Do you wince with every step you take? Are simple activities like walking through the grocery store or playing with your children becoming increasingly difficult?
You don’t have to suffer any longer. At Michigan Foot & Ankle Specialists, we know how foot and ankle pain can impact every aspect of your life. Dr. Alexander Thomas offers both professional expertise and a personal understanding to design your podiatry treatment plan. This unique perspective allows him to provide care that addresses not only your medical needs but also considers how your condition affects your work, family responsibilities, and leisure activities.
Common Causes of Foot and Ankle Pain
Foot and ankle pain stems from numerous sources, each requiring specific approaches for effective treatment. Using state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, Dr. Thomas identifies the exact cause of your discomfort and develops customized care plans that provide real relief while preventing future problems. Here are some of the reasons for foot and ankle pain that we treat in our Dearborn office.
Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain
If you experience sharp heel pain with your first steps in the morning or after periods of rest, you may have plantar fasciitis. This common condition occurs when the thick band of tissue connecting your heel to your toes becomes inflamed.
Our treatment options include custom orthotics to provide proper support, targeted stretching exercises to improve flexibility, and advanced therapies like MLS laser treatment to reduce inflammation and promote healing. With proper care, most of our patients experience significant improvement within a few weeks.
Ankle Sprains and Instability
Whether from a sports injury or an unfortunate misstep, ankle sprains can cause lasting pain and instability if not properly treated. Michigan Foot & Ankle Specialists provides comprehensive care for acute injuries and chronic ankle instability, including:
- Proper diagnosis. Dr. Thomas uses advanced imaging techniques to assess the severity of ligament damage and rule out fractures or other complications.
- Effective treatment protocols. From bracing and physical therapy to specialized exercises that rebuild strength and proprioception in the ankle.
- Preventive strategies. Custom interventions help reduce your risk of future pain and injuries, especially important for athletes and active individuals.
Foot and Ankle Arthritis
Arthritis affects millions of Americans, with many experiencing symptoms in their feet and ankles. Dr. Thomas offers targeted treatments to manage pain and preserve joint function, including:
- Anti-inflammatory measures. Both medication and natural approaches to reduce painful swelling.
- Joint protection strategies. Custom orthotics and appropriate footwear recommendations to minimize stress on affected joints.
- Advanced pain management. This approach includes specialized injections and physical therapy to maintain mobility and reduce discomfort.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when the nail edge grows into the surrounding skin. At our Metro Detroit-area office, we offer both conservative treatment recommendations and permanent solutions such as nail avulsion to prevent recurrence. Our gentle techniques minimize discomfort during procedures so you can quickly get back to your active lifestyle in no time.
Neuromas and Nerve Conditions
These painful growths often develop between the toes, causing burning pain, numbness, or the sensation of walking on a pebble. We rely on ultrasound imaging to precisely diagnose the location and size of neuromas. Treatment options range from specialized padding and orthotics to relieve pressure to injectable treatments that can provide lasting relief.
Flat Feet
As someone who has dealt with flat feet himself, Dr. Thomas understands the impact this constant ache has on daily life. He provides comprehensive treatment including custom orthotics, appropriate footwear recommendations, and exercises to improve foot function.
Comprehensive Sports Injury Care
While it’s tempting to simply walk off the pain and apply an ice pack, athletic activities place unique demands on your feet and ankles. So it’s essential to receive specialized care for acute and overuse injuries. At Michigan Foot & Ankle Services, we’ll get to the root cause of your pain through:
- Sport-specific assessments. This includes evaluating your movement patterns and footwear needs for your particular activities.
- Gait analysis technology. Using computerized pressure mapping and video analysis, Dr. Thomas can identify subtle abnormalities in how you walk or run that might contribute to your foot and ankle pain. This precise diagnostic tool helps reveal weight distribution issues, pronation problems, and biomechanical inefficiencies that might not be apparent during a standard examination.
- Diagnostic ultrasound imaging. Unlike static X-rays, ultrasound allows Dr. Thomas to visualize soft tissue structures like tendons, ligaments, and muscles in real-time and while in motion. This dynamic imaging helps identify inflammation, tears, or other structural problems that might be causing your pain. The immediate results mean you can receive a diagnosis and begin treatment during the same appointment.
Then, we’ll work with you on targeted rehabilitation that includes custom exercise protocols to restore function and clear guidelines for resuming sports and exercise without reinjury.
Whether you’re eager to get back to training for the Detroit Marathon or need more comprehensive solutions for comfortably walking the greens at Dearborn Hills Golf Course, our detailed care helps you relieve pain now and prevent future problems.
Your Path to Pain-Free Living Starts With One Call to Michigan Foot & Ankle Specialists
Foot and ankle pain doesn't need to limit your life. With proper diagnosis, personalized treatment, and high-quality care, our dedicated, multilingual team can help you return to a full, active life.
During your initial consultation, Dr. Thomas will:
- Listen carefully to your symptoms and concerns.
- Perform a thorough examination of your feet and ankles.
- Review your medical history and activity levels.
- Use appropriate diagnostic tools to identify the exact cause of your pain.
- Discuss all available treatment options.
- Create a customized care plan focused on both immediate relief and long-term foot health.
By addressing foot and ankle pain early with appropriate care, you can avoid chronic issues, maintain mobility, and continue enjoying life without limitations. Whether you're dealing with recent pain or have been struggling for years, Michigan Foot & Ankle Specialists provide the expertise and compassionate attention you need to take that critical first step toward better health.