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Adjusting to Life with an Ostomy

After ostomy surgery, it is natural to need time to adjust. An ostomy creates a new way for waste to leave the body, but it does not have to limit your lifestyle. Caring for the stoma, or opening in the abdomen, and the surrounding skin becomes part of your daily habits, with many people finding comfort in developing a simple care routine. Over time, activities like working, exercising, and socializing often feel more natural. Support from an ostomy specialist, along with community resources, can ease the learning process and offer reassurance along the way. Simple products are available to help protect your skin and manage your ostomy comfortably. If concerns arise or irritation develops, it is suggested you meet with an ostomy specialist to receive support tailored to your needs. With the right care, living well with an ostomy is entirely possible.

Ostomy Care and Support Services
Living with an ostomy can feel overwhelming, but with the right care and guidance, patients can regain comfort, confidence, and control in their lives. Our practice is dedicated to supporting individuals at every stage of their ostomy journey. Whether the surgery is new or long behind you, our specialists focus on helping you adapt comfortably and address any challenges that arise.
An ostomy is a surgically created opening that allows waste to leave the body through the abdomen. This can be necessary after certain medical conditions or surgeries involving the digestive or urinary system. Colostomy, ileostomy, and urostomy are common types of ostomies. Each requires specific care and attention, and our experienced team is skilled in managing all types.
Our specialist provides personalized care plans, beginning with detailed education on how to care for your stoma, or opening to the waste system, managing your pouching system, and protecting the surrounding skin. We also offer troubleshooting assistance for common issues such as leakage, skin irritation, and improper fit of appliances. Helping you achieve a secure and comfortable fit is one of our top priorities, as it can significantly impact your quality of life.
In addition to hands-on care, we believe education is empowering. Our team takes time to explain changes to your body, guide you through product options, and address emotional concerns with compassion. We understand that living with an ostomy is not only a physical adjustment but also an emotional one, and we are here to provide both clinical and personal support.
We work closely with your other possible healthcare providers to ensure seamless coordination of your care. From helping with pouching supplies to teaching skin protection techniques, our team is committed to helping you feel more at ease in your daily life.
Learn more about this procedure today. Our caring specialists are ready to help you navigate this journey with confidence and dignity.
What complications can occur with an ostomy?
Skin irritation, leakage, and stoma blockage are common concerns that may require medical attention or changes in pouching techniques.

Can you live a normal life with an ostomy?
Most people return to work, exercise, and travel after surgery, although adjustments in diet and pouch management are often necessary.

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 care needs.

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Gout Pain Can Be Managed

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

When the Big Toe Is Pushed Beyond Its Limit

Turf toe occurs when the big toe bends too far upward, stretching or tearing the soft tissues that support the joint. This injury is common in activities that involve sudden stops, quick direction changes, or forceful push offs, especially on firm surfaces. The toe may become painful, swollen, or stiff, and many people notice discomfort when trying to lift off during walking or running. In some cases, the joint feels unstable or weak, making it difficult to move with confidence. Early care helps prevent the injury from worsening and supports a smoother recovery. Resting the toe, avoiding movements that cause pain, and choosing shoes with a stiff sole can reduce stress on the joint. If you experience swelling, tenderness, or difficulty bending the big toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for proper guidance.

Toe pain can 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.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Trauma
  • Sports injury
  • Wearing shoes that are too tight
  • Arthritis
  • Gout
  • Corns and calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Blisters
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Sprains
  • Fractures (broken bones)
  • Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

  • Severe pain
  • Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
  • Signs of infection
  • Continued swelling
  • Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please 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.

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Understanding Hairline Fractures in the Foot

A hairline fracture is a very small break in a bone that can cause significant discomfort, even though it may not be obvious at first. Many people notice a gradual increase in pain during walking or standing, especially after repetitive activity. Swelling, tenderness, and mild bruising may appear, and the discomfort often improves with rest but quickly returns with movement. These tiny cracks commonly develop from overuse, wearing improper footwear, or sudden increases in activity levels. Without early attention, the injury can worsen and interfere with mobility. Recognizing the signs promptly helps protect long-term foot health and supports a smoother recovery. If you notice persistent soreness, swelling, or pain that intensifies with activity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, 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 Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

  • Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
  • Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
  • Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
  • Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
  • Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions please 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.

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What You Should Know About Hammertoes

A hammertoe develops when one of the smaller toes bends abnormally at the middle joint, creating a raised knuckle and a curled tip. This change often begins subtly, but becomes more noticeable over time as the tendon imbalance increases. Many people first notice rubbing on the top of the toe, difficulty finding comfortable shoes, or soreness that worsens with activity. Corns, calluses, and irritation from wearing tight footwear can make the condition even more uncomfortable. Hammertoes form for several reasons, including genetics, foot structure, arthritis, and shoes that squeeze the toes or force them into a bent position. Early attention can help keep the toe flexible and reduce pain with supportive footwear, gentle stretching, and cushioning. Long-standing or rigid hammertoes may require medical treatment to restore comfort and function. If you experience ongoing toe pain, rubbing, or difficulty fitting into shoes, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for evaluation and appropriate care.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Ronald K. Olm from Grand Traverse Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

  • Pain in the affected toes
  • Development of corns or calluses due to friction
  • Inflammation
  • Redness
  • Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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 care needs.

Read more about What Are Hammertoes?
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