- Warts
- Arthritis
- Plantar FasciitisPlantar fasciitis may occur when the band of tissues that support the arch of your foot experience too much stress. These tissues can become strained from frequently performing sporting activities, thus causing inflammation and pain at the bottom of the heel.
- CryotherapyIf you have plantar warts, your podiatrist may try different treatment methods depending on your specific case. Some treatments for plantar warts are peeling medicines (salicylic acid), freezing medicines (cryotherapy), or surgical procedures. Laser treatments and vaccines are also used to treat plantar warts.
- Diabetic Foot CareDr. Heidi Christie earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Sienna Heights College in Adrian, Michigan. She received her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Christie remained in Chicago to complete her residency that was based out of Cook County Hospital. Her training focused on Podiatric Medicine, Orthopedics and Diabetic Foot Care/Limb Salvage.
- Pregnancy
- Labor and DeliveryPregnancy is a much-anticipated journey for many women, often filled with numerous physical changes, and the feet are no exception. During this transformative time, many women experience various alterations in their feet, which can be from hormonal shifts and increased weight. One common change is the flattening of the arches, caused by the hormone relaxin. This is effective in loosening the ligaments and joints in preparation for childbirth. As a result, some women may experience pain and discomfort in the feet and ankles. Swelling, also known as edema, is another prevalent issue, as the body retains more fluids during pregnancy. This can lead to a feeling of heaviness and tightness in the feet. To alleviate these symptoms, pregnant women are advised to wear comfortable and supportive footwear, elevate their feet when possible, and perform foot stretches and exercises. It's essential to prioritize foot health during pregnancy to ensure a smoother and more enjoyable journey to motherhood. It is suggested for women who are pregnant include a podiatrist in their healthcare team who can treat any foot conditions that may arise.
- Diabetes Care
- X-Rays
- Orthopedics
- Wound CareWound care is particularly important for those with diabetes. It’s possible that what appears to be a small wound could turn into more severe foot complications down the road if left untreated. It’s common for those with diabetes to experience neuropathy. Neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that affects the body and can cause you to lose feeling in the feet. If you’re no longer experiencing feeling in your feet and a wound develops, it’s very possible it may go unnoticed if you don’t check your feet daily.
- Ankle SurgeryWhen it comes to receiving foot and ankle surgery, it’s typically a case by case situation. Some factors that play a role in whether or not you need surgery include the severity of your symptoms as well as your response to other conservative, noninvasive treatment methods.
- BunionsReasons that a person may develop a bunion can vary. Some patients may form bunions due to genetic factors, complications with arthritis, or a weak foot structure. General aging can also play a role in the formation of a bunion.
- Ingrown ToenailsIngrown toenails can form when the side of a toenail begins to grow into the flesh surrounding the nail. As a result, the affected toe—most commonly the big toe—may become red, swollen, painful, and—in severe cases—infected.
- CornsCorns and calluses are hard layers of skin that usually form due to friction. Generally, they will be in areas of the foot that are bearing weight, or areas that frequently rub against the shoe. Soft corns are typically found between the toes.
- CallusesDealing with high foot arches, medically known as cavus foot or pes cavus, can present challenges and discomfort. Unlike flat feet, where the arch is too low, a cavus foot has a higher-than-normal arch. This can result in foot pain or more severe problems. The causes of cavus foot are diverse, including a genetic predisposition as well as biomechanical or neurological factors. Conditions like cerebral palsy, spina bifida, or stroke may contribute to its development, necessitating a professional diagnosis to determine the root cause. Symptoms include a conspicuous high arch while standing, inward heel tilting, and weight distribution that favors the ball of the foot and heel. Toe clenching, calluses, and pain in the top and middle foot areas during walking or standing are also common. Shoe fitting challenges and frequent ankle sprains due to imbalance also characterize high arches. Surgery is reserved for extreme cases when non-surgical remedies, such as custom orthotics, prove ineffective. If you believe that you have high foot arches that are causing problems, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment options.
- FungusThe area of the toes is generally warm and damp, unfortunately making it a great area for fungus to grow. If left untreated, the fungal infection can spread, which is why it’s so important to get professional help early on and look into your treatment options.
- LesionsIf you suspect you have plantar warts, you may have the following symptoms: pain or tenderness while walking, a lesion that interrupts the ridges in the skin of your foot, small fleshy lesions on the bottom of the foot, or a callus where a wart has grown inward over a well-defined spot on the skin.
- Sports MedicineAs with any sporting activity, it’s very important to be aware of the safety precautions needed to help avoid injury and reduce risk. With that being said, injuries of the foot and ankle are fairly common among those who actively participate in sports.
- Physical TherapyPodiatrists are medical professionals who play a vital role in foot and ankle health. Their primary focus is diagnosing, treating, and preventing various conditions related to the foot and ankle. From routine checkups to complex surgeries, a podiatrist’s responsibilities encompass a variety of tasks. Podiatrists assess patients' foot and ankle health, conduct thorough examinations, and utilize diagnostic tools to identify issues. They provide personalized treatment plans, including medication, physical therapy, orthotics, and surgical interventions when necessary. As experts in their field, podiatrists are dedicated to ensuring optimal foot health and aiding patients in maintaining mobility, comfort, and overall well-being. If you are interested in pursuing the field of podiatry as a profession, it is suggested that you speak with this type of doctor who can help you make an informed decision about this career choice.
- Flatfoot Correction
- Heel Pain
- Orthotics and Prosthetic Therapy
- General PodiatryTo ensure your convenience, below is the information you need about our podiatry office, including our hours, location, appointment scheduling and insurance acceptance.
- Achilles TendonitisThere are many different causes of heel pain, including strains or sprains, tarsal tunnel syndrome, stress fractures, Achilles tendonitis, and heel bursitis. One of the most common causes of heel pain for children and teenagers specifically is Sever’s disease. Sever’s disease can develop due to overuse or repetitive microtrauma of the heel bone's growth plates. This condition is often seen among those who are active in sporting activities.
- Ankle SprainSome sports may be considered more dangerous in terms of foot and ankle injuries compared to others. These sports may include basketball, running, football, soccer, and dancing. Sports that require tightly worn shoes as well as have a particular focus on jumping typically run a higher risk of injury. Because the feet are considered the foundation of the body, help us stay balanced, and enable us to perform our everyday activities, professional help should be sought at the first instinct of something gone wrong.
- Bunions ProblemsA bunion is a bony, painful swelling that is often formed on the first joint of the big toe. Bunions can be extremely painful due to the weight of all your body resting on it each time you take a step. Everyday activities, such as walking and wearing shoes, can cause you extreme discomfort if you have a bunion.
- Calluses
- Diabetic Foot CareMontgomery Foot Care Specialists are available to treat foot and ankle ailments such as diabetic foot care, ingrown toenails, fungal toenails, warts and painful calluses. Our practice specializes in general foot care.
- Flat Feet
- Fungus ToenailsFungal infections occur due to fungus getting through the cracks of the toes or cuts in your skin. Common signs that you may have a fungal infection include thicker than normal toenails, oddly shaped toenails, discoloration, a yellowish hue to the nail, and separation of the nail and nail bed. Fungal infections can affect anyone but are most common among men, those with diabetes or athlete’s foot, and smokers. The risk of having toenail fungus also increases as you age, if another family member has it, and if you have a weaker immune system.
- HammertoesHammertoe is a characterized by one or more of the toes having a bend in the middle joint. This occurs because of weakening of the muscle due to poorly fitted shoes or a genetically inherited trait.
- Heel SpursA heel spur is a bony protrusion that occurs on the heel. It is often confused with plantar fasciitis, which is inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament. When a heel spur is painful it can make it quite difficult to walk.
- Heel Pain
- Foot Pain
- Ingrown ToenailsTreatment for an ingrown toenail will vary on a case by case basis. One form of treatment requires lifting the ingrown nail and placing a splint or piece of cotton underneath. Another method for a more severe case would involve partially removing the nail. For cases that need extreme care, the nail itself and tissue would have to be removed.
- Foot Injuries
- Foot Neuroma
- Plantar FasciitisPlantar fasciitis affects the plantar regions of the foot, namely the heel, arch, and midfoot. When too much stress is put on the plantar fascia, or the connective tissue that stretches from the heel to the ball of your foot, inflammation, overtightening, and tearing may arise. This can cause foot pain. Because of plantar fasciitis, you may experience tearing with the first steps you take in the morning each day.
- Podiatric DeformitiesSome factors that contribute to the formation of Morton’s neuroma include wearing high heels or ill-fitting shoes that put extra pressure on your toes or the balls of your feet. There has also been a tie to the development of Morton’s neuroma and certain high-impact sporting activities. Activities you may want to avoid from participating in too frequently include both jogging and running. Too much repetitive trauma can cause a strain on the feet and increase the chances of developing a foot complication. Other sports that require the use of tightly worn shoes, such as skiing or rock climbing, may also increase your chances of getting Morton’s neuroma. Certain foot deformities can also lead to the development of Morton’s neuroma. Some of these deformities that increase the likelihood of getting this condition include bunions, hammertoes, and flat feet.
- Podiatric Surgery