Patients who have had a plantar wart are often aware of the pain and discomfort this ailment may cause. It is defined as a virus that forms a wart on the sole of the foot. It differs from a common wart that is found on the hands because it grows into the bottom of the foot. This is a result of the pressure that comes from walking and standing for most of the day. Some of the symptoms that are associated with this condition can consist of extreme pain and discomfort, and tiny black dots may form in the center of the wart. It is a contagious virus, and may live on the surfaces of public pools, locker rooms, and communal shower room floors. If you notice a small, rough area on the bottom of your foot, you may have developed a plantar wart, and it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer you the best treatment options.

Plantar warts can be extremely uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact The Foot Health Team of Dr. Peter F. Gregory, D.P.M.  Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• In office application of medication
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications
• Surgical excision

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Livonia, MI at  734-522-7676 We can care for all your foot and ankle needs. 

For Ingrown Toenail treatment in Livonia, MI:

Call (734) 522-7676 for same day appointment...Mention you may have an infection!  The Foot Health Team of Dr. Peter F. Gregory, D.P.M. is ready to help!

An ingrown nail is the result of a nail growing into the skin that surrounds it.  This usually happens in the big toe, but may happen in smaller toes too.  This is often caused by trimming the sides of your toenails too deep or from tight fitting shoes that rub against the toe.  Heredity often plays a role as well.

Ingrown nails may cause pain at the tip of the toe or all the way to the base of the toe.  The pain is worse when walking.  The ingrown toenail can get inflamed or even infected.  Infection can lead to a more serious condition and if you have Diabetes or other medical problems you need to be seen the SAME DAY.

Treatment:

While antibiotic pills and ointment may help, just trimming back the side of the nail may work but many times the toenail has grown into the skin.  The only way to remove the ingrown portion is for you to be numb.  The doctor numbs your toe, removes the ingrown nail sliver, and puts medicine in your toe to prevent the sliver from growing back.  We have a Post Op Nail Kit for you to take home which has everything you need to get better.  This Kit speeds your healing but we will schedule a follow-up visit a few days after the procedure to make sure you are healing properly.

This procedure is covered under most insurances....

For anyone that does not have health insurance special arrangements can be made.

Contact the Foot Health Team of Dr. Peter F. Gregory, D.P.M., we are here to help!

The Foot Health Team of Dr. Peter F. Gregory, D.P.M.  helps patients overcome foot issues daily. Many common foot ailments that can be a breeze to treat for some people can cause a huge pain in the foot for diabetic patients. If you have diabetes, here are a few common issues to look out for:

Foot Ulcers -- Ulcers are cracks or sores that go deep into the skin of your foot. For someone with diabetes, an ulcer can start out as a mild blister from a shoe rubbing on your toes or a small cut on your foot. Untreated ulcers can grow to become serious infections, which can need surgery.

Blisters -- For diabetic patients, blisters can become a serious concern. If left untreated, they can lead to a nasty infection. If you notice a blister forming on your foot, call your podiatrist, and never pop it open.

Neuropathy -- High levels of glucose in your body can leave the nerves in your extremities damaged, leading to a lack of sensation in your feet. This doesn’t directly cause pain, but can make it difficult to notice a blister, wound, or crack on your foot. These blemishes can be serious if left untreated.

Fungal Nails -- Circulation issues and diabetes often go hand-in-hand. This makes fungal nails more difficult to treat and potentially more problematic. If topical solutions don’t rid your toenails of fungus, your podiatrist can help prescribe a regimen of oral medication.

Athlete’s Foot -- Dry skin associated with diabetes can leave your skin more prone to bacteria. Even tiny cracks can make athlete’s foot difficult to treat for a diabetic patient. Chat with your podiatrist for a solid solution to stop this infection.

Our team is well-versed in diabetic foot care. If you are diabetic and dealing with any of the above foot ailments, or suffering from any other issues, call our office today. 

If you notice a bump on the side of your big toe, you may have what is referred to as a bunion. It may cause pain and discomfort, and it may be difficult to wear shoes that are typically worn on a weekly basis. Some of the symptoms that are generally associated with this condition can include calluses that form on top of the bunion, pain and swelling surrounding the affected area, and the skin may feel sore. Bunions have been known to be caused by wearing shoes that do not have ample room for the toes to move freely in. Additionally, there may be existing medical conditions such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis that can contribute to this condition. If you have developed a bunion, it is advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer you proper treatment options.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact the Foot Health Team of Dr. Peter F. Gregory D.P.M. at 734-522-7676.  Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Foot Health Team of Dr. Peter F. Gregory, D.P.M. at 734-522-7676.  We offer care for all of your foot care needs

Listen to Your Feet! Symptoms of Heart Disease and Other Health Conditions

If you have foot pain or other unusual sensations such as numbness in your feet or toes, or if you notice changes in the appearance of your feet, you may not be experiencing a foot-related disease or injury. Why? Because your feet are often the first place where symptoms of other health conditions can appear.

Can Feet Show Symptoms of Heart Disease?

Now is the perfect time to consider atypical symptoms that may signal heart disease.

Some of these signs of heart disease appear in the feet first! 

 • Hair loss on your toes may signal peripheral arterial disease, also known as PAD.     This condition restricts blood in the leg’s arteries which can result in heart disease. • Cold feet can also be a sign of PAD as well as thyroid dysfunction. If poor circulation has you suffering cold hands and feet, talk to your doctor.

Signs of Other Conditions that Appear in the Feet

 • A persistent wound or open sore on your foot that isn’t healing may be a sign of diabetes. An untreated ulcer on the bottom of your foot may lead to an amputation. • Peripheral neuropathy, or nerve damage beginning in the feet, is another sign of diabetes that causes numbness or a feeling of “pins and needles.”  Please come see us promptly if you have any numbness in your feet. • If you notice that a toenail has begun to change color, thicken or separate from the skin, you may have a fungal infection. Those with autoimmune diseases or individuals taking medications such as corticosteroids are at a higher risk of fungal nail infections.  • Gout is a type of arthritis and the first symptom may be a painful, enlarged big toe.    This arthritis causes excess uric acid to build up, forming a painful crystal in the joint. • Psoriasis, a common skin condition, or psoriatic arthritis can cause your toenails to look pitted or to develop horizontal lines, or to appear discolored, crumbling or     thickening.  • Chronic iron deficiency or anemia can cause your toenails to look sunken or have spoon-like indentations.  • Raynaud’s disease is a disorder of the blood vessels that cause toes and fingers to become numb and turn blue / purple when exposed to colder temperatures.

You can see that many of these diseases and conditions are serious health issues. If you experience any of these symptoms in your feet or toes, be sure to give the Foot Health Team of Dr. Peter F. Gregory, D.P.M.  a call at 734-522-7676.