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HomeWelcome to Shoreline Foot & Ankle Associates, P.C. The physicians and staff of Shoreline Foot & Ankle Associates, P.C. are here to provide you the most professional and comprehensive foot and ankle care in west Michigan. Our physicians and staff are part of the Muskegon community and care about the well being of its residents. Whether you're suffering from skin or toenail problems or from complex foot and ankle disorders the physicians and staff of Shoreline Foot & Ankle Associates are here to help you maintain good foot and ankle health. **Now seeing patients at Lakeshore Hospital in Sh... About PodiatryPodiatric Medicine and Surgery The practice of podiatric medicine and surgery involves all aspects of foot and ankle care. This encompasses the treatments of skin conditions of the foot and toenail disorders, traumatic injuries of the foot and ankle, congenital deformities, diabetic complications, and sports related problems. Our doctors are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of muscle, bones, joints and tendons of the foot and ankle. Our physicians have completed four years of medical training concentrating on the lower extremity and have also completed advanced surgical residency training for those pat... Dr. Travis PiperDr. Piper Dr. Piper has been practicing podiatric medicine since 1999 and joined Shoreline Foot and Ankle Associates in September 2001. He is a graduate of Ferris State University where he received his Bachelor's of Science degree with a major in Pre-Med. Dr. Piper then completed his podiatric medical training at Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. Upon graduation from Scholl he entered residency at Catholic Health Part... Dr. Roger DeYoungDr. DeYoung Dr. DeYoung has been practicing podiatric medicine in Muskegon since 1991. Dr. DeYoung graduated from Hope College with a major in Pre-Med and matriculated to Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine where he completed his podiatric medical school training. Upon graduation from Scholl, Dr. DeYoung attended Thorek Hospital in Chicago for his podiatric medical and surgical training. Dr. DeYoung is a member of the Western Division of the Michigan Podiatric Medical Association and a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association. Dr. DeYoung is also Board Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Sur... Dr. Jan SmolenDr. Smolen Dr. Smolen has been practicing podiatric medicine in Muskegon since 1998. Dr. Smolen graduated from Grand Valley State University in 1993 with a degree in Biomedical Sciences, emphasis on pre-medicine. She then attended Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1997. She completed her podiatric surgical residency at Norwegian American Hospital in Chicago in 1998. Dr. Smolen joined Shoreline Foot & Ankle Associates in October 2004. Dr. Smolen is a member of the Western Division of the Michigan Podiatric Medical Association. Dr. Smolen is board certif... Treated ConditionsFoot & Ankle Podiatric Conditions We Treat Click on the specific condition for more information. Achilles Tendon Disorders Achilles Tendon Ruptures Ankle Sprains Ankle Fractures Bunions Charcot Foot Diabetic Foot Complications Drop Foot Fractures of the Foot Ganglion Cysts Gout Haglund's Deformity ("pump bump") Hallux Rigidus Hammertoes Ingrown Toenails Morton's Neuroma Pediatric Foot Deformities Peroneal Tendon Injuries Pes Cavus (high arches) Pes Planus (low or fallen arches) Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain) ... Contact UsContact Shoreline Foot & Ankle Associates, P.C. Our Main Office Address and contacts: 561 Seminole Rd Muskegon, MI 49444 (231) 733-1111 FAX: (231) 733-1144 Additional Locations: Gerber Specialty Clinic 230 W. Pine St. Lower Level Fremont, MI 49412 (231) 924-1305 Lakeshore Hospital 72 S. State St. Shelby, MI 49455 (231) 861-2156 Click here for a map and directions to our office. ... Office LocationsOffice Locations & Directions Our main office is located at 561 Seminole Road, Muskegon, MI 49444. We are located across the street from Tanglewood Park. Additional Locations: Gerber Specialty Clinic 230 W. Pine St. Lower Level Fremont, MI 49412 Lakeshore Hospital 72 S. State St. Shelby, MI 49455 Get Directions to Our Office Start Address: To Address: ... Privacy PolicyNOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY. The Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act of 1996 ("HIPAA") is a federal program that requires that all medical records and other individually identifiable health information health information used or disclosed by us in any form, whether electronically, on paper, or orally, are kept properly confidential. This Act gives you, the patient, significant new rights to understand and control how your health informatio... REQUEST AN APPOINTMENTThis page is for appointment requests. Once the request is received then our office will contact you to confirm your appointment time and date. Expect contact within 24 hours of your appointment request. Name: Address: Date of Birth: Insurance: E-mail: Cell phone: ... Condition: Achilles Tendon DisordersWhat Is the Achilles Tendon? A tendon is a band of tissue that connects a muscle to a bone. The Achilles tendon—the longest tendon in the body—runs down the back of the lower leg and connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. Also called the “heel cord,” the Achilles tendon facilitates walking by helping to raise the heel off the ground. Achilles Tendonitis and Achilles Tendonosis Two common disorders that occur in the heel cord are Achilles tendonitis and Achilles tendonosis. Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon. This inflammation is typically short-lived. Over time the condition usually progresses to a degeneration of... Condition: Achilles Tendon RupturesWhat is the Achilles Tendon? A tendon is a band of tissue that connects a muscle to a bone. The Achilles tendon runs down the back of the lower leg and connects the calf muscle to the heel bone.Also called the “heel cord,” the Achilles tendon facilitates walking by helping to raise the heel off the ground. What is an Achilles Tendon Rupture? An Achilles tendon rupture is a complete or partial tear that occurs when the tendon is stretched beyond its capacity. Forceful jumping or pivoting, or sudden accelerations of running, can overstretch the tendon and cause a tear.An injury to the tendon can also result from falling or tripping. Achilles tendon ruptures are most often seen... Condition: Ankle FracturesWhat Is an Ankle Fracture? A fracture is a partial or complete break in a bone. In the ankle, fractures can range from the less serious avulsion injuries (small pieces of bone that have been pulled off) to severe shattering-type breaks of the tibia, fibula, or both. Ankle fractures are common injuries that are most often caused by the ankle rolling inward or outward.Many people mistake an ankle fracture for an ankle sprain, but they are quite different and therefore require an accurate and early diagnosis. They sometimes occur simultaneously. Signs and Symptoms An ankle fracture is accompanied by one or all of these signs and symptoms: • Pain at the site of the fracture, which in so... Condition: Ankle SprainsAnkle Sprains Ankle sprains are common injuries that occur when ligaments are stretched or torn. The ankle sprain is the most common athletic injury. Nearly 85% of ankle sprains occur laterally, or on the outside of ankle joints. Sprains on the inside ligaments are less common. Many sprains occur when participating in sports, or by twisting the ankle when walking on an uneven surface. Some individuals, due to their bone structure or foot type, are more prone to ankle sprains. Ankle Anatomy The ankle joint is made up of three bones. The bones are called the tibia, fibula, and t... Condition: BunionsBunions (Hallux Valgus) Your big toe is the hardest working toe. Every time your foot pushes off the ground, this toe supports most of your body's weight. Because the big toe is so critical to movement, any problem with it can make walking or even standing painful. A bunion (excess or misaligned bone in the joint) is one of the most common big toe problems. In addition to causing pain, a bunion changes the shape of your foot, making it harder to find shoes that fit. But you don't have to hobble for the rest of your life. Bunions can be treated. With your doctor's help, your feet can feel and look better. What Causes Bunions? Although they may develop on the fifth toe (tailor's bunions), b... Condition: CharcotWhat Is Charcot Foot? Charcot foot is a sudden softening of the bones in the foot that can occur in people who have significant nerve damage (neuropathy). The bones are weakened enough to fracture, and with continued walking the foot eventually changes shape. As the disorder progresses, the arch collapses and the foot takes on a convex shape, giving it a rocker-bottom appearance, making it very difficult to walk. Charcot foot is a very serious condition that can lead to severe deformity, disability, and even amputation. Because of its seriousness, it is important that patients with diabetes—a disease often associated with neuropathy—take preventive measures and seek immediate care if signs or symp... Condition: Diabetic Foot ComplicationsPeople with diabetes are prone to many foot problems, often because of two complications of diabetes: nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor blood circulation. Neuropathy causes loss of feeling in your feet, taking away your ability to feel pain and discomfort, so you may not detect an injury or irritation. Poor circulation in your feet reduces your ability to heal, making it hard for even a tiny cut to resist infection. When you have diabetes, you need to be aware of how foot problems can arise from disturbances in the skin, nails, nerves, bones, muscles, and blood vessels. Furthermore, in diabetes, small foot problems can turn into serious complications.You can do much to prevent amputation by taking two important st... Condition: Flat FeetPes Planus (Flat Feet) Pes planus is a condition where the foot becomes flat in the inside arch. This condition can be congenital or acquired by an injury or by abnormal function of tendons. The foot normally pronates (flattens) as the foot comes in contact with the ground while walking. This pronation allows for shock absorption and to adapt to the ground. If too much pronation occurs during normal walking then tendons and joints are forced to work abnormally and can lead to pain and potential injury. Pes planus, over time, can lead to several painful conditions that can be addressed early on by proper evaluation and treatment. Treatment Treatments for pes planus are numerous depending on the severi... Condition: Ganglion CystWhat Is a Ganglion Cyst? A ganglion cyst is a mass of tissue that is filled with a jellylike fluid. The word “ganglion” means “knot” and is used to describe the knot-like mass or lump of cells that forms below the surface of the skin. Ganglion cysts are among the most common benign soft-tissue masses.Although they most often occur on the wrist, they also frequently develop on the foot— usually on the top, but elsewhere as well. Ganglion cysts vary in size, may get smaller and larger over time and may even disappear, only to possibly return later. Signs and Symptoms A ganglion cyst is associated with one or more of the following signs and symptoms: • A n... Condition: GoutGout Gout is a disease that affects the joints. It is caused by and excess of uric acid (a waste product made by the body). The uric acid forms crystals that collect in the joints, bringing on a gout attack. If you have many gout attacks, crystals may form large deposits called tophi. Tophi can damage joints and cause deformity. The picture to the right is an example of chronic gouty arthritis. Men are more likely to have gout than women. But women can also be affected, mostly after menopause. Some health problems, such as obesi... Condition: HaglundsWhat Is Haglund’s Deformity? Haglund’s deformity is a bony enlargement on the back of the heel that most often leads to painful bursitis, which is an inflammation of the bursa (a fluid-filled sac between the tendon and bone). In Haglund’s deformity, the soft tissue near the Achilles tendon becomes irritated when the bony enlargement rubs against shoes. Haglund’s deformity is often called “pump bump” because the rigid backs of pump-style shoes can create pressure that aggravates the enlargement when walking. In fact, the deformity is most common in young women who wear pumps. Symptoms Haglund’s deformity can occur in one or both feet. The signs and... Condition: Hallux RigidusEach day, with every step you take, your big toe bears a tremendous amount of stress—a force equal to about twice your body weight.Most of us don’t realize how much we use our big toe.We tend to take it for granted, unless a problem develops. One problem that afflicts the big toe is called hallux rigidus, a condition where movement of the toe is restricted to varying degrees. This disorder can be very troubling and even disabling, since we use the all-important big toe whenever we walk, stoop down, climb up, or even stand. If you have pain and/or stiffness in your big toe, you may have this condition. What Is Hallux Rigidus? Hallux rigidus is a disorder of the joint located a... Condition: HammertoesHammertoes Your little toes help to balance and propel your body when you move. As your foot flattens, the little toes bend to grip the ground. They straighten, acting like levers to help push your foot so you can walk, run, or dance. But if a muscle imbalance or tight tendons develop then you may develop a problem known as a hammer toe. Hammer toes are when the toes buckle or curl under. Over time, these toes may hurt and make movement more difficult. But you don't have to live with pain. With your podiatrist's help, even severe hammer toes can usually be treated so you can move more easily. Treatment Many different options are available depending on what type of hammer toe you have and... Condition: NeuromasNeuromas (Morton's Neuroma) Commonly called a Morton's neuroma, this problem begins when the outer coating of a nerve in your foot thickens. This thickening is usually caused by irritation that results when two bones repeatedly rub together (often due to ill-fitting shoes or abnormal bone movement). The area between the third and fourth toes is the most commonly affected; the area between the second and third toes is another common irritation point. Nerve problems due to diabetes or alcoholism may also cause neuroma-like symptoms. Symptoms The pain from neuromas may start gradually, causing burning, tingling, cramping, or numbness. Symptoms often occur after you've been walking or standing for a period of... Condition: Peroneal Tendon InjuriesWhat Are the Peroneal Tendons? A tendon is a band of tissue that connects a muscle to a bone. In the foot, there are two peroneal tendons. They run side-by-side behind the outer ankle bone. One peroneal tendon attaches to the outer part of the midfoot, while the other tendon runs under the foot and attaches near the inside of the arch. The main function of the peroneal tendons is to stabilize the foot and ankle and protect them from sprains. Types of Peroneal Tendon Injuries Peroneal tendon injuries may be acute (occurring suddenly) or chronic (developing over a period of time). They most commonly occur in individuals who participate in sports that involve repetitive ankle motion. In add... Condition: Pes CavusWhat is Cavus Foot? Cavus foot is a condition in which the foot has a very high arch. Because of this high arch, an excessive amount of weight is placed on the ball and heel of the foot when standing. Cavus foot can lead to a variety of signs and symptoms, such as pain and instability. It can develop at any age, and can occur in one or both feet. Signs and Symptoms The arch of a cavus foot will appear high even when standing. In addition, one or more of the following signs and symptoms may be present: • Hammertoes (bent toes) or claw toes (toes clenched like a fist) • Calluses on the ball, side, or heel of the foot • Pain when standing or walking • An unstable foot due to t... Condition: Plantar FasciitisPlantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain) The plantar fascia is a ligament-like band running from your heel to the ball of your foot. This band pulls on the heel bone, raising the arch of your foot as it pushes off the ground. But if your foot moves incorrectly, the plantar fascia may become strained. The fascia may swell and its tiny fibers may begin to fray, causing plantar fasciitis. What causes plantar fasciitis? Plantar fasciitis is often caused by poor foot mechanics. If your foot flattens too much, the fascia may overstretch and swell. If your foot flattens too little, the fascia may ache from being pulled too tight. Symptoms With plantar fasciitis, the bottom of your foot may hurt when you stand, especiall... Condition: Plantar FibromaWhat is a Plantar Fibroma? A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot (nodule) in the arch of the foot. It is embedded within the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes on the bottom of the foot.A plantar fibroma can develop in one or both feet, is benign (non-malignant), and usually will not go away or get smaller without treatment. Definitive causes for this condition have not been clearly identified. Signs and Symptoms The characteristic sign of a plantar fibroma is a noticeable lump in the arch that feels firm to the touch. This mass can remain the same size or get larger over time, or additional fibromas may develop. People who have a plantar fibroma may or... Condition: Plantar WartsPlantar Warts (Verucca Plantaris) Plantar warts are caused by a subtype of the human papilloma virus. This virus is transferred between individuals at areas of skin irritation. Once contracted an individual will always have the virus. It is not a life threatening condition but one is which the propensity to develop a wart will always be present. Often plantar warts begin as a small area that subsequently spreads to other areas on the foot. Warts have a variable course with some resolving with no treatment and others becoming extremely resistant with multiple forms of treatment. Signs Warts will cause an interruption o... Condition: Rheumatoid Foot/AnkleWhat is Rheumatoid Arthritis? Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease in which certain cells of the immune system malfunction and attack healthy joints. RA causes inflammation in the lining (synovium) of joints, most often the joints of the hands and feet. The signs of inflammation can include pain, swelling, redness, and a feeling of warmth around affected joints. In some patients, chronic inflammation results in damage to the cartilage and bones in the joint. Serious damage can lead to permanent joint destruction, deformity, and disability. How Does RA Affect the Foot and Ankle? When joints become inflamed due to RA, the synovium thickens and produces an excess of joint fluid. This over... Condition: Tailor's BunionWhat Is a Tailor’s Bunion? Tailor’s bunion, also called a bunionette, is an enlargement of the fifth metatarsal bone at the base of the little toe. The metatarsals are the five long bones of the foot. The enlargement that characterizes a tailor’s bunion occurs at the metatarsal “head,” located at the far end of the bone where it meets the toe. Tailor’s bunions are not as common as bunions, which occur on the inside of the foot, but both are similar in symptoms and causes. The symptoms of tailor’s bunions include redness, swelling, and pain at the site of the enlargement. These symptoms occur when wearing shoes that rub against the enlargement, irritating the soft tiss... Condition: Tarsal CoalitionWhat is a Tarsal Coalition? A tarsal coalition is an abnormal connection that develops between two bones in the back of the foot (the tarsal bones). This abnormal connection—which can be composed of bone, cartilage, or fibrous tissue—may lead to limited motion and pain in one or both feet. The tarsal bones include the calcaneus (heel bone), talus, navicular, cuboid, and cuneiform bones. These bones work together to provide the motion necessary for normal foot function. Tarsal coalition is a condition most often caused by a hereditary defect that occurs during fetal development and results in the individual bones not forming properly. Less common causes of tarsal coalition include infection, art... Condition: Tarsal Tunnel SyndromeWhat Is the Tarsal Tunnel? The tarsal tunnel is a narrow space that lies on the inside of the ankle next to the ankle bones. The tunnel is covered with a thick ligament (the flexor retinaculum) that protects and maintains the structures contained within the tunnel—arteries, veins, tendons, and nerves. One of these structures is the posterior tibial nerve, which is the focus of tarsal tunnel syndrome. What Is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome? Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a compression, or squeezing, on the posterior tibial nerve that produces symptoms anywhere along the path of the nerve. The posterior tibial nerve runs along the inside of the ankle into the foot. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is similar to carpal... Condition: Toenail DisordersToenail Disorders In their protective role, nails bear the brunt of daily activities. Walking, running, wearing shoes or participating in sports are just a few of the stresses and strains the feet must endure. All or a portion of the nail plate can be damaged when the feet are injured or abused. Nail problems are commonly caused by improper trimming, minor injuries or repeated trauma. Some nail disorders can also be congenital. Ingrown Nail Painful ingrown nails may be congenital, caused by an over-curvature of the nail, or an imbalance between the wid... Thank youThank you for your appointment request. Our office will contact you shortly to confirm your appointment.... |
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