Flint Office
1303 S. Linden Rd., Suite D
Flint, MI 48532
A podiatrist is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine who treats the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. If you are having any pain, injuries, or abnormalities in these areas, it is best that you seek help from a podiatrist.
Podiatrists complete four years of training in a podiatric medical school. Their training is like that of other physicians, and they may go on to complete a fellowship training after a residency training. Some podiatrists are board certified meaning they have advanced training, clinical experience, and have taken an exam to prove their skills. Certifying boards for podiatry are the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. Podiatrists may work in private practices, hospitals, clinics, or they may even become professors at colleges of podiatric medicine.
While in college, those who want to be podiatrists often take biology, chemistry, and physics classes in preparation for podiatry school. In podiatry school, students study how the bones, nerves, and muscles work together to help you move around. Additionally, they study injuries and how to properly diagnose and treat them. Admittance into podiatric medical school requires the completion of 90 semester hours of undergraduate study with a good grade point average, and acceptable scores on the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)
Podiatrists treat many different conditions such as: aching feet, ankle pain, bunions, corns, hammertoes, fungus, ingrown toenails, plantar fasciitis, sprains and more. Common forms of treatment for these conditions are physical therapy, drugs, or surgery. Podiatrists may also recommend corrective shoe inserts, custom-made shoes, plaster casts, and strappings to correct deformities.
Even if you are someone whose feet are in generally good condition, you should still visit a podiatrist to have your feet properly exfoliated and maintained, or to make sure you are looking after your feet properly.
Podiatrists are medical professionals specializing in diagnosing, treating, and preventing foot and ankle disorders. Their expertise covers a wide range of conditions, including bunions, heel pain, ingrown toenails, sports injuries, and diabetic foot care. Podiatrists play an important role in maintaining mobility and overall health, particularly for individuals with chronic illnesses or those engaged in physical activities. To become a podiatrist, one must complete a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, or DPM, degree, which involves four years of specialized medical education following a bachelor's degree. This training includes courses in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology, as well as clinical rotations. After obtaining their degree, podiatrists must complete a residency program, usually lasting three years, to gain hands-on experience in various settings. Podiatrists can help people by providing tailored treatments, such as orthotics, medications, and surgical interventions, to alleviate pain and improve function. Regular visits to a podiatrist can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems. If you are in need of foot or ankle care, it is suggested that you seek guidance and treatment from this type of doctor.
If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to 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.
What Is a Podiatrist?
Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.
Podiatric Treatment
A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:
A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.
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.
Corns are hard and thick areas of skin that form as a result of constant rubbing, friction, or pressure on the skin. They are patches of dead skin with a small plug toward the center. They may appear on the tops and sides of toes and can make walking painful.
Soft corns are typically thinner with a white color and rubbery texture. Soft corns tend to appear between the toes. Seed corns are another type of corn that appear in clusters and can be tender if they are on a weight-bearing part of the foot. Seed corns usually appear on the bottom of the foot and are likely caused by a blockage in sweat ducts.
While corns and calluses are somewhat similar, calluses are a bit different. Calluses are a patch of dead skin that can occur anywhere on the body. In comparison to corns, calluses are usually a bit larger in size. However, both corns and calluses are caused by increased friction on the skin.
There are some risk factors that may increase your chances of developing corns and calluses. If you have bunions, hammertoe, or a bone spur, you are more likely to develop a corn or callus on your foot.
While Corns and Calluses tend to disappear when the friction to the affected area ceases, the help of a podiatrist may be useful in the removal process. It is important to remove the dead skin around the area and this may be done in a few different ways. Moisturizing creams may be helpful in softening and removing the dead skin around the callus. You should never use razors or other pedicure equipment to remove your corns. Doing this may worsen your corn or callus and cause infection.
In some cases, corns and calluses may be caused by abnormal foot structure or walking motion. In such a case, you should seek a podiatrist’s assistance in order to correct the issue.
Corns are identified as patches of thickened skin and are a common foot problem that can cause discomfort and pain if left untreated. Understanding different types of corns can help in effectively managing and preventing them. Hard corns, the most prevalent type, typically develop on the tops and sides of toes or weight-bearing areas of the foot. These corns are compact and dense, often caused by friction or pressure from wearing ill-fitting shoes or repetitive motion. Conversely, soft corns tend to form between toes where sweat and moisture accumulate. These corns are softer in texture and can be more painful due to increased moisture levels. Finally, seed corns are tiny, discrete corns that often appear on the bottom of the foot. They are generally painless but can cause discomfort when walking. If you have a corn on your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can identify which type it is, and offer you correct treatment solutions.
If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Community Podiatry Group. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.
Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:
Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.
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.
Being a parent involves caring for your child in every way you can. You make sure they are eating the right food, being nice to others, and staying out of any trouble. However, it is also important that you are watchful of their health, more specifically their foot health. Maintaining good foot health in childhood is important in preventing later conditions in life from happening. As children continue to develop, their feet require different techniques of care. Here are some various ways in which you can help your child’s feet stay healthy.
A baby needs a lot of care and attention overall, but the importance of their feet should never be forgotten. Before a baby turns one, their feet change and develop greatly. It is important that during this time, a mother avoids putting tight socks on their child. She should also encourage movement of their feet so the baby can begin to feel more comfortable using them.
As a baby enters the toddler years of his or her life, they are begin to walk around. When your baby begins to take those first steps, it is crucial that they are wearing protective shoes on their feet. As a mother that is observant of your child’s feet, you may notice changes in them. This is completely normal as the feet are becoming susceptible to the activity of walking. It is normal for a toddler to be a bit unsteady or to “walk funny” at first.
When your child grows out of their toddler years, it is important that you begin to show him or her how to care for their feet on their own. Practice with your child proper hygiene in order to prevent foot fungus or infection. Since children are constantly on the move, it is crucial to be cautious of any accidents or injuries that might occur. If an injury occurs, it is advised that you take your child to be examined by a doctor immediately. Since your child is still growing, particular injuries can shift the way in which a bone or other important part of the foot is developing.
Babies and kids are always changing and growing. Your job as a parent is to make sure they stay healthy and making sure they are properly maintained. This involves proper foot care and making sure the feet stay healthy. Following this guide, your child can live a long and happy life.
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, or JRA, a chronic autoimmune disorder, occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, leading to joint inflammation and damage. While the exact cause remains elusive, genetic predisposition and environmental factors likely play significant roles. Children with a family history of autoimmune diseases are at higher risk, although JRA can affect anyone. Symptoms may include joint stiffness, swelling, and pain, particularly in the feet and ankles. In some cases, JRA can lead to complications like joint deformities and growth problems. Diagnosing this condition involves a thorough evaluation of symptoms, medical history, and physical exams, often supplemented with blood tests and imaging studies. If your child has foot or ankle joint pain, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can collaborate with other relevant healthcare professionals to tailor a treatment plan that can relieve pain, maintain joint function, and prevent deformities.
Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, 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.
Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...
Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.
Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.
Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.
As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’.
As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.
Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.
Be watchful for any pain or injury.
Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.
Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.
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.
Choosing the right pair of running shoes is vital for runners of all levels, as it can impact performance and prevent injuries. Understanding the different categories of running shoes can help you find the perfect fit for your needs. First, there are neutral shoes, designed for runners with normal arches who require cushioning and support. Then, stability shoes are ideal for runners with mild to moderate overpronation, providing additional support to help stabilize the foot. For those with severe overpronation or flat feet, motion control shoes offer maximum stability and control to prevent excessive inward rolling of the foot. Additionally, minimalist shoes provide a barefoot-like experience, promoting a natural running gait and strengthening foot muscles. Finally, maximalist shoes feature extra cushioning to absorb impact, making them suitable for long distance runners or those prone to joint pain. By understanding these categories and considering factors, such as foot type and running style, you can find the perfect pair of running shoes to support your fitness goals. If you have developed foot conditions from wearing the wrong type of shoes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat your specific foot ailment, and guide you on the right type of running shoes to purchase.
If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, 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.
Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type
To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.
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.
Running may seem like a simple to do. However, running is actually a complex movement that puts stress on the ligaments, bones, and joints of the body. Selecting the correct running shoe is important for increasing performance and avoiding risk of injury. Running shoes should be selected based on your foot type. Considerations such as trail versus road shoes are important. Your foot type dictates the degree of cushioning, stability and motion control you require. The most accurate way to learn your foot type is to visit a local shop that specializes in running shoes. Professionals can measure your arch type, stride and gait and help you with your shoe needs.
The design of running shoes is created around the idea of pronation. Pronation is the natural rolling movement of your ankle from the outside to inside when your foot strikes the ground. If you run properly you strike the ground on the outside of your heel and roll in the direction of your big toe before pushing off once more. Pronation is beneficial because it assists the lower half of your body in absorbing shock and storing energy. Those considered neutral runners pronate correctly and do not need running shoes that help correct their form. Neutral runners can choose from a wide variety of shoes, including barefoot or minimal types. However, those who have arch problems or who adopt an incorrect form while running may experience too much or too little pronation. They may require running shoes that offer additional support.
Those who overpronate experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling. Even while standing, those who severely overpronate display ankles that are angled inward. It is not uncommon for them to have flat feet or curved legs. The tendency to overpronate may cause many injuries. Areas that tend to become injured are the knees, ankles, and Achilles tendon. If you find that you have a tendency to overpronate, you should look at shoes that provide extra stability and motion-control. Motion-control shoes are straight and firm. Shoes of this type do not curve at the tip. The restricted flexibility along the middle of the shoe prohibits the foot from rolling too far inward as your foot strikes the ground.
A less common problem is underpronation. Underpronation, also called supination, is when the feet are unable to roll inward during landing. Those who underpronate have feet that lack flexibility and high arches. This prevents any kind of shock absorption, even though it does place less rotational stress on ankles and knees. This added force can cause fractures, ligament tears, and muscle strains because the legs are trying to compensate for the impact. Those who underpronate need shoes with more cushioning and flexibility. If you have a tendency to underpronate, selecting stability or motion-control shoes may cause you more problems by continuing to prevent pronation.
If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!
