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We'd like to welcome our newest doctor, Rory Gilhooly, DPM, to our practice starting on August 1st and accepting new patients.

Flint Office
1303 S. Linden Rd., Suite D
Flint, MI 48532

Tuesday, 04 February 2025 00:00

The foot is often overlooked in discussions about overall body health, but it plays a critical role in maintaining balance and supporting movement. As the foundation of your posture and stability, the foot must be mobile and adaptable to function properly. Good foot mobility allows for proper alignment and efficient transfer of force from the ground to the rest of the body. When the foot has the ability to adjust to different surfaces and conditions, it helps maintain balance, reducing the risk of falls and injury. Many people experience limited foot mobility due to tight muscles, poor posture, or insufficient movement, which can affect overall mobility and stability. Prioritizing foot health through exercises that improve flexibility, strength, and adaptability can significantly enhance posture, prevent discomfort, and promote better balance. If you have foot pain or concerns, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on strengthening exercises to improve balance.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Community Podiatry Group. Our doctors 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 our office located in Flint, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Biomechanics in Podiatry
Friday, 31 January 2025 00:00

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

Tuesday, 28 January 2025 00:00

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, caused by the tip of the toe leaning toward the second toe. This condition often results in pain, swelling, and redness surrounding the joint. Over time, bunions can make walking or wearing shoes uncomfortable, especially if the bump rubs against the inside of the shoe. The main cause of bunions is genetics, but they can also develop due to wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, arthritis, or abnormal foot mechanics. The pressure on the big toe joint leads to misalignment and the growth of the bony bump. Treatment options for bunions include wearing wider shoes, using bunion pads, and doing foot exercises to improve flexibility. In more severe cases, a podiatrist might recommend custom orthotics or even surgery to correct the deformity. If you have developed a bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Community Podiatry Group. 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 our office located in Flint, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Bunions
Tuesday, 21 January 2025 00:00

A broken toe occurs when the bones in the toe fracture due to trauma, such as stubbing it forcefully or dropping a heavy object on the foot. Symptoms of a broken toe include sharp, throbbing pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking or bearing weight. Severe injuries may cause the toe to appear dislocated or sit at an unnatural angle. While it can be difficult to distinguish a break from a sprain, pain localized at the fracture site and significant bruising are common signs of a break. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose the injury, often using X-rays, and provide treatment to support proper healing. This may involve stabilizing the toe through techniques like buddy taping or using specialized footwear to limit movement. In severe cases, a podiatrist may recommend surgery to realign the bones and prevent long-term complications, such as arthritis or chronic pain. If you have a broken toe, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Community Podiatry Group. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

  • Throbbing pain
  • Swelling
  • Bruising on the skin and toenail
  • The inability to move the toe
  • Toe appears crooked or disfigured
  • Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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

Read more about What to Know About a Broken Toe
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