toward the second toe and rotates or twists, which is known as Hallus Abducto Valgus . Bunions can also lead to other toe deformities, such as hammertoe .

    For more immediate bunion treatment information, please don’t hesitate to contact our podiatry office in Livonia, MI at (734) 261-3400, or by submitting a request through our site’s contact form!

    Bunion Pain and Discomfort

    Many people with bunions suffer from discomfort and pain from the constant irritation, rubbing, and friction of the enlargement against shoes. The skin over the toe becomes red and tender. Because this joint flexes with every step, the bigger the bunion gets, the more it hurts to walk. Over time, bursitis or arthritis may set in, the skin on the bottom of the foot may become thicker, and everyday walking may become difficult—all contributing to chronic pain.

    what is a bunion

    Wearing shoes that are too tight is the leading cause of bunions. Bunions are not hereditary, but they do tend to run in families, usually because of a faulty foot structure. Foot injuries, neuromuscular problems, flat feet , and pronated feet can contribute to their formation. It is estimated that bunions occur in 33 percent of the population in Western countries.

    Treatment for Bunions

    Because they are bone deformities, bunions do not resolve by themselves. The goal for bunion treatment is twofold: first, to relieve the pressure and pain caused by irritations, and second to stop any progressive growth of the enlargement.

    Commonly used methods for reducing pressure and pain caused by bunions include:

    • Protective padding, often made from felt material, to eliminate the friction against shoes and help alleviate inflammation and skin problems.
    • Removal of corns and calluses on the foot.
    • Changing to carefully fitted footwear designed to accommodate the bunion and not contribute toward its growth.
    • Orthotic devices—both over-the-counter and custom made—to help stabilize the joint and place the foot in the correct position for walking and standing.
    • Exercises to maintain joint mobility and prevent stiffness or arthritis.
    • Splints for nighttime wear to help the toes and joint align properly. This is often recommended for adolescents with bunions, because their bone development may still be adaptable.

    Surgical Treatment For Bunions

    Depending on the size of the enlargement, misalignment of the toe, and pain experienced, conservative treatments may not be adequate to prevent progressive damage from bunions. In these cases, bunion surgery, known as a bunionectomy , may be advised to remove the bunion and realign the toe.

    For more information on Bunion Treatment, Call Nationwide Foot & Ankle Care in Livonia, MI at (734) 261-3400!

  • Podiatrist

    Podiatrist

    Home > Services > Podiatry

    Podiatry at Nationwide Foot & Ankle Care

    A podiatrist, also called a doctor of podiatric medicine, is a specialist who provides medical diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle problems, such as bunions, heel pain, spurs, hammertoes, neuromas, ingrown toenails, warts, corns and calluses. A podiatrist also renders care of sprains, fractures, infections, and injuries of the foot, ankle and heel. In addition to undergraduate medical school training, podiatrists also attend graduate school for a doctorate degree in podiatry. Podiatrists are required to take state and national exams, as well as be licensed by the state in which they practice.

    According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, there are an estimated 15,000 practicing podiatrists in the United States. Podiatrists are in demand more than ever today because of a rapidly aging population. In addition, according to the association, foot disorders are among the most widespread and neglected health problems affecting people in this country.

    Typically, podiatrists:

    • Consult with patients and other physicians on how to prevent foot problems.
    • Diagnose and treat tumors, ulcers, fractures, skin and nail diseases, and deformities.
    • Perform surgeries to correct or remedy such problems as bunions, clawtoes, fractures, hammertoes, infections, ruptured Achilles, and other ligaments and tendons.
    • Prescribe therapies and perform diagnostic procedures such as ultrasound and lab tests.
    • Prescribe or fits patients with inserts called orthotics that correct walking patterns.
    • Treat conditions such as: bone disorders, bunions, corns, calluses, cysts, heel spurs, infections, ingrown nails, and plantar fasciitis.

    For more information on our Podiatrist, call Nationwide Foot & Ankle Care in Livonia, MI at (734) 261-3400!

  • Ingrown Toe Nails

    Ingrown Toenail Treatment In Livonia, MI

    Ingrown toenails , also known as onychocryptosis , is usually caused by trimming toenails too short, particularly on the sides of the big toes. They may also be caused by shoe pressure (from shoes that are too tight or short), injury, fungus infection, heredity, or poor foot structure. Ingrown toenails occur when the corners or sides of the toenail dig into the skin, often causing infection. A common ailment, ingrown toenails can be painful. Ingrown toenails start out hard, swollen, and tender. Left untreated, they may become sore, red, and infected and the skin may start to grow over the ingrown toenail.

    For more immediate information on ingrown toenail treatment in Livonia, MI, please call our podiatry office at (734) 261-3400 or fill our our site’s contact form today!

    Treating Ingrown Toenails

    In most cases, treating ingrown toenails is simple: soak the foot in warm, soapy water several times each day. Avoid wearing tight shoes or socks. Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed if an infection is present. Note: Please consult your physician before taking any medications. In severe cases, if an acute infection occurs, surgical removal of part of the ingrown toenail may be needed. Known as partial nail plate avulsion , the procedure involves injecting the toe with an anesthetic and cutting out the ingrown part of the toenail.

    Ingrown Toenails Can Be Prevented By:

    • Trimming toenails straight across with no rounded corners.
    • Ensuring that shoes and socks are not too tight.
    • Keeping feet clean at all times.
    For more information on Ingrown Toenail Treatment, Call Nationwide Foot & Ankle Care in Livonia, Royal Oak, and Commerce Township, MI at (734) 261-3400!