The doctors at Saginaw Valley Foot and Ankle Center are dedicated healthcare providers in Saginaw, MI specializing in the treatment of a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, including plantar fasciitis, bunions, heel spurs, ingrown toenails, foot and toe infections, and more. With a focus on personalized care, our team of experienced podiatrists offers comprehensive treatment options tailored to each patient’s needs.
Common Foot & Ankle Problems We Address
Achilles Tendon
The Achilles tendon, connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone, is essential for activities like walking, running, and jumping. Common issues include tendinitis (inflammation from overuse), tendinosis (chronic degeneration without significant inflammation), and ruptures (partial or complete tears often caused by sudden trauma). Symptoms can range from pain, stiffness, and swelling to difficulty walking or a visible gap in severe cases like a rupture.
Ankle Instability
Ankle instability is a condition where the ankle frequently “gives way,” often after repeated sprains. It occurs due to weakened or damaged ligaments, muscles, and tendons that fail to support the joint properly. Contributing factors include improper rehabilitation after injuries, muscle imbalances, or structural issues like high arches. Symptoms typically include frequent sprains, pain, swelling, and difficulty maintaining balance, especially on uneven surfaces.
Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments supporting the ankle are stretched or torn, typically due to sudden twisting or rolling of the joint. They are common in sports or activities involving quick changes in direction. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. The severity of a sprain is categorized into grades, from mild overstretching (Grade 1) to partial (Grade 2) or complete tears (Grade 3) of the ligament.
Arthritic Foot & Ankle Care
Arthritis in the foot and ankle occurs when the cartilage in the joints deteriorates, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Common types include osteoarthritis from wear and tear, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis following injuries. Symptoms often include swelling, tenderness, and difficulty walking or performing daily activities.
Athlete's Foot
Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, is a fungal infection affecting the skin of the feet, commonly between the toes. It thrives in warm, moist environments like locker rooms, pools, and sweaty footwear. Symptoms include itching, redness, peeling, and cracked or scaly skin, which may spread to the soles and toenails if untreated.
Flat Feet
Flat feet, or fallen arches, occur when the arches of the feet collapse, causing the entire sole to make contact with the ground. This condition can be present at birth or develop over time due to factors like age, injury, obesity, or pregnancy. Symptoms may include foot pain, swelling, fatigue, and difficulty standing or walking for extended periods.
Pediatric Foot Care
Pediatric foot care focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of foot and lower limb conditions in children. Children’s feet are unique because they are still developing, and issues left unaddressed during growth can lead to long-term problems. Pediatric foot care ensures that children’s feet grow properly and remain healthy, allowing them to walk, run, and play without discomfort or limitations.
Geriatric Foot Care
Geriatric foot care focuses on addressing the unique challenges older adults face with their feet, including conditions such as arthritis, poor circulation, diabetes, and changes in skin and nail health. Common issues include toenail problems, such as thickening or fungal infections, calluses, corns, and bunions. Reduced mobility and balance problems can also lead to an increased risk of falls and injuries.
Poor Circulation
Poor circulation occurs when the blood flow to certain areas of the body is reduced, often due to narrowed or blocked blood vessels. Common causes include conditions like peripheral artery disease (PAD), diabetes, obesity, smoking, or heart disease. Symptoms of poor circulation include cold or numb extremities, swelling, varicose veins, fatigue, and delayed wound healing, especially in the legs and feet.
Warts
Warts are small, benign growths on the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They often appear on the hands, feet, or face, and can be spread through direct contact with an infected person or surface. Warts may vary in appearance, ranging from flat and smooth to raised with a rough surface, and can sometimes be painful, especially on the soles of the feet (plantar warts).
Wounds
Wounds on the foot and ankle can range from minor cuts and scrapes to more serious injuries like deep lacerations, puncture wounds, or diabetic ulcers. Common causes include trauma, blisters, burns, or infections. People with underlying conditions like diabetes or poor circulation are at higher risk of developing chronic foot wounds that are slow to heal, such as diabetic foot ulcers or pressure sores.
Bunions
Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe, where it meets the foot. They occur when the big toe pushes toward the second toe, causing the joint to stick out. This misalignment leads to irritation, swelling, and pain, particularly when wearing tight shoes. Bunions can develop due to genetic factors, improper footwear, or conditions like arthritis.
Calluses
Calluses are thickened areas of skin that develop as a result of repeated friction or pressure, commonly on the feet, especially on the heels, balls, or sides of the toes. They form as a protective response to prevent damage to the skin from consistent rubbing or pressure, often caused by ill-fitting shoes or standing for long periods. Calluses can be painless or cause discomfort if they become too thick or press against other areas of the foot.
Corns
Corns are small, thickened areas of skin that develop on the feet due to friction or pressure, typically on the toes or the tops of the feet. They are similar to calluses but are usually smaller, more defined, and have a central core that can penetrate deeper into the skin, causing pain or discomfort. Corns often develop from wearing tight, ill-fitting shoes, or from abnormal foot mechanics such as misalignment of the toes.
Hammertoes
Hammertoe is a condition where one or more of the toes become bent at the middle joint, causing the toe to curl downward, resembling a hammer. This deformity can be caused by muscle imbalances, wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, or genetic factors. The condition often affects the second, third, or fourth toes and can lead to pain, discomfort, corns, calluses, and difficulty finding shoes that fit properly.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when the edge or corner of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, redness, and sometimes infection. This condition is most common on the big toe and can result from improper nail trimming, tight shoes, or trauma to the toe. People with conditions like diabetes or poor circulation may be more prone to developing ingrown toenails.
Fungus Toenails
Fungal toenail infections, also known as onychomycosis, occur when fungi invade the toenails, causing them to become discolored, thickened, brittle, and sometimes distorted. The infection often begins at the edge of the nail and can spread to the entire nail if left untreated. Risk factors include wearing damp, tight footwear, having a history of athlete’s foot, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system.
Heel Spurs & Plantar Fasciitis
Heel spurs are bony growths that develop on the underside of the heel bone, often where the plantar fascia (the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot) connects to the heel. They are commonly associated with plantar fasciitis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia. Heel spurs typically form as a result of repeated stress or strain on the foot, especially from activities like running, walking, or standing for long periods. However, not all individuals with heel spurs experience pain.
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes. It is one of the most common causes of heel pain, typically causing sharp pain in the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. The condition often results from repetitive stress, overuse, improper footwear, or obesity, which strain the plantar fascia.
Crush Injuries
Foot crush injuries occur when significant force or pressure is applied to the foot, often as a result of accidents, falls, or heavy objects landing on the foot. These injuries can cause damage to the bones, soft tissues, muscles, tendons, and blood vessels. The severity can range from mild contusions and bruising to fractures, dislocations, or even complete loss of function in extreme cases. Symptoms typically include pain, swelling, bruising, deformity, and difficulty moving the foot or toes.
Fractures / Breaks
Foot fractures or breaks occur when one or more bones in the foot are cracked or completely broken. The foot contains 26 bones, and fractures can happen in any of them due to trauma, overuse, or stress. These injuries can range from minor stress fractures to severe breaks that require medical intervention.
Diabetic Foot
Diabetic foot refers to a range of foot problems that individuals with diabetes may develop due to poor blood circulation, nerve damage (neuropathy), and compromised immune function. High blood sugar levels over time can damage blood vessels and nerves, leading to reduced sensation, slow healing of wounds, and increased risk of infections. Common diabetic foot issues include neuropathy, foot ulcers, infections, calluses, corns, and in severe cases, amputation.
Infections
Foot and toe infections can result from a variety of causes, including fungal, bacterial, or viral pathogens. Common infections include athlete’s foot (a fungal infection), ingrown toenails, and bacterial infections such as cellulitis or abscesses. People with diabetes, poor circulation, or compromised immune systems are more susceptible to foot and toe infections, as their bodies may struggle to heal wounds or fight off infections effectively.
Neuromas
Neuromas, specifically Morton’s neuroma, are benign growths of nerve tissue that typically develop between the third and fourth toes, though they can occur in other areas of the foot as well. They are caused by the thickening of nerve tissue due to irritation or pressure, often from wearing tight or high-heeled shoes, or from repetitive activities that put strain on the feet. Symptoms include sharp, burning pain, tingling, numbness, or a sensation of something being stuck in the shoe, especially when walking or standing.
Whether you’re experiencing foot or ankle pain, or simply need a consultation, Saginaw Valley Foot & Ankle is ready to assist you. You can schedule an appointment by calling us at (989) 790-4662, or filling out the online contact form. We offer flexible hours to accommodate your schedule.
Saginaw Valley Foot & Ankle Center is here to help you take the first step toward better foot health.
What our patients are saying
Our patients come from all walks of life, and their stories reflect our dedication to exceptional care. We’re proud to have made a meaningful difference in their lives through personalized treatment and genuine compassion.