Items filtered by date: November 2023

Most children take their first steps between eight and 18 months of age. Initially, toddlers often exhibit flat feet or a tendency to turn their feet inwards due to muscle strength and ligament stiffness catching up with their overall development. This flat-footedness typically improves as the bones strengthen and the feet gain more muscle support. Additionally, some toddlers may walk with one or both feet turned inwards, known as in-toeing, which can originate from the foot, lower leg, or upper leg. In rare cases, toddlers may walk with their feet turned outwards, or out-toeing. Parents should also look for signs such as abnormally shaped toes, persistent or painful ingrown toenails, bunions, foot stiffness, limping, or a sudden change in the child's walking pattern. Other common causes of foot pain include ingrown toenails that persist, and deformities or lumps in the foot. If your child complains of pain while walking, limps, or demonstrates a significant change in their walking pattern, or if your child hasn't started walking by the age of two, a consultation with a podiatrist can help rule out potential developmental concerns. In cases of pain, limited function, or a sudden change in your child's walking pattern, it is a good idea to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough exam and diagnosis.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. Steven Sheridan of Ankle & Foot Specialty Clinics. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

Ankle sprains occur when the ankle twists or turns, particularly in an inverted position, affecting the lateral ligaments. This strain forces body weight onto the outer edge of the ankle, resulting in stretching and potential tearing of ligaments that help to hold the ankle joint together. Repeated ankle sprains can lead to ankle instability, where the ankle turns inward during physical activity. Individuals who experience chronic ankle sprains may face thickening and irritation of previously sprained ligaments, causing impingement problems and discomfort near the ankle joint's edge. A severe variant, known as a high ankle sprain, damages supportive ligaments above the ankle joint. Recovery from a recurring sprain takes at least twice as long compared to more common sprains. For that reason, prevention is key. This involves performing exercises to strengthen ankle supporting muscles, wearing appropriate footwear for specific activities, and staying mindful of uneven surfaces. Prioritizing ankle health through preventive measures, seeking prompt medical attention, and following a comprehensive rehabilitation plan, can minimize the long-term effects of ankle sprains. Strengthening exercises, wearing proper footwear, and certain ankle braces can help to reduce the risk of ankle sprains. If you have sprained an ankle, it is suggested that you make an immediate appointment with a podiatrist for treatment. 

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Dr. Steven Sheridan from Ankle & Foot Specialty Clinics. 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 are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

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

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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

One of the most common indicators of a fractured heel bone is tenderness in the area that causes pain, even with slight pressure. Swelling in the foot and ankle area is another prevalent symptom, often accompanied by visible bruising. Individuals with heel fractures usually find it impossible to bear weight on the affected foot, leading to significant mobility limitations. The diagnosis of heel bone fractures typically involves X-rays and computed tomography, or CT, scans. X-rays can provide a clear image of the injury, but in more complex cases, CT scans may be used to obtain a detailed, three dimensional view of the affected area. Non surgical treatment involves protecting the fractured area with a splint, resting the foot by avoiding weight-bearing, and using crutches. Once swelling subsides, a podiatrist may apply a cast to stabilize the fracture. Surgical intervention may be necessary when the fracture affects the joint. It is important to avoid putting any weight on the injured heel until the fracture has fully healed, which may take several months. If you believe you have fractured your heel bone, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Steven Sheridan of Ankle & Foot Specialty Clinics. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Sandusky, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A bunion, medically termed hallux valgus, is a prominent, bony protrusion at the base of the big toe. Often, the only indicator of a mild bunion is its physical manifestation. However, it can also result in discomfort, swelling, and alterations in the foot's structure. In extreme instances, surgical intervention might be necessary due to related issues. Key visual indicators of a bunion are the big toe deviating toward the other toes, forming an outward bulge on the first foot bone. Additionally, there may be a raised bony bump on the foot's exterior, tough skin under the big toe, and calluses on the adjacent toe. Over time, the foot's form may drastically change, impacting both the big toe and other foot regions, making shoe selection challenging. Resulting structural modifications can cause pain, swelling, and bursitis, which is an inflammation of the toe joint's cushioning sac. Some people may face mobility issues with their big toe, affecting their walking. While many individuals do not encounter severe problems from bunions, if left untreated, complications such as arthritis in the big toe or deformities in the adjacent toe can arise. If you have a painful bunion, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can intervene and help prevent severe complications.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Dr. Steven Sheridan of Ankle & Foot Specialty Clinics. Our doctor 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 our office located in Sandusky, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.