Repeated pressure on the feet and ankles can create tiny cracks in a bone called stress fractures. They differ from breaks caused by one sudden injury. Stress fractures develop when a bone cannot recover from repeated force. Runners, dancers, and athletes who suddenly increase training face a greater risk. People who spend long hours standing or walking can also be affected. Bones weakened by low bone density are more vulnerable. Stress fractures frequently occur in weight-bearing bones of the foot and lower leg. Pain usually begins in one spot and worsens with activity. Swelling and tenderness can develop near the injured bone.

Ignoring these symptoms can allow a small crack to worsen. Patients may begin to limp or have pain during daily activities. A podiatrist will ask about exercise, work demands, and changes in activity. The examination includes checking the area for swelling, tenderness, and changes in movement. X-rays may not show a stress fracture because the crack can be too small. An MRI scan or other imaging test can provide a clearer view. The podiatrist also looks for factors that place extra stress on the bone. These include foot structure, an uneven walking pattern, or shoes that lack proper support.

Treatment protects the bone so it can heal. A podiatrist may recommend a walking boot, a stiff-soled shoe, or crutches to reduce pressure. The choice depends on the fracture's location and severity. The podiatrist can explain which activities to limit and when a return is safe. Custom orthotics may improve pressure distribution and lower the risk of injury. Surgery may be needed when a fracture is unstable, has shifted, or is not healing. Follow-up visits help track healing and guide treatment changes. Returning to exercise too soon can reopen the crack or cause a complete break. If you have symptoms of a foot or ankle stress fracture, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Harold Koehler, DPM from University Foot & Ankle and Holly Foot & Ankle Specialist. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Auburn Hills and Holly, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Toe walking means a child walks on their tiptoes without letting their heels touch the ground. It can happen some, most, or all of the time. Toe walking can be part of normal development, and many children stop doing it between ages two and seven. However, continued toe walking deserves attention, especially when it affects balance, comfort, or the way a child moves. When there is no clear medical cause, it is called idiopathic toe walking. In a small number of children, toe walking can be linked to conditions that affect the brain, nerves, or muscles. These include cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and autism spectrum disorder. A podiatrist can assess your child’s feet, legs, and walking pattern. They can also check muscle strength and flexibility to determine whether further evaluation is needed.

Frequent toe walking can be associated with tight calf muscles, which connect with the heel. Tight calves can make it harder for a child to place the heels flat on the ground when standing or walking. A podiatrist can help identify whether tight muscles, foot structure, or another concern is contributing to toe walking. This evaluation also helps determine whether the child’s walking pattern is changing or causing problems with everyday activities. Treatment options may include regular monitoring and supportive footwear.

Parents should seek professional advice when toe walking is apparent mainly on one side or if it begins suddenly after a child previously walked with their heels down. An exam also may be needed if the heels are prevented from touching the ground while standing. Attention is important when a child has stiff legs, unusual movements, or pain. A podiatrist can monitor changes in walking and recommend treatment when necessary. If your child exhibits toe walking on a regular basis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Harold Koehler, DPM of University Foot & Ankle and Holly Foot & Ankle Specialist. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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

Clubfoot is a congenital foot deformity in which one or both feet are turned inward and downward. The medical term is talipes equinovarus. The affected foot may appear smaller than expected, with the heel turned inward and the front of the foot angled toward the opposite leg. The ankle may also have limited movement. Clubfoot is usually present at birth and can be identified during a routine newborn examination. In some cases, it can be seen during a prenatal ultrasound. Although the foot may look significantly different, clubfoot is treatable, and early care can help a child develop a functional foot for walking.

The exact cause of clubfoot is not always known. It may involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors that affect the development of the muscles, tendons, and connective tissues of the foot. Having a family history of clubfoot can increase risk. Symptoms are primarily related to the foot position and stiffness rather than pain in a newborn. Without treatment, the child may eventually have difficulty placing the foot flat on the ground and developing a normal walking pattern.

The Ponseti method is a widely used treatment for clubfoot. Treatment usually begins soon after birth and involves gentle manipulation followed by a series of casts that gradually guide the foot into a more appropriate position. A podiatrist changes the cast regularly while monitoring correction. The foot is then maintained in its corrected position with a brace according to the treatment plan.

Follow-up care is important because clubfoot can return as a child grows. The podiatrist monitors foot position, flexibility, and development during follow-up visits. Parents are given instructions about brace use and are encouraged to attend scheduled appointments so changes can be identified early. If your child has clubfoot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help support healthy foot development.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Harold Koehler, DPM of University Foot & Ankle and Holly Foot & Ankle Specialist. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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

Corns on the feet are thick, hardened areas of skin that develop in response to repeated pressure and friction. They can appear on the tops or sides of the toes, between the toes, or on the bottoms of the feet. Corns can look rough, raised, and slightly yellow. Some become tender or painful when touched. Shoes that fit too tightly can create repeated rubbing that leads to corns. Standing or walking for long periods of time can also place enough pressure on certain areas to cause them.

Foot structure and the way a person walks can increase the chance of developing corns. A corn can form as the skin tries to protect itself from continued pressure, but the thickened area itself can eventually become painful. Discomfort can become more noticeable when shoes press against the corn. Corns can also return when the source of friction remains. Properly fitting shoes can help reduce pressure on sensitive areas. However, recurring or painful corns can signal a foot problem that deserves a closer evaluation.

A podiatrist can examine a corn and determine what is creating excess pressure on the affected area. Treatment can include carefully removing layers of hardened skin with sanitized instruments. Patients should not cut corns themselves because doing so can damage healthy skin and increase the risk of infection. A podiatrist can also assess foot shape and walking patterns to identify factors that contribute to repeated corns. Recommendations can include wearing properly fitting shoes, protective padding, or other methods that reduce pressure. Podiatric care is especially important when a corn keeps returning or causes significant pain. If you have developed of corns on the feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions. 

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Harold Koehler, DPM of University Foot & Ankle and Holly Foot & Ankle Specialist. Our practitioner will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our practitioner to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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