Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe when the joint shifts out of alignment. They can change the way you walk, and make every step uncomfortable. Many people wonder whether shoes cause bunions. The answer is more complicated. Genetics plays a major role because some people inherit foot shapes that make bunions more likely. Still, shoes that squeeze the toes or place extra pressure on the front of the foot can speed their development and make symptoms worse. Narrow toe boxes and high heels increase stress considerably, whereas supportive shoes help reduce stress.

A podiatrist can evaluate the shape of your feet, explain why the bunion developed, and recommend treatment that fits your needs. Care includes custom orthotics, changes in shoe choices, and careful monitoring of the joint. Early evaluation also helps protect nearby toes from added pressure while walking. Your podiatrist can answer questions about footwear that lacks proper support and explain which shoe features best match your foot shape and daily activities. Prompt care can also improve comfort and mobility. 

Ignoring bunion pain can limit daily activities and affect confidence with every step. Paying attention to early changes gives your podiatrist more options to slow worsening and keep you moving more comfortably. Choosing shoes with a wide toe box, good arch support, and low heels reduces pressure on the big toe joint. If you have symptoms of bunions, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment. Early treatment can help reduce pain, improve foot function, and make everyday activities more comfortable. Prompt attention can improve comfort, protect foot function, and help you stay active with greater confidence for many years ahead without unnecessary pain each day. If you have developed a bunion, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management solutions.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Geller Foot Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, occur when the arches of the feet fail to develop properly or gradually collapse over time. In many cases, flat feet in adults originate as a structural pattern present during childhood. While some children naturally outgrow flexible flat feet as their arches form, others continue to have low or absent arches into adulthood. Without proper support or early intervention, this condition can affect body alignment, balance, and overall foot function.

Common symptoms of flat feet include pain in the arch or heel, along with swelling along the inside of the ankle. Some individuals may experience discomfort during prolonged standing or walking, while others notice uneven wear on their shoes. As the condition progresses, the lack of arch support can place increased strain on the ankles, knees, and lower back, potentially leading to additional musculoskeletal issues. Identifying these symptoms early can help reduce complications and improve long-term mobility.

The causes of flat feet often involve a combination of genetic factors, ligament laxity, and improper foot development during childhood. When the arches do not form correctly, the feet may remain overly flexible and collapse under body weight. In adults, flat feet can worsen due to tendon weakness, injury, aging, or prolonged stress on the feet. Early intervention with supportive measures, such as custom orthotics or properly fitted footwear, can help promote better alignment and reduce strain on the foot structure.

Risk factors include a family history of flat feet, occupations that involve long periods of standing, and repetitive physical activity. Wearing unsupportive shoes can further contribute to arch collapse and discomfort. Preventive care and early evaluation are especially important for children showing signs of flat feet. If you or your child have flat feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective management strategies.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Geller Foot Clinic. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

A foot wound is a break in the skin that may occur from pressure, friction, or minor injury. In people with diabetes, even a small cut can become serious because the body does not heal as efficiently. High blood sugar can damage blood vessels and reduce circulation, which limits oxygen and nutrient delivery to the tissue. This creates an environment where wounds take longer to close and are more prone to infection.

Common symptoms include redness, swelling, and delayed healing. Some patients notice bruising around the wound or a darkened area that signals tissue damage. There may also be weakness in the surrounding skin, making it more likely to break down again. A key concern is the inability to feel pain due to neuropathy, which can allow wounds to worsen without awareness. Risk factors include long-standing diabetes, poor glucose control, and improper footwear. Tight shoes can cause repeated pressure and friction that lead to skin breakdown. Neuropathy reduces sensation, while a compromised immune response makes it harder to fight infection. In some cases, bandages that are too tight or not changed properly may trap moisture and delay healing.

Proper wound care is essential for recovery. Daily self checks help detect early changes before they become severe. Keeping the wound clean, protected, and properly dressed supports healing. Offloading pressure and wearing well-fitted shoes reduce further injury. Managing blood sugar is critical for tissue repair. If you have a foot wound, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Geller Foot Clinic. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Lathrup Village, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The feet carry the body's weight with every step. For that reason, extra weight can place added stress on the bones, joints, and soft tissues. This increased pressure may change the way the feet function and lead to ongoing discomfort. People living with obesity are more likely to experience foot pain, heel pain, and problems with balance or walking. They may also have a greater risk of developing conditions like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or arthritis in the foot and ankle. These changes can make everyday activities more difficult and may reduce overall mobility. As discomfort increases, staying active often becomes more challenging, which can further affect foot health and quality of life.

A podiatrist can evaluate how extra weight is affecting the feet and identify problems before they become more severe. During an examination, the podiatrist assesses foot alignment, joint movement, and areas of increased pressure. They also look for signs of skin damage, joint changes, or tendon strain that may contribute to pain. Treatment is based on each person's needs and may include custom orthotics, supportive footwear recommendations, or other medical treatments to improve comfort and reduce stress on the feet. Regular podiatry visits also help monitor changes over time and support better foot function.

Professional foot care can play an important role in improving comfort and protecting long-term mobility. Early treatment may help reduce pain, improve walking, and prevent foot problems from becoming more serious. A podiatrist works to address the underlying cause of discomfort while helping patients maintain healthy foot function. Professional foot pain treatment and podiatry care can also support people with obesity as they work toward their overall health goals. If obesity is causing foot pain or affecting your mobility, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Geller Foot Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

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