Podiatrists are foot specialists in the medical field that can help treat a wide variety of foot conditions in their patients. Podiatrists can diagnose and treat foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis, athlete’s foot, Achilles tendonitis, heel spurs, and so much more. Importantly, there are many subspecialties in the field of podiatry that a podiatrist might be acquainted with. One popular subspecialty in podiatry is known as sports medicine. These podiatrists deal specifically with athletes and are very familiar with particular foot afflictions that affect this group of people. These podiatrists know a great deal about the biomechanics of the foot and rehabilitation techniques. Contact a podiatrist today with additional questions about what they do and what they specialize in. 

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact one of our podiatrists from Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Battle Creek and Marshall, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many individuals are affected with the foot condition known as ingrown toenails. This condition occurs when the side of the nail grows into the skin surrounding the toenail. As a result, the skin will grow overtop of the nail. This might cause pain. Many people affected with ingrown toenails are curious about how they might go about cutting an ingrown toenail. Generally, it is best to seek the help of a podiatrist to cut an ingrown toenail because doing so by oneself can potentially be damaging. If someone cuts the nail too short, they may be putting themselves at an increased risk of encouraging another ingrown toenail to develop. Also, when an inexperienced person attempts to cut an ingrown toenail, they might be increasing their susceptibility to infection. Under the care of a podiatrist, a patient can receive the care that they need to treat the underlying problem. If you have an ingrown toenail, contact a podiatrist today for an appointment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Battle Creek and Marshall, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When the midfoot ligament, known as the Lisfranc ligament, is badly bruised, the area above the arch is likely to swell and change in color. Sometimes it is accompanied by a fracture. This can happen when you twist your foot when falling, especially from a great height. Because a Lisfranc fracture is often mistaken for a sprain, it is best to have the injury checked out by a podiatrist. One test used to determine the presence and severity of a Lisfranc fracture is called the piano key test. This is done by moving each toe, one at a time, to see if it causes pain. Another test calls for standing on the tips of the toes and raising the heel. Imaging tests, including X-ray, MRI, and CT scans may be performed as well. A Lisfranc fracture can be treated with rest, a cast, or surgery. Please consult a podiatrist to determine the severity of your injury and receive the proper treatment options for you. 

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Spartan Podiatry. 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 offices located in Battle Creek and Marshall, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A variety of different foot conditions can potentially become more likely as an individual ages and advances through their later years in life. One of these conditions that every senior citizen ought to be aware of is known as fat pad atrophy. All individuals have fat padding that is located on the heel and ball of the foot. Due to repeated pressure and activity, this padding can be greatly reduced and thinned as one matures. It is estimated that about 30% of all Americans who have reached 60 years of age are experiencing fat pad atrophy. Fat pad atrophy can have noticeable and significant effects on an individual’s health. For example, as a result of the condition, a person can experience increased pain. If you are a senior citizen, it might be a good idea to reach out to a podiatrist and schedule an appointment today. This foot specialist can help you mitigate fat pad atrophy.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Battle Creek and Marshall, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.