If you need a more accessible version of this website, click this button on the right.Switch to Accessible Site
Dr. Karr is one of the top 2 podiatry surgeons to complete 100 lapiplasty procedures.
google review

September 2021

Tuesday, 28 September 2021 00:00

Can the Foods You Eat Affect Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar Fasciitis is an inflammation of the band of tissue that connects your heel with your toes on the sole of your foot. Many people believe inflammation throughout the body can be reduced by making certain dietary adjustments—particularly by increasing the consumption of anti-inflammatory foods and decreasing consumption of inflammatory foods. Anti-inflammatory foods include green leafy vegetables, carrots, broccoli, strawberries, blueberries, tomatoes, legumes, nuts, lean meats, as well as tuna and salmon which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Inflammatory foods have high levels of sugar, including soft drinks, pastries and sweets, candy, processed foods, junk food, refined grains, as well as oils containing omega-6 fats (corn/soy/cottonseed oil), saturated fats and red meats. For more information on how to heal the pain and inflammation of plantar fasciitis, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Non-supportive shoes
  • Overpronation
  • Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

  • Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
  • Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
  • Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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 Plantar Fasciitis
Tuesday, 21 September 2021 00:00

Hammer, Mallet, and Claw Toes

There are three common toe deformities that podiatrists often see and treat in patients. Hammertoes are characterized by the downward bending of the toe at the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint, located in the middle of the toe. Mallet toes are characterized by the downward bending of the toe at the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint, located near the tip of the toe. Claw toes are characterized by an upwards bend of the toe at the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, located at the base of the toe. All three of these deformities can cause pain and stiffness. Corns and calluses are more likely to develop on affected toes as they rub up against the shoes while you walk. If you have a painful toe deformity it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist. 

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Grand Blanc Family Footcare. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

  • Painful and/or difficult toe movement
  • Swelling
  • Joint stiffness
  • Calluses/Corns
  • Physical deformity

Risk Factors

  • Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
  • Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
  • Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
  • Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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 Hammertoe
Tuesday, 14 September 2021 00:00

Why Is Excessive Sweating Bad for the Feet?

If your feet sweat excessively, you may have plantar hyperhidrosis. This condition is thought to be caused by overactivity in the part of the brain responsible for regulating body temperature and sweating, and it often runs in families. Besides being embarrassing and potentially ruining your socks and shoes, plantar hyperhidrosis can also cause an unpleasant foot odor, blistering dermatitis, and secondary infections of the skin on the feet. If you suspect that you may have plantar hyperhidrosis, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist near you. There are a variety of effective treatment options for this condition, including topical antiperspirants, iontophoresis, oral medications, Botox injections, and more. 

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact one of our podiatrists of Grand Blanc Family Footcare. Our doctors can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

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 Hyperhidrosis of the Feet
Monday, 13 September 2021 00:00

Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

Tuesday, 07 September 2021 00:00

Ankle Injuries and Running

Certain physical activities may put individuals at risk of experiencing an injury. Runners in particular may be more likely to experience ankle injuries. Some of the common ankle injuries runners may experience can include sprains, Achilles tendinopathy, peroneal tendinopathy, and tibialis posterior or tibialis anterior tendinopathy. Those who have previously injured their ankles can have an increased risk of repeated injuries, especially if the affected ankle has not had a chance to fully recover. This is often due to ankle joint instability, which may also occur after an injury. Left untreated, this can cause potential issues, not only in the ankle, but also further up in the knee and hip joints. If you have sustained an ankle injury, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist. A podiatrist can determine the underlying cause and severity of your injury and can prescribe the best treatment to get you back on your feet.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, 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.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Plantar Fasciosis
  • Achilles Tendinitis
  • Achilles Tendon Rupture
  • Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains 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 and ankle needs.

Read more about Sports Related Foot And Ankle Injuries
Connect with us