June 2021

Baseball can take a toll on the feet and ankles, and there are a variety of injuries that can occur.  Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries that occur while running, sliding or stepping on bases. Overuse or overtraining can result in heel injuries such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinopathy. Baseball cleats can lead to a number of issues as well. Cleats that don’t fit properly can lead to conditions such as hammertoes, bunions, neuromas and aggravate the sesamoid bones. Ingrown toenails are another common issue amongst baseball players. Toenails that are cut too short or at an angle can cause the nail to dig into the skin and become infected. Baseball players who are dealing with pain in their feet or ankles should consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Dr. Ronald K. Olm from Grand Traverse Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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

Neuropathy, or nerve damage, is a condition many people with diabetes also suffer from. Heightened levels of sugar in the bloodstream due to diabetes can cause impaired nerve and blood vessel functionality. Peripheral neuropathy—the most common form of neuropathy in diabetics—affects the feet and legs. It can damage blood vessels’ ability to provide nutrients and oxygen to nerves in the feet and also reduce the signals those nerves send to the brain. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy may include a burning sensation—or numbness, tingling, tightness or sharp pains—in the feet. Excessive sweating or a heaviness in the legs or arms may also occur. Diabetic patients may help reduce or prevent nerve damage by controlling blood sugar levels, reducing blood pressure, refraining from smoking or drinking alcohol, and losing weight. If you have diabetes, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist to help manage the impact this disease can have on your feet.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Dr. Ronald K. Olm from Grand Traverse Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

There are many reasons why your feet may be hurting, ranging from small injuries to systemic conditions that affect the feet. One of the most frequent causes of foot pain is wearing improperly fitted shoes. These include shoes that are too tight or narrow, shoes with excessively high heels, and shoes that do not adequately support and protect your foot. Fixing foot pain related to footwear is often as easy as changing your shoes. Sports and exercise-related injuries to the feet are also common and will often require activity modifications to reduce foot pain. Systemic conditions, such as diabetes and arthritis, can cause foot pain. Fortunately, the effects of these conditions on the feet can be managed with proper care. If you have any type of foot pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist, who can diagnose and treat your condition. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Ronald K. Olm from Grand Traverse Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Being obese can put excess strain on your feet, so perhaps it is not surprising that there appears to be an association between being obese and having flatter feet. The term “flat foot” refers to a foot structure in which the arch that is normally present in the center of the bottom of the foot is not visible when the foot is bearing weight. Infants are born with flat feet, but most will develop an arch over time. Those who don’t will go on to have flat feet, but will usually not have any symptoms. Flat feet can also be acquired later in life as excess pressure on the feet, or the loosening of the plantar fascia ligament, causes the arch to collapse. Acquired flat foot may cause pain and discomfort in those who have it, and this issue appears to be more common in people who are obese, although whether or not there is a causative relationship remains uncertain. If you have any foot pain, please consult with a podiatrist. 

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Dr. Ronald K. Olm from Grand Traverse Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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