May 2025

Many foot and ankle conditions can occur without a specific injury. These problems often result from gradual changes in foot structure, genetics, underlying health conditions, or daily habits. Common examples include bunions, hammertoes, and flat feet, which may form over time due to inherited traits or improper footwear. Plantar fasciitis and heel spurs can develop from repetitive strain or standing for long hours. Arthritis in the joints of the toes or ankles may cause stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility as part of the aging process. Nerve disorders like peripheral neuropathy and tarsal tunnel syndrome can also affect the feet, even without trauma. Circulatory issues like peripheral arterial disease may lead to foot pain, slow-healing wounds, or changes in skin color. If you notice discomfort, numbness, or changes in your feet or ankles that are not related to an injury, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a complete evaluation.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Ronald K. Olm from Grand Traverse Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

If you are struggling with daily pain from a bunion, you may wonder if having surgery is the right choice. A bunion is not just a bump on the side of the big toe. It develops when the joint at the base of the big toe shifts out of place as the tip pushes toward the other toes. This can lead to pressure, skin sores, and even affect the alignment of the second toe. Surgery is the only way to correct the position of the bones and relieve pressure caused by the bunion. A podiatrist may recommend one of several procedures, including cutting and repositioning the bones, or fusing parts of the foot to stabilize the joint. The main benefit of bunion surgery is long-term relief from pain and improved foot function. However, recovery can take weeks. Risks include swelling, stiffness, and rare complications like infection or nerve irritation. If you have a painful bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to find out if surgery is the right option for you.

If you are suffering from bunions, 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 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 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.

Ingrown toenails happen when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin. This can cause pain, redness, swelling and sometimes infection. Soaking the foot in warm water can help soften the area and reduce discomfort. Gently lifting the nail with a small piece of cotton or dental floss may guide it to grow above the skin. Wearing open-toed or roomy shoes can also ease pressure on the toe. However, trying to cut the nail yourself can make things worse. If home care does not help or the area becomes infected, a podiatrist can safely remove part of the nail. In some cases, a small procedure is done to keep the nail from growing back into the skin. If you have a painful toenail that does not improve, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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 and ankle needs.

Swollen feet can be a sign of various underlying health issues and should not be ignored. One common cause is water retention, where excess fluid builds up in the tissues due to poor circulation or kidney function. Consuming too much sodium can also cause the body to hold onto water, leading to noticeable swelling in the feet and ankles. Protein deficiency is another factor, as protein helps maintain fluid balance within the blood vessels. When levels are low, fluid can leak into surrounding tissues. Heart failure can cause swelling as the heart struggles to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid accumulation in the lower extremities. Cirrhosis, or severe liver damage, can further disrupt the body’s ability to manage fluids, contributing to persistent swelling in the feet and legs. If you notice your feet have become swollen, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine the cause and treat it accordingly.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. 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.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.