If you have a bunion, a bony bump on the side of the big toe, you may have heard that surgery is needed to treat the pain that it causes. This is not necessarily true, as there are nonsurgical treatments for bunions as well. Changing your shoes to a pair that are wider and more supportive, wearing orthotics, wearing pads placed over the bunion, avoiding activities that cause bunion pain, taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, or icing the foot can all help ease your pain. If nonsurgical treatments do not provide much relief, or if the pain from your bunion is severe enough to interfere with daily activities, then it may be time to consider surgery. If you are suffering from bunions, it is recommended that you see a podiatrist for treatment.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Michigan Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

Many people look forward to the warm summer months, and reach for their flip flops to wear. They are easy to slip into, and often are available in a variety of styles and colors. As desirable as they may be to wear, they often wreak havoc on the feet. When flip flops are frequently worn, there may be a variety of foot conditions that can develop. These can include bunions, which typically occur when the ligaments are stretched in the foot. This can happen as a result of walking on a flat surface, which is generally done while wearing flip flops. The painful foot condition that is referred to as plantar fasciitis can occur when the arch lacks support. Additionally, the soft cushioning in flip flops may be a likely place for fungus to live, and may cause foot and toenail fungal infections. If you would like more information about the dangers of wearing flip flops, please speak with a podiatrist.

Flip-flops can cause a lot of problems for your feet. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Michigan Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

Flip-flops have managed to become a summer essential for a lot of people. While the shoes may be stylish and easy to slip on and off, they can be dangerous to those who wear them too often. These shoes might protect you from fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, but they can also give you foot pain and sprained ankles if you trip while wearing them.

When Are They Okay to Wear?

Flip-flops should only be worn for very short periods of time. They can help protect your feet in places that are crawling with fungi, such as gym locker rooms. Athlete’s foot and plantar warts are two common fungi that flip-flops may help protect your feet against.

Why Are They Bad for My Feet?

These shoes do not offer any arch support, so they are not ideal for everyday use. They also do not provide shock absorption or heel cushioning which can be problematic for your feet. Additionally, you may suffer from glass cuts, puncture wounds, and stubbed toes since they offer little protection for your feet.

More Reasons Why They Are Bad for Your Feet

• They Slow You Down
• May Cause Blisters and Calluses
• Expose Your Feet to Bacteria

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

Foot reconstruction is a type of surgery that is performed to correct the anatomy of the foot and restore proper function. Someone might need reconstructive foot surgery following a major injury to the foot that affects the foot’s soft tissue or bones. Vascular diseases, which can interfere with circulation in the lower limbs, may require surgical intervention. Other issues which can cause deformities include metabolic diseases, such as diabetes and gout, that alter the blood and nerve supply of the foot, and tumors. Finally, birth defects such as clubfoot would also need to be corrected via reconstructive surgery. For more information on reconstructive foot surgery, please consult with a podiatrist.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Michigan Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Livonia, and Southfield, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Research has indicated that there are millions of Americans who are affected by the foot condition that is referred to as gout. It generally affects the joints in the big toe, and can cause severe pain and discomfort. It can develop as a result of an excess of uric acid that is found in the bloodstream and lodges in the joints of the body. Uric acid can come from specific foods that are frequently eaten, which can include shellfish, red meat, and drinks that have a high sugar content. Many patients have noticed their gout attacks can begin at night, and may subside naturally. In severe cases, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly treat this form of arthritis.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Michigan Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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