August 2024

Seed corns on the foot are small, painful calluses that typically develop on the sole or between the toes. This condition arises from pressure and friction, often caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes or abnormal foot mechanics. Seed corns are characterized by a small, hard central core surrounded by inflamed skin. There are different types of corns, which are hard corns that form on the tops and sides of toes, soft corns, which appear between toes and are softer due to moisture, and seed corns, which are discrete, localized areas. To manage seed corns, it is important to wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes and use protective pads. Regular foot care and avoiding activities that put excessive pressure on the feet can help prevent these painful growths. If you have developed a corn on your foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can identify what type of corn it is, and offer appropriate relief options.

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.

The talus, tibia, and fibula bones reside in the ankle and work together to facilitate movement of the foot in all directions. There are strong ligaments on the inside and outside of the ankle which bind and support these bones as well as the connection between the ankle and lower leg. When these ligaments become overly stretched or even torn during an injury, this is known as an ankle sprain. Ankle sprains are the most common form of ankle injury, and can occur when the ankle rolls outward or inward. Ankle sprains may cause pain ranging from mild to severe, swelling, decreased range of motion, and you may have limited or no ability to walk. Because improperly healed ankle sprains can lead to additional ankle sprains, chronic ankle instability, and even arthritis, it is suggested you schedule an appointment to visit a podiatrist to see if you have sprained your ankle. This type of doctor will be able to properly diagnose your condition and its severity, and treat it effectively.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, 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.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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.

Plantar fibromatosis, also known as Ledderhose disease, is a condition characterized by the formation of non-cancerous nodules in the plantar fascia, the connective tissue along the bottom of the foot. These nodules are typically firm, painless lumps but can cause discomfort and affect foot function as they grow. Common signs include a noticeable bump on the foot's arch and possible pain or pressure when walking. Diagnosing plantar fibroma involves a physical examination by a podiatrist, who will assess the size and location of the nodules. Imaging tests, such as ultrasounds or MRI scans, may be used to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the extent of the fibromas. If you have a nodule on your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat plantar fibromas.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Ronald K. Olm of Grand Traverse Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Foot stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bones that develop over time, often due to repetitive force or overuse, and are common to runners and other athletes. One of the main symptoms of a foot stress fracture is tenderness, where the injured bone feels painful to touch. Known as pinpoint pain, this can be accompanied by deep, dull pain that seems to originate from within the foot or toes. You may also experience weakness in the affected area, leading to reduced performance in daily activities. Intermittent pain is typical, intensifying during weight-bearing activities, like walking or running, and diminishing with rest. Swelling is another sign of stress fractures, usually visible on the top portion of the foot due to injury to a metatarsal bone. Changes in biomechanics, such as altered walking or running patterns to avoid pressure on the painful area, may also occur. Sharp, localized pain might be felt when putting weight on the foot, particularly in more severe injuries, and bruising may be present, causing reddish, bluish, or purplish discoloration. A podiatrist specializes in diagnosing and treating foot stress fractures, which can be difficult to detect through an X-ray alone. Digital imaging tests, such as an MRI scan may be required. If you believe you may have a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. Ronald K. Olm from Grand Traverse Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate 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 and ankle needs.