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Traverse City


(231) 922-9100

June 2022

Tuesday, 28 June 2022 00:00

What to Do About Corns on the Feet

Corns can develop on the feet below the toenail bed, between toes, on the sides of feet, or on the bottom of the feet. These can develop from wearing shoes that are too tight, from standing or walking for prolonged periods, or from a heavy body weight that constantly puts pressure on the bottom of the feet. It is important to wear properly fitting shoes and socks that do not restrict the feet. Soaking the affected foot, making sure to dry it completely and moisturize it when done can help soften the corn. One can try corn pads to pad the corn and relieve the pressure on it for a better chance of healing. If a corn does not heal with these home treatments, or if it worsens, it is suggested to see a podiatrist who can better and more safely treat a corn by scraping it, shaving it, or cutting away layers, as well as lay out a plan for required treatment and prevention.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Ronald K. Olm of Grand Traverse Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

  • Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
  • Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
  • Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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 and ankle needs.

Read more about Corns and Calluses

Cracked heels occur when the skin on the heels becomes dry, thick, or calloused. This can happen due to prolonged standing or walking, wearing open-back shoes, taking long, hot showers, using harsh soaps, wearing shoes that do not fit properly, and from dry skin in extreme climate conditions. Cracked heels can also be caused by a medical condition, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, a fungal infection, or hypothyroidism. Most cases of cracked heels are not serious. Adults and children can get cracked heels, but this condition is more apt to happen in women than men. Cracked heels can cause discomfort, especially when one is barefoot. In some instances, the cracks can become deep, bloody, and infected. Usually, cracked heels can be prevented by refraining from walking barefoot, soaking and drying the feet thoroughly, and using heel balms or thick moisturizers. However, if your cracked heels are severe or take a long time to heal, see a podiatrist who can evaluate your case and suggest an appropriate treatment plan.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, 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.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

  • Invest in a good foot cream
  • Try Using Petroleum Jelly
  • Ease up on Soaps
  • Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

  • Moisturize After Showering
  • Skip a Shower
  • Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
  • Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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.

Read more about Solutions for Cracked Heels

 

Many elderly people endure foot pain, which may impact mobility and completing daily activities. Research has shown there may be increased soft tissue stiffness in the foot, in addition to having a limited range of motion as one ages. With advanced age, the foot can lose overall strength and may become protonated as a result of reduced joint mobility. The risk of falling may increase, foot pain may develop, and it may be difficult to complete weight bearing activities. Approximately one in five people lose the ability to leave their house because of devastating foot pain. The skin may change thickness, and can add friction to the feet while walking. Recent reviews have confirmed the overall loss of elastin, which can result in thicker and dryer skin on the skin. In summation, the skin condition and foot structure may change in elderly feet, and may cause foot conditions that did not exist in their youth. If you would like more information about how the feet change as the aging process occurs, please consult with a podiatrist.

If you have any concerns 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

  • Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
  • In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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 and ankle needs.

Read more about The Importance of Biomechanics in Podiatry

If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.

The posterior tibial tendon is an important tendon in the leg. It attaches the posterior tibial muscle in the back of the calf to bones located on the inside of the foot. It helps to support the arch and foot when walking and is necessary for pointing the foot down or in, which can be frequent for runners and other athletes. Dysfunction of the posterior tibial tendon commonly occurs over time because of wear and tear, or by excessively flattening the feet and rolling inward when walking known as overpronation. A common injury many athletes may face is posterior tibial tendinopathy, which is either inflammation of the tendon (tendonitis) or gradual degeneration of the tendon (tendinosis). Pain can be felt in the back of the ankle near the inside of the foot that sometimes travels upward to the inside of the calf muscle. This pain may worsen when you lift the foot up or walk. You are encouraged to contact a podiatrist if you believe you have suffered an injury to your posterior tibial tendon. They have a variety of effective anti-inflammatory and immobilization techniques to help the tendon heal and relieve your pain.

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.

Read more about Sports Related Foot And Ankle Injuries
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