This past weekend, the Grandville Foot and Ankle team set up a booth at the Grandville Buck Creek Run. We trudged out in the early morning to fill our booth with ice packs and gatorade to support all the local runners. It was great to see our community come together to watch these runners finish and accomplish their goals. We stood in amazement watching the runners cross the finish line and were glad we could provide them with some relief and support. Of course, we thought about the health of their feet- we can’t help it, it's what we do! 

While running is great for your overall health and a good way to get outdoors, it can be particularly hard on the feet. Common issues include blistering, heel pain, achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and more! Many runners neglect their feet until there is injury or pain apparent. As a runner, it is important to take extra good care of your feet, keeping good habits and monitoring frequency for any signs of issues after a run. We want you to run comfortably and pain-free!

There are many ways to prevent injury and pain resulting from running. To begin, one of the most important preventive measures is finding supportive shoes. Not all running shoes are created equal. A good running shoe can make a world of difference and prevent many issues. To find the right shoe for you, we suggest researching brands and styles, getting your foot measured to ensure correct sizing, and going for quality over look or price. You should change out your shoes frequently depending on wear. If you notice your shoes are worn out, it's time to order a new pair. 

Another way to prevent running related foot issues is to make sure you are warming up, cooling down and stretching properly. Practicing these can prevent muscle strain and injury. There are many stretches, warm-ups and cool-downs that can help your foot, heel and ankle to keep up with you. 

Foot maintenance is also a key part of prevention. Maintenance includes cleaning your feet, drying them after the shower, trimming your toenails to the appropriate length and massaging your feet. See our blog post “Foot Care is Self Care” for more tips. 

The most important way to prevent foot pain and injury is to see a podiatrist regularly. It is recommended that frequent runners see a podiatrist at least two times a year. This way, the podiatrist can care for your feet, suggest personalized stretches, and monitor for any issues that may interfere with your ability to run comfortably. 

Make an appointment today with Dr. Stewart to make sure you are at the top of your game. She may assess your gait, explore orthotics options that best suit your needs, and address ANY concerns. Don’t wait, schedule an appointment today.

The Complexities of Deion Sanders' Foot Health:
Deion Sanders has been open about his foot-related challenges, including neuropathy on the bottom of his foot and persistent pain. These issues are often indicative of deeper health conditions. Sanders even revealed that his medical team proposed amputating his entire foot, though they decided against it for now. More recently, he has faced emergency surgery due to a blood clot, further highlighting the complexity of his health concerns. We send our well-wishes for his recovery and hope he receives the necessary support and treatment.

The Role of Podiatrists in Athletes' Foot Health:
The podiatry profession plays a vital role in addressing the foot health needs of athletes like Deion Sanders. Podiatrists are specialized healthcare professionals who focus on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of foot and ankle conditions. They possess in-depth knowledge of the biomechanics and demands placed on athletes' feet, allowing them to provide tailored care and interventions.
In Sanders' case, the attention to his foot health goes beyond addressing immediate concerns. It involves understanding the underlying factors contributing to his condition, such as neuropathy, vascular disease and pain management. 

The Importance of Foot Health in Athletes:
While Sanders is retired from playing in the NFL, it is important to understand that athletes need podiatric care. Athletes rely heavily on their feet for performance, making foot-related problems a significant hindrance. Neglected foot problems can not only impact their ability to compete but also affect their overall well-being and longevity in their respective sports. By prioritizing foot health, athletes can enhance their performance, prevent injuries, and maintain their physical well-being. Regular visits to a podiatrist, appropriate footwear, customized orthotics, and targeted strengthening exercises can contribute to the prevention of foot-related problems and the optimization of athletic performance.

Deion Sanders' ongoing struggles with foot health highlight the significance of specialized foot care. Sanders' case reminds us that foot iproblems can be symptoms of deeper health conditions and emphasizes the need for comprehensive foot health management. 

Schedule with us: 
If you are experiencing similar foot concerns, seeking professional help is crucial. Let Deion Sanders' journey serve as a call to action to prioritize foot health and support those facing podiatry concerns. Schedule an appointment today with us to ensure a specialist gives you the care you deserve. 
 

The transition into summer weather is an exciting time. As temperatures rise, you may find yourself spending more and more time doing outdoor activities. While this is great, it is important that you go into the season knowing all you can about podiatrist approved summer footgear to avoid any pain or trouble. You do not have to sacrifice style for comfort, live the best of both worlds with our top summer do's and don'ts! 

• Don’t: Wear flip flops
  • This summer favorite is not all it's cracked up to be. While these easy to slip on shoes may be enticing with their breathable wear, they are not supportive with a flat and thin design. You may have firsthand experience with the pain of walking long distances in these shoes. Skip the discomfort this summer. 
• Do: Swap these out
  • Ditch the flip-flops for comfort and support. There are many stylish supportive sandal options that will give you the same amount of breathability and ease of slipping on. We recommend looking for soles that have good arch and heel support. 

• Don’t: Walk barefoot outside
  • As much as you can, try to avoid walking barefoot outdoors. While it's tempting to forget shoes in the summer, foot infections and injuries are more likely to occur walking barefoot. 
• Do: Protect your feet
  • When you walk out the door, don't forget to skip the danger and slip on your favorite pair of supportive, breathable summer shoes. 

• Don’t: Give little thought to the structure of your summer shoe
  • The vast styles and options in shoe stores can be intimidating and overwhelming. Keep in mind, many foot problems stem from repeated use of unsupportive footgear. This season when you walk into the shoe store to get new summer kicks, look for support and hardy soles. 
• Do: Test out the structure and invest in good foot health 
  • A good test to see if your new summer shoes are podiatrist approved is to try to fold the shoe in half. If it folds, try again! Supportive shoes will stand the test. 

If you find yourself struggling with foot problems and pain, contact us! We’ll get your feet ready to enjoy the summer. 

Whether it's playing outside, competing in sports, or running around the house, children are often on their feet more than anyone. Since their feet are developing, it is important that they receive good care. Problems can occur developmentally as well as hygienically. At Grandville Foot and Ankle, we provide thoughtful foot care to children and teens. We strive to keep parents “in the know” about pediatric foot and ankle related issues so that they can have peace of mind. We decided to formulate the following list of pediatric foot care tips so that your family is informed! 

Here are our top tips for pediatric foot care: 

• Frequently change your child’s footwear. 
  • We all know that children’s feet grow quickly, it is important not to put off making sizing changes. The shoe should fit comfortably, if they are too small it can cause discomfort and ingrown toenails. 
  • Foot wear should vary based on activity. Make sure your child has supportive shoes for sports and other physically intense activities. This is preventative for injury and comfort.
  • Most children are hard on their feet and more active than the average adult, so replacing shoegear several times per year is recommended.

• Be on the lookout for any abnormalities or pain 
  • It is often hard for children to express their sources or levels of pain. Some signs of foot pain to look for are limping, asking to be picked up often, and change in activity habits. That's why we are here to help decipher the issue at hand. When you come in to visit us, we will get to the bottom of you or your child’s concerns. 

• Make sure they wear shoes outdoors
  • While it's fun to go barefoot outside, it oftentimes may result in conditions such as plantar warts, splinters, and cuts. 

• Clean your child’s feet frequently 
  • Teaching your child how to wash and look after their feet is a great life skill! Simply wash with soap and water and make sure that the foot is completely dry afterwards in order to avoid any potential fungal infection. 

• Trim their toenails when needed 
  • Trimming nails when needed and straight across can help prevent any ingrown toenails. It is also recommended that an adult cuts the child’s nails at least until age ten. 

We know that caring for your child is always top of mind. We are happy to help with any foot or ankle concerns that you may have. Visit our appointment page to book a visit now! 

Self care is a popular buzzword these days. People are realizing that when you make taking care of yourself a priority, life flows better. There is an old saying that you cannot fill other people’s cup if yours is empty. In our daily lives, our feet do a lot of work to keep us up and at it. Taking time to treat yourself with footcare can help ease this stress put on your feet and it's a great way to give yourself some self care. At Grandville Foot and Ankle, we are patient centered. We want to help you on your journey into self care, starting with your feet. Aside from the treatment we provide for any

• Change out your socks 
  • Dirt, sweat, and bacteria can build up on your socks throughout the day. It is important to wear a new pair of socks everyday to avoid any infection or odor. 
  • If your feet sweat a lot, then you may need to change out your socks more often than once a day. Foot powders in our office can help and keep moisture down.
• Do a foot soak
  • There are so many great products out there for a relaxing foot soak! Treat yourself to a spa-like experience at home.
  • We have great antibacterial and antifungal foot soak treatments that also help with dry skin and athlete’s foot.
• Wear comfortable footwear
  • Wearing the proper footwear can be life changing. Look for shoes that have solid soles and wide toe boxes for your toes for maximum benefits. 
  • If you are looking for a great place to buy shoes, stop in our office for some recommendations and shoe coupons to local stores!
• Make sure your feet are washed and moisturized
  • Your feet should ideally be washed everyday, especially in the summer when you are outdoors. Moisturizing is an extra step that can boost the skin health of your feet. 
  • We have several different options for foot-specific creams that help with several different problems including calluses, dry skin, skin cracking, and athlete’s foot.
• Wear orthotics 
  • Orthotics are a great way to ease stress on your foot. They increase comfort and may help improve any foot problems you experience. We recommend getting a pair for your feet at our office (your feet will thank you)! Make an appointment today with us to get casted for your perfect and unique pair that fits your lifestyle. 
• Massage and heal
  • Foot massages and laser therapy can help increase blood flow and energy into the feet. Laser therapy can also help repair tissue and reduce inflammation after a long day at work or after injuries. Our office has several different packages to choose from. 

Chris Pratt is a famous actor that is featured in many well-known movies including Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World. Recently, he stirred up the internet by posting a picture of his case of toenail fungus to his 4 million Instagram followers. He made light of his condition, captioning it, “Met Gala look.” It received many likes and comments. While he expressed humor in the situation, it is important to take toenail fungus seriously and see a doctor to help get the guidance one needs for treatment. One commenter remarked, “You need the guardians of podiatry ''. We agree! Others commented giving him advice and shared their own stories of toenail fungus. Toenail fungus, also known as, “onychomycosis” is not uncommon . In fact, it affects around 14% of the population. Many times it may result from foot trauma or other issues such as athlete’s foot. 

“You Need the Guardians of Podiatry” 

We hope that Chris Pratt gets the podiatric treatment he needs. Toenail fungus does not typically go away on its own. If you are experiencing toenail fungus, it is important to get it treated as early as possible. If it is left untreated, the nails may split, become discolored and may eventually grow thicker making it impossible to trim yourself. This thickness may also cause discomfort in footwear and with walking. In Chris’ picture we see an example of this discoloration and thickening of the nail.  

Seeking Medical Attention 

If you are experiencing toenail fungus, like Chris, there are several routes of treatment that we offer here at Grandville Foot and Ankle. Over-the-counter treatments work sometimes less than 30% of the time so it is important to have other options and better treatments to increase your chances for recovery. These include oral and better topical medications, as well as laser therapy. A biopsy often can help us further customize your treatment and better judge which treatment may work best for your nail changes. Book an appointment today to discuss your options and get the care you deserve. 

Expressing gratitude towards your feet can be a simple and meaningful way to appreciate them. Here are a few ways to thank your feet:

1. Take a few moments to acknowledge the hard work that your feet do every day, and the essential role they play in your mobility and daily life.

2. Give your feet a rest when you can, by taking a break from standing or walking, and propping them up when you're sitting.

3. Pamper your feet with a foot massage, warm bath, or safe and clean pedicure.

4. Treat your feet to comfortable and supportive shoes, and avoid wearing high heels or other shoes that may cause discomfort or pain.

5. Stretch your feet and toes regularly to keep them flexible and limber.

6. Speak kindly to your feet and offer positive affirmations, such as "thank you for carrying me through the day" or "you are strong and resilient". 

7. Practice good foot hygiene by keeping your feet clean and dry, and taking care of any issues promptly.

8. Give your feet some extra love and support with orthotic shoe inserts.

Dress Orthotic Inserts are on Sale Through February 2023 at Grandville Foot and Ankle

If you're looking for a way to give your feet some extra love and support, consider treating them to a pair of dress orthotics. These specially designed orthotic inserts are made to fit into your dress shoes, providing cushioning, arch support, and other benefits to help improve your foot health and comfort.

Orthotics can be particularly helpful if you spend a lot of time on your feet, suffer from foot pain or discomfort, or have any underlying foot conditions that require extra support. By providing extra cushioning and support, orthotics can help reduce pressure on your feet and improve your overall foot alignment.

If you're interested in trying dress orthotics, be sure to consult with our staff at Grandville Foot and Ankle. We can help you find the right type of orthotics for your needs and ensure that they fit properly and provide the right level of support. With the right pair of orthotics, you can give your feet the care and support they deserve, and enjoy greater comfort and mobility throughout your day.

Love Your Feet

Remember, showing love and appreciation for your feet is not only a way to feel good, but also a way to maintain good foot health and prevent foot problems. By taking care of your feet on a regular basis, you can prevent many common foot problems and enjoy a more active and comfortable lifestyle. However, if you experience any persistent foot pain or discomfort, it's important to call Dr. Sarah Stewart at Grandville Foot and Ankle for an evaluation. Dr. Stewart can provide expert care and advice to help you address any issues and maintain healthy, happy feet for years to come. Remember, loving your feet is an ongoing practice, and it's never too late to start.

Request an Appointment Today

Grandville Foot and Ankle serves patients from Grandville, Jenison, Hudsonville, Georgetown, Zeeland, Grand Rapids, Caledonia, Kentwood, Lowell, and throughout Michigan. Contact us to schedule your appointment with Dr. Sarah Stewart.

Leaving your foot and leg wounds open poses further risk since they are closer to the ground that normally harbors these bugs than some other areas of the body. For example, when you shower, all that bacteria washes right off your body and onto your feet! Another example would be when you are running errands all day in open-toed shoes and your open wound is exposed to pollen that can carry these bugs. No matter what scenario, your wound is always at risk for increased infection when open! Also, the oxygen and good nutrients to help heal your wound usually comes from inside the body and through your bloodstream, not outside of it. This is why we recommend always covering them up with quality wound products and letting your body get to work on trying to heal your wounds.

Would you like to learn more about the wound products we carry in our office?

Give us a call today at 616-534-3920!

Grandville Foot and Ankle serves patients from Grandville, Jenison, Hudsonville, Georgetown, Zeeland, Grand Rapids, Caledonia, Kentwood, Lowell, and throughout Michigan. 
 

1.) I can only have one bug infecting my wound.

False, a lot of wounds are what we call polymicrobial (poly=several, microbial=bugs).

2.) If I take an old antibiotic I have on the back of my shelf it will help me prevent an infection.

False, antibiotics are targeted to certain bugs in your wound and some are ineffective or resistant to certain medications. Also, if the antibiotic is expired, it may not be as effective as one that is current.

3.) Redness, streaking, pus, bad odor are all signs of infection.

True. This is a sign that you  need to call your doctor immediately and get medical attention fast.

4.) Wounds may take months to heal.

True. Depending on several factors that affect wounds, they could take several months to heal. 

Chronic wounds can linger for weeks, even months, and in many cases don’t heal without medical intervention. Read more about the four big reasons your wound may not be healing.

Grandville Foot and Ankle serves patients from Grandville, Jenison, Hudsonville, Georgetown, Zeeland, Grand Rapids, Caledonia, Kentwood, Lowell, and throughout Michigan. Contact us to schedule your appointment with Dr. Sarah Stewart.

1. Bugs

Bacteria, virus, parasite, fungus! All these bugs contribute to an environment around a wound that prevents it from healing. These organisms can sometimes thrive in a wound and then bugs reproduce. Bugs also are usually the reason why people start seeing white and green pus, redness and streaking around a wound, and an awful odor. This is them surviving and thriving on your wound and also why your wound cannot heal because it lacks that “healthy” base.

2. Blood Flow

Wounds require a rich nutrient base to heal which includes good blood flow that brings healthy proteins which are the building blocks for new tissue and oxygen which travels in the bloodstream. If there is not adequate blood flow, then the process of healing is delayed and in some cases can lead to tissue death.

3. Pressure

Usually the first steps to a wound is tissue breakdown which is often caused by abnormal pressures on an area. Frictional forces and pressures over areas that are prominent (toes, arches, balls of feet, heels) leads to an environment that lacks adequate oxygen and can cause small sores that eventually can lead to large wounds.

4. Neuropathy

Feeling our feet and feeling pain is usually the first sign to us that tells us something is wrong. When people cannot feel their feet then there becomes a concern that they may not feel wounds and sores. Neuropathy can be caused by many things including systemic diseases such as diabetes, chemotherapy, aging, medications, back problems, and so many more. Neuropathy may lead to a delay in treatment and a worsening wound over time due to not knowing one has a wound to begin with.

If you’re concerned about a wound or sore on your foot, ankle, or leg, please don’t hesitate to make an appointment with our podiatrist. 

Request an Appointment Today

Grandville Foot and Ankle serves patients from Grandville, Jenison, Hudsonville, Georgetown, Zeeland, Grand Rapids, Caledonia, Kentwood, Lowell, and throughout Michigan. Contact us to schedule your appointment with Dr. Sarah Stewart.

If you’re training for a marathon, of course you’d be running a couple times a week or more to build your fitness and mileage. For a fun run, such as the Visser Family YMCA Buck Creek 5K,  you can start training about four to eight weeks before the race. If you’re walking, daily walks will help improve your fitness prior to the race.

Wear supportive shoes

The right shoes for your feet are very important. Getting fit by a professional is key. You can visit Grandville Foot and Ankle for assistance on selecting the proper footwear for your feet.  We provide coupons to West Michigan's Premier Running Store, Striders. When shopping for shoes, it should be done near the end of the day, as your feet are at their largest. Choose a shoe with a toe box adapted to the shape of your feet, wide enough to avoid friction, and long enough to avoid friction while running downhill. Once purchased, you will need to “break” in your new shoes, which means using them in training for several days to ensure that all is well.

Socks

Avoid wearing socks made from synthetic material such as polyester or acrylic.  Instead, wear socks made from 100% cotton or merino wool.

Orthotics

Custom Orthotics not only provide support and cushioning exactly where you need it, but they can actually work to correct or manage common podiatric problems. At Grandville Foot and Ankle, we provide a thorough assessment before any orthotic recommendation. This assessment includes:

Biomechanical Assessment: Patients are fully assessed to record range of movement, gait and function.

Pathological Assessment: Underlying pathology causing foot abnormalities are be evaluated.

Footwear Analysis: Patient footwear is evaluated and recommendations are made for shoes that provide support and when necessary, a wider toe box to allow mobility for deformed feet.

It is key to bring your orthotic along when shopping for new shoes to determine the best fit.

Foot Exam

All feet react differently when it comes to friction. If you are dealing with bunions, claw foot, or a bony outgrowth, you will have more problems with friction than others. In order to prevent these distinctive features from causing pain and/or injuries during a race, it is important to identify them while you are preparing for your event and remedy the problem as soon as possible. 

If you’re experiencing any discomfort or pain in your feet, toes or ankles make sure you visit your podiatrist to have your feet checked. Grandville Foot and Ankle will provide a free foot exam to those who are signed up for the 2022 Buck Creek Run. Use the code BuckCreekRun when describing the nature of your appointment while filling out an appointment request. Our podiatrist, Dr. Stewart can also give you tips and advice on how to protect your feet during the run.

Sign Up To Run!

Visser Family YMCA Buck Creek Run

Use the code BCRankle5off for $5 off the 5k registration fee.

Maryanne Claims to Lose Toenails Annually

For those of you who like to watch Survivor on CBS on Wednesdays, you probably found it entertaining when everyone started talking about Maryanne’s toenails. Maryanne discussed how she frequently loses her toenails annually. As if we could not imagine what her toenails looked like, the camera then zoomed in on her toes to show us. Everyone seemed to be surprised and as Drea said, "I am so confused," and as Lindsay said, "...it is not normal to lose your toenails like that." We love that even on Survivor, people have time to talk about and look at their toes! 

Losing a Toenail is Not Normal

As interesting as that was to us here at Grandville Foot and Ankle, we must agree with Lindsay when we say, "losing toenails annually is not normal." When toenails are traumatized or diseased, this can cause splitting (onycholysis), thickening, and discoloration. When there is enough damage to the nail plates, sometimes nails can even fall off or become loose not only underneath the nail, but also at the cuticle area. At times, a new nail can grow underneath an old nail where someone may notice layering of the toenail or ridges beginning as the nail grows out.

Seeking Medical Attention

Sometimes these nails may correct themselves, however sometimes they may not. It is important to notice these changes right away and to get medical attention by a podiatrist like Dr. Sarah Stewart. There are several options for testing the nail to discover the reasons why you may be noticing nail changes and several options for treatments for improvement! Do not wait when you notice these changes! Get seen by a podiatrist.