The feet and ankles are made up of many moving parts that work together to support your body. When muscles, joints, or connective tissues are strained or injured, pain and limited movement often follow. Conditions such as joint wear, strained tendons, or soft tissue injuries can develop from overuse, misalignment, or previous trauma. These problems may cause swelling, stiffness, or difficulty standing and walking comfortably. A complete evaluation, which may include movement testing or imaging, helps identify the exact source of discomfort. Care plans are often tailored and may involve supportive inserts, specific exercises, or bracing. If pain does not improve, further options such as guided injections or surgery may be discussed. Addressing the issue early may help avoid worsening symptoms or additional strain on other areas. If your foot or ankle is causing persistent pain or limiting your activity, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with one of our podiatrists from Westland Foot & Ankle Specialists, P.C.. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Muscle strains
• Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
• Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

• Bruising
• Inflammation/ Swelling
• Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Westland, MI. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pain in the ball of the foot, known medically as metatarsalgia, often arises from activities such as running, wearing tightly fitted or high‑heeled shoes, or a natural foot shape that places extra pressure on the forefoot. The ball of the foot becomes sore, swollen, bruised, or burning. It can feel as though a pebble is under your foot. Metatarsalgia also may be caused by a sprain, bursitis, arthritis, nerve irritation or a developing bunion. Persistent or worsening symptoms call for evaluation by a podiatrist, who can examine foot structure, toe alignment, gait mechanics, and weight distribution across the forefoot. A podiatrist might recommend custom orthotic inserts, advise on supportive footwear, or, if structural abnormalities are advanced, recommend surgery to address underlying bone, joint, or soft tissue issues. By identifying the precise cause of the pain in the ball of the foot, a podiatrist can design a practical plan to alleviate pain and improve function. If you are experiencing such symptoms, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate care.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Westland Foot & Ankle Specialists, P.C.. Our doctors 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 our office located in Westland, MI. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Bunions and gout both affect the big toe but differ in cause and presentation. A bunion is a structural deformity at the base of the big toe, leading to a bony bump, joint stiffness, and pain during walking. It is often caused by genetics, poor footwear, or foot mechanics. Gout, in contrast, is a type of arthritis caused by excess uric acid, leading to sudden, intense pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the big toe joint. While bunions develop gradually, gout often presents as a flare-up. A podiatrist can identify either condition through examination and imaging, offering personalized treatment. If you are experiencing big toe pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose the cause and offer effective treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Westland Foot & Ankle Specialists, P.C.. Our doctors 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 feel free to contact our office located in Westland, MI. . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Achilles tendon injuries involve damage to the strong band of tissue that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. These injuries are often caused by overuse, sudden increases in activity, or tight calf muscles. Risk factors include poor footwear, flat feet, and inadequate stretching. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, stiffness, or a feeling of weakness in the back of the ankle. Types of Achilles injuries include inflammation of the tissue surrounding the tendon and degeneration of the tendon itself. A podiatrist can provide targeted treatment through custom-made orthotics and preventive education. If you experience persistent Achilles pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat this condition.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Westland Foot & Ankle Specialists, P.C.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Westland, MI. . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.