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

May 2022

Tuesday, 31 May 2022 00:00

Pain in the Ball of the Foot

Pain in the ball of the foot can have a variety of causes including intense physical activity, having a high foot arch, a stress fracture, wearing shoes that are too small and/or non-supportive, wearing high heels, or being obese.  Other foot conditions, such as sesamoiditis, can also lead to similar pain. Sesamoiditis is inflammation of the sesamoid bones that are connected to tendons instead of other bones. It is common among ballet dancers and runners who do high impact activity. Generally, it is felt as aching in the padding below the toes. Sometimes there is shooting pain or numbness when the toes are flexed where it may feel like there is a pebble in the shoe. The discomfort might disappear when we are off our feet but return once activities are resumed. If you feel pain in the ball of your foot, it is suggested you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can help diagnose the problem and obtain treatment that is right for you

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact one of our podiatrists of Grand Blanc Family Footcare. Our doctors will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

  • Sudden increase in activity
  • Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
  • Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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.

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Calluses develop as the result of continued pressure on the skin that causes it to harden as a way of protecting itself. Anyone can develop a callus, regardless of their age. While calluses are not particularly dangerous, and not contagious, they can be both unsightly and uncomfortable. In many cases, they do not require medical attention. Some home remedies, such as using a pumice stone to file them down and rubbing in creams that help to soften them, are common. Unlike blisters and corns that form by rubbing against something solid, like a hard shoe, calluses are caused by pressure. If a bone in the foot is out of alignment, such as from a bunion or metatarsal malformation, a callus may form in the area. They also can be caused by poorly fitting shoes, walking, running, and other repetitive exercises. They commonly develop on the feet and heels, usually near a bony prominence. If a callus becomes painful and uncomfortable, it might be wise to see a podiatrist for an evaluation and safe removal procedure. 

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. 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.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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.

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Tuesday, 17 May 2022 00:00

Various Causes of Heel Pain

Although plantar fasciitis (an inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament on the sole of the foot) is often the root of heel pain, it can come from a variety of other conditions as well. For instance, compression of the medial calcaneal nerve, which travels down the inner part of the ankle, can create a tingling or numb sensation in the heel as well as pain. In older adults, fat pads in the heel can wear down (fat pad atrophy) and cause pain. Systemic inflammatory conditions such as certain types of arthritis, Reiter syndrome, ankylosing spondylitis, and a common type of lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus) may sometimes be associated with heel pain. Sometimes tiny nodules, or plantar fibroma, develop on the plantar fascia which can cause pain in the arch near the heel. To have the cause of your heel pain properly diagnosed and treated, make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. 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.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

  • Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
  • Wearing non-supportive shoes
  • Weight change           
  • Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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.

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Wednesday, 11 May 2022 00:00

Are Bunions Affecting Your Everyday Life?

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.

Tuesday, 10 May 2022 00:00

Dealing With a Heel Spur

Exercising is good for the body and mind but can be painful when one has a heel spur. A heel spur is a bony growth that attaches to the heel bone and can grow into the arch of the foot. These can develop from a common condition known as plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation and possible tearing of the plantar fascia tissue running across the length of the foot. The body can try to deal with this injury by trying to repair the tissue with bone formation. The most common symptom of heel spurs is pain, especially after being off the foot for some time. Wearing properly fitting footwear, stretching the foot, and performing other strengthening exercises can help, but if you have a painful heel spur, it is best to see a podiatrist for proper evaluation and treatment.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Grand Blanc Family Footcare. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Grand Blanc, MI . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

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Tuesday, 03 May 2022 00:00

Running and Foot Pain

Most runners experience pain in their feet from time to time. While some discomfort can subside on its own, other times more attention must be given to the problem to determine the source and severity of pain. Some causes of foot pain among runners are blisters, a toenail turning black from repetitive activity, and stress fractures. Oftentimes improperly fitting shoes–such as those that are too tight, too loose, or that have insufficient toe box room–are the culprit in running injuries. Beyond careful attention paid to well-fitting footwear, other simple measures that can be taken to prevent runner’s foot pain include using orthotics or running insoles, checking for proper running form, and stretching before and after running. Because runners' injuries can worsen and lead to more severe problems, it is suggested that a podiatrist be consulted if one is experiencing any prolonged foot pain.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Grand Blanc Family Footcare. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

  • Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
  • Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
  • “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
  • Cross-Training is Crucial
  • Wear Proper Running Shoes
  • Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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 How to Prevent Running Injuries
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