FOOT & ANKLE CONDITIONS • LIVONIA & ROYAL OAK, MI
Foot & Ankle Conditions We Treat
Explore common foot, ankle, heel, toenail and pediatric conditions evaluated by our podiatrists in Livonia and Royal Oak, Michigan.
Find the Right Foot & Ankle Information
Foot Pain Can Have Many Different Causes
Foot or ankle pain is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Heel pain, joint stiffness, numbness, swelling, skin changes, nail problems and difficulty walking can result from many different conditions.
Nationwide Foot & Ankle Care, P.C. evaluates a broad range of foot and ankle concerns. Use this guide to learn about common conditions and visit the dedicated pages for more information about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options.
Heel Pain Conditions
Heel Pain & Plantar Fascia Conditions
Heel pain may develop from irritation of the plantar fascia, repetitive stress, changes in activity, footwear, foot mechanics or other conditions. The location and pattern of pain can help guide diagnosis.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis involves irritation and degenerative changes in the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that supports the bottom of the foot. Pain is often most noticeable with the first steps after rest and may increase after prolonged standing or activity.
Treatment may include activity modification, stretching, footwear changes, physical therapy, orthotics or other options depending on the individual.
Heel Spurs
A heel spur is a bony growth that can develop where tissues attach to the heel bone. Heel spurs are often seen along with plantar fascia problems, but the presence of a spur does not necessarily mean it is the source of a person’s pain.
Evaluation focuses on identifying what is actually producing the symptoms rather than treating an imaging finding alone.
Persistent Heel Pain
Not all heel pain is plantar fasciitis. Symptoms can also arise from the Achilles tendon, nerves, stress injuries and other structures around the heel and ankle.
Persistent, worsening or unexplained heel pain may benefit from a podiatric evaluation to determine the likely cause.
Foot & Toe Conditions
Bunions, Hammertoes, Flat Feet & Forefoot Pain
Structural changes in the foot and toes can affect footwear, walking and activity. Treatment depends on the condition, severity of symptoms and how much the problem affects daily function.
Bunions
A bunion, or hallux valgus, is a structural deformity involving the joint at the base of the big toe. The big toe may gradually angle toward the smaller toes while the joint becomes more prominent.
Some bunions cause little difficulty, while others lead to pain, inflammation or problems fitting shoes. Nonsurgical care may help manage symptoms; surgery may be considered when symptoms and deformity warrant it.
Hammertoes
Hammertoes are deformities in which one or more smaller toes develop an abnormal bend. The affected toe may rub against footwear and develop painful corns or areas of pressure.
Treatment depends on whether the deformity remains flexible or has become rigid, the symptoms involved and the patient’s goals.
Flat Feet
Flat feet occur when the arch is low or absent while standing. Some people with flat feet have no symptoms, while others develop foot or ankle discomfort, fatigue or changes in function.
Evaluation can help distinguish a flexible flat foot from more significant or progressive conditions and determine whether treatment is needed.
Morton’s Neuroma
Morton’s neuroma involves irritation and thickening of tissue around a nerve in the forefoot, commonly between the third and fourth toes. Symptoms can include burning, tingling, numbness or the feeling of standing on a pebble.
Footwear changes, padding, orthotics, injections or surgical treatment may be considered depending on the diagnosis and severity.
Ankle & Tendon Conditions
Ankle Pain, Injuries & Instability
Ankle problems can develop suddenly after an injury or gradually from arthritis, tendon problems, repeated sprains or chronic instability.
Ankle Sprains
An ankle sprain occurs when ankle ligaments are stretched or torn. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, bruising and difficulty bearing weight. The severity of ligament injury varies considerably.
Appropriate rehabilitation can be important for restoring motion, strength and balance following an ankle sprain.
Chronic Ankle Instability
An ankle that repeatedly rolls, feels unstable or gives way after previous sprains may be affected by chronic ankle instability. Ligament injury, impaired balance and incomplete rehabilitation can contribute.
Treatment may include rehabilitation, bracing and other nonsurgical care. Surgery may be considered in selected cases when instability persists.
Ankle Arthritis
Arthritis can cause ankle pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced motion. Osteoarthritis may develop with age or following previous ankle injuries, while inflammatory forms of arthritis can also affect the joint.
Treatment is individualized based on the type of arthritis, symptoms, joint changes and activity goals.
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendinopathy can cause pain, stiffness or swelling along the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel. Symptoms may develop after changes in activity or repetitive loading.
Management may involve modifying activity, progressive rehabilitation, footwear changes and other treatment depending on the condition.
Acute injuries involving severe pain, significant deformity or inability to bear weight should be evaluated promptly. Foot and ankle trauma may involve ligaments, tendons or fractures.
Explore Foot & Ankle TraumaToenail & Skin Conditions
Ingrown Nails, Toenail Fungus, Athlete’s Foot & Infections
Changes involving the toenails or skin can result from infection, irritation, pressure, trauma and other causes. Diagnosis helps determine the appropriate treatment.
Ingrown Toenails
An ingrown toenail develops when a nail edge presses into or penetrates the adjacent nail fold. Pain, tenderness, swelling and redness can occur, and infection may sometimes develop.
Treatment depends on severity and whether the condition is recurring. A podiatrist may remove the problematic nail border when appropriate.
Toenail Fungus
Onychomycosis can cause toenails to become thickened, brittle, crumbly or discolored. Because other nail disorders can resemble fungus, evaluation may be useful before selecting treatment.
Depending on the individual situation, treatment may include topical or oral antifungal medication and professional management of thickened nail material.
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, is a fungal skin infection that may cause itching, scaling, peeling, cracking or irritation, often between the toes or along the soles of the feet.
Foot Infections
Foot infections can involve the skin, soft tissue or wounds. Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, drainage or worsening pain can indicate a problem that needs medical attention.
People with diabetes, neuropathy, poor circulation or impaired healing should be especially cautious with new wounds or signs of infection.
Pain, Nerve & Joint Conditions
Arthritis, Burning Feet & Other Sources of Foot Pain
Pain, burning, tingling or stiffness can come from joints, nerves, soft tissues or medical conditions. Persistent symptoms deserve an evaluation rather than assuming every type of foot pain has the same cause.
Foot & Ankle Arthritis
Osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis can affect joints throughout the foot and ankle, producing pain, stiffness, swelling and changes in mobility.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic inflammatory disease and generally requires coordinated medical management, while podiatric care can address its effects on the feet and ankles.
Burning Feet
Burning sensations in the feet can have several possible causes, including nerve-related conditions. Symptoms may occur with tingling, numbness or altered sensation.
An evaluation can help determine whether symptoms appear to originate from the foot itself or warrant additional medical assessment.
Leg & Foot Cramps
Muscle cramps may occur during activity or at night and can have many potential contributors. Frequent or unexplained cramping should not automatically be attributed to dehydration or electrolyte deficiency.
Children’s Foot & Ankle Conditions
Pediatric Foot Care
Children’s feet and walking patterns change as they grow. Some differences are part of normal development, while persistent pain, asymmetry, difficulty with activity or certain structural concerns may warrant evaluation.
Nationwide Foot & Ankle Care evaluates pediatric foot and ankle concerns including flat feet and walking patterns such as in-toeing and out-toeing.
Medical & Higher-Risk Foot Care
Diabetic Foot Care, Wounds & Higher-Risk Foot Problems
Diabetes, neuropathy, impaired circulation and reduced sensation can increase the importance of recognizing and treating foot problems early.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes can affect sensation, circulation and healing in the feet. Podiatric care may include foot examinations, evaluation of skin or nail problems, education and treatment of foot complications when they occur.
Diabetes itself should continue to be managed with the patient’s primary care or diabetes-care team.
Foot Wounds
Open wounds on the foot deserve particular attention when a patient has diabetes, neuropathy or circulation problems. Treatment depends on the wound, its cause, infection risk and the patient’s overall medical situation.
When Foot Symptoms Need Prompt Attention
Seek prompt medical evaluation for a severe injury or deformity, inability to bear weight after an injury, rapidly increasing redness or swelling, an infected-looking wound, or a sudden change in the color or temperature of the foot. Fever associated with a worsening foot infection also warrants timely medical attention.
Patients with diabetes, neuropathy or impaired circulation should be especially cautious about new wounds, infections or unexplained changes in the feet.
From Diagnosis to Treatment
Foot & Ankle Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the diagnosis, severity of symptoms, health history, activity demands and individual goals. Surgery is not automatically required for a foot or ankle condition.
Nonsurgical Care
Depending on the condition, treatment may involve footwear changes, activity modification, bracing, medication, rehabilitation or other conservative measures.
Physical Therapy
Rehabilitation may help restore strength, flexibility, balance and function for selected foot and ankle injuries or conditions.
Custom Orthotics
Custom orthotics may be recommended when foot mechanics contribute to symptoms or when additional support or pressure redistribution may be useful.
When symptoms or structural problems cannot be adequately managed nonsurgically, surgical treatment may be discussed when appropriate.
Explore Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Surgery
Nationwide Foot & Ankle Care, P.C.
Foot & Ankle Care in Livonia & Royal Oak
Our podiatrists evaluate foot and ankle conditions at offices in Livonia and Royal Oak, serving patients from Metro Detroit and surrounding Southeast Michigan communities.
The goal of an evaluation is to identify the likely source of your symptoms, explain appropriate treatment options and develop a plan based on your individual needs.
Metro Detroit Podiatry Locations
Schedule Foot & Ankle Care Near You
Nationwide Foot & Ankle Care provides podiatry services at offices in Livonia and Royal Oak, Michigan.
Livonia Office
Podiatrist in Livonia, MI
13407 Farmington Road, Suite 102
Livonia, MI 48150
Call (734) 261-3400 for appointment information.
Royal Oak Office
Podiatrist in Royal Oak, MI
32121 Woodward Avenue, Suite #201
Royal Oak, MI 48073
Call (248) 549-3338 for appointment information.
Foot & Ankle Conditions FAQ
Common Questions About Foot & Ankle Problems
General information about when to see a podiatrist and how foot and ankle conditions are evaluated.
What conditions does a podiatrist treat?
Podiatrists evaluate and treat conditions involving the foot and ankle, including heel pain, bunions, hammertoes, flat feet, ankle injuries, tendon problems, arthritis, ingrown toenails, fungal infections, diabetic foot complications and many other concerns.
When should I see a podiatrist for foot pain?
Consider an evaluation when foot pain persists, repeatedly returns, interferes with walking or activity, follows a significant injury, or occurs with swelling, numbness, skin changes or other concerning symptoms. Patients with diabetes, neuropathy or circulation problems may need earlier evaluation for certain foot problems.
What causes heel pain?
Heel pain has several possible causes. Plantar fascia problems are common, but pain can also involve the Achilles tendon, nerves, stress injuries and other structures. The location, timing and pattern of symptoms help guide diagnosis.
Do all foot and ankle conditions require surgery?
No. Many foot and ankle conditions can be managed with nonsurgical treatment. Surgery may be considered when appropriate based on the diagnosis, severity of symptoms, structural problem, response to previous care and the patient’s goals.
Can a podiatrist treat ankle problems?
Yes. Podiatrists diagnose and treat many ankle conditions, including sprains, chronic instability, arthritis, tendon problems and foot and ankle trauma. The appropriate treatment depends on the specific diagnosis and severity.
Can children see a podiatrist?
Yes. Podiatrists can evaluate pediatric foot and ankle concerns such as painful flat feet, walking-pattern concerns, sports injuries and other symptoms affecting a child’s feet or ankles.
Why is foot care important for people with diabetes?
Diabetes can affect sensation, circulation and healing. Reduced sensation may make injuries harder to notice, while circulation and healing problems can increase the significance of wounds or infections. Podiatric foot care can complement a patient’s broader diabetes care.
Where can I see a podiatrist in Metro Detroit?
Nationwide Foot & Ankle Care, P.C. has podiatry offices in Livonia and Royal Oak, Michigan, and serves patients from Metro Detroit and surrounding Southeast Michigan communities.
Foot & Ankle Care in Metro Detroit
Not Sure What’s Causing Your Foot or Ankle Symptoms?
A podiatric evaluation can help identify the condition behind persistent pain, swelling, instability, nail changes or other foot and ankle symptoms.