Doctors specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of many body parts, and podiatrists are experts in all conditions pertaining to the foot and ankle. There are several years of education that must precede becoming a DPM, which is the abbreviation that stands for Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. After obtaining a bachelor's degree, a four-year degree from an accredited podiatry school must be received, followed by a three-year intensive training program otherwise known as a residency. After the national board certification is received, a state license is earned. Each foot has 26 bones and numerous tendons, ligaments, and muscles, and any one of these components can become injured due to an injury or a medical condition. Some of the foot ailments that take people to podiatrists include having tingling or numbing sensations in their feet or having a foot wound that does not heal. Anyone who shows interest in this type of profession is urged to contact a podiatrist who can discuss if a career in podiatry is the correct choice for them.
If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Dr. Robbi Young from Grand Haven Foot & Ankle. Our doctor 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 Grand Haven, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.
Flip-flops can be stylish, breathable, and easy to slip on, but this flimsy footwear can be harmful to the feet. Just wearing flip-flops on city streets can cause grime to coat the feet. If you develop even a small cut on your foot, bacteria can enter and cause an infection. Such an infection can enter your bloodstream and if left untreated, cause dire consequences. The feet and toes also work extra hard to keep flip-flops securely on. It is best to keep flip-flop wearing to a minimum. Sandals with a back strap are good for trips to the beach, swimming pools, and gym areas. Well-fitting closed-toed shoes are best for foot protection. If you develop problems from wearing flip-flops or want further suggestions for the best footwear for your feet, see a podiatrist who is trained in everything related to the feet and ankles.
Flip-flops can cause a lot of problems for your feet. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Robbi Young from Grand Haven Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
Flip-Flops and Feet
Flip-flops have managed to become a summer essential for a lot of people. While the shoes may be stylish and easy to slip on and off, they can be dangerous to those who wear them too often. These shoes might protect you from fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, but they can also give you foot pain and sprained ankles if you trip while wearing them.
When Are They Okay to Wear?
Flip-flops should only be worn for very short periods of time. They can help protect your feet in places that are crawling with fungi, such as gym locker rooms. Athlete’s foot and plantar warts are two common fungi that flip-flops may help protect your feet against.
Why Are They Bad for My Feet?
These shoes do not offer any arch support, so they are not ideal for everyday use. They also do not provide shock absorption or heel cushioning which can be problematic for your feet. Additionally, you may suffer from glass cuts, puncture wounds, and stubbed toes since they offer little protection for your feet.
More Reasons Why They Are Bad for Your Feet
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Grand Haven, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Sometimes, playing a particular sport can put an individual at a greater risk of developing certain foot conditions, and tennis is certainly no exception. Playing tennis can cause foot injuries because it is particularly demanding on the feet—a tennis player must be constantly stopping and starting movement. Additionally, specific kinds of tennis courts can have very hard surfaces. If you play tennis, you could potentially develop heel pain when excessively training. A common condition is known as plantar fasciitis, the inflammation of the plantar fascia in the arch of the foot. You could also develop what is known as sesamoiditis. This condition occurs when the sesamoid bones in the ball of the feet beneath the big toe joint become inflamed. Other tennis-related injuries include Achilles tendonitis, stress fractures, and ankle sprains. If you play tennis, contact a podiatrist for treatment and more information.
Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Dr. Robbi Young of Grand Haven Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries
Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:
Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Grand Haven, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is considered to be a fungal skin infection. It is generally found between the toes or on the soles of the feet. The fungus enters the body through small cracks in the skin and may develop into a chronic infection. This type of fungus lives in warm and moist environments and is contagious. Some of the places where appropriate shoes are urged to be worn are public swimming pools, shower room floors, and locker rooms. There are methods that can be implemented to help prevent the spread of athlete's foot. These include keeping the toenails trimmed and airing shoes out while alternating them every other day. It is beneficial to wear shoes and socks that are made of breathable materials, which helps to keep the feet clean and dry. Athlete’s foot generally does not heal on its own, and a podiatrist is often consulted who can provide an accurate diagnosis and offer correct treatment options.
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Dr. Robbi Young from Grand Haven Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.
What Is Athlete’s Foot?
Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.
Prevention
The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:
Symptoms
Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Grand Haven, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
