Foot and toe conditions

Hallux valgus, better known as Bunion deformity, is an abnormal shape of the foot that can cause significant pain and dysfunction. A person who has a bunion may notice that the big toe points towards the second toe while a new prominence is present at the inner part of your forefoot. This may become painful and tender to touch. Shoe wear may become difficult and walking may become painful. With advanced bunions, the big toe may start to crowd out the smaller toes, causing them to elevate and form a hammertoe 

There are numerous nonsurgical treatments available for bunion deformities that your Spectrum Health Foot and Ankle provider can guide you through. When these fail, surgical treatment may be an option. 

If nonsurgical treatment fails, Spectrum Health surgeons offer an exciting newer technique called minimally invasive surgery. Minimally invasive surgery offers bunion correction using small, keyhole incisions to correct the problem. This minimally invasive technique allows for smaller incisions, less soft tissue disruption, less swelling, quicker healing times and quicker return to normal activities.  Not all patients are candidates, however. You should ask your Spectrum Health provider if these minimally invasive techniques are right for you.

Sports injuries are no longer just for the young. These days, people are staying active and athletic for a longer part of their lives. Sports injuries typically involve tendons, ligaments or cartilage, but can also include injury to bone. 

At Spectrum Health, our Foot & Ankle Surgeons treat athletes of all ages, working to restore strength, balance and stability. 

Common Foot and Ankle sports injuries include: 

• Achilles tendon tears 
• Peroneal tendon tears 
• Ankle ligament tears 
• Cartilage damage or defects

Arthritis is a broad term for conditions that cause cartilage (smooth gliding surface) in a joint to break down. This leads to pain and stiffness. Arthritis can be related to a single large prior injury, chronic repetitive small injuries, inflammatory or autoimmune processes or alignment issues. 

Common joints affected: 

• Ankle 
• Subtalar joint 
• Midfoot 
• Great toe joint (Hallux Rigidus) 

If you have pain, swelling or stiffness in your foot or ankle, you may have arthritis. There are many nonsurgical treatment options available including modifying shoe wear, activity modification, oral pain relieving medications, orthotic inserts, braces, physical therapy and steroid injections.  When nonsurgical treatments fail, surgery can be offered to treat the arthritic pain. 

Our providers will evaluate your foot or ankle with X-Rays conveniently performed at the office. After a thorough examination, you will then discuss options for treating arthritis and formulate a plan that will improve your pain and quality of life.

Flatfoot deformity is relatively common. In this condition, the foot has lost its normal arch and sits flush to the ground. Pain can develop in many locations around the foot or ankle and no two patients are exactly alike. There are numerous nonsurgical treatments available. A Spectrum Health Foot and Ankle surgeon can guide you through the treatment options including arch supports, bracing, physical therapy, activity modification and occasionally oral medications. When pain and dysfunction persists despite nonsurgical treatment, surgery can be performed to reshape the foot.

If you have painful flatfeet, make an appointment with a Spectrum Health Foot and Ankle specialist to improve your pain and function.

Hammertoe deformities are common and can be a nuisance. They result from an imbalance of soft tissues surrounding the toes. They are often the result of past injury or poorly fitting shoes. Shoe modifications and othotic devices can help alleviate pain. Spectrum Health Foot and Ankle surgeons are experts in nonsurgical care of hammertoe deformities. 

Occasionally, hammertoe deformities progress and are painful despite nonsurgical care. Surgery can then be offered to correct the hammertoe deformity. 

Schedule your appointment with a Spectrum Health Foot and Ankle specialist to discuss your toe pain.

Unexpected Injuries can happen at any time. If you have fractured a bone in your foot or ankle, it is important to have the injury evaluated by a Foot and Ankle surgeon quickly so that treatment can begin as soon as possible. With our team of highly trained Foot and Ankle specialists, you can schedule an appointment to start your treatment. 

During your visit, X-Rays will be evaluated to determine the right treatment strategy. 

Some fractures are stable and will recover quickly with minimal intervention other than bracing and activity modification. Some fracture patterns, however, require surgery to stabilize the injured bones while they heal. When this is the case, Spectrum Health Surgeons are able to provide complete care to get you back to full health.