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.

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet. It thrives in warm, moist environments such as locker rooms, public showers, and sweaty shoes. This condition often begins between the toes but can spread to other parts of the foot. Common symptoms include itching, burning, and stinging sensations, along with peeling or cracking skin. Redness and scaling may also appear, sometimes accompanied by an unpleasant odor. The fungus responsible for athlete's foot is contagious and can be contracted by walking barefoot on contaminated surfaces or sharing personal items. People who wear tight footwear or keep their feet damp for long periods are more at risk. Athlete’s foot can be uncomfortable and irritating. If you have developed this foot condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat athlete’s foot, which may include prescribed medication.

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. Ronald K. Olm from Grand Traverse Foot & Ankle Center. 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:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

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:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

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 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.

Foot pain from cycling  can stem from a variety of causes, many of which are preventable. Repeated pressure on the feet, improper pedal alignment, and poor circulation often lead to discomfort such as numbness, burning sensations, or soreness. Conditions like plantar fasciitis or metatarsalgia can also be triggered or worsened by long rides. One of the most effective ways to prevent cycle-related foot pain is by wearing well-designed cycling shoes. These shoes offer necessary arch support, evenly distribute pressure, and improve pedal efficiency. Shoes that fit properly and match your riding style help maintain comfort and prevent injury. Investing in quality cycling footwear and ensuring a good bike fit are essential steps in promoting healthy, pain-free rides for cyclists of all levels. If you have persistent foot pain from cycling, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on the correct cycling shoes to wear.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, 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.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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.

An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments that support the joint are overstretched or torn, often as a result of twisting the foot awkwardly or rolling the ankle during activity. These ligaments help prevent excessive motion, and, when injured, they can lead to pain, swelling, and bruising. Some people may also notice warmth, redness, or tingling in the area, in addition to reduced movement and difficulty walking or climbing stairs. The severity of an ankle sprain can range from a minor stretch to a complete tear, and this will affect how long it takes for the ankle to recover. Symptoms may not appear immediately and can develop over several days. A podiatrist can examine your ankle to determine the extent of the injury and recommend the appropriate treatment. In some cases, surgery may be needed if the ligament has ruptured. Prompt care can also help prevent long-term problems, such as chronic instability or repeated sprains. If you have sprained an ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment as quickly as possible.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, 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 Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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.