Items filtered by date: February 2023

Tuesday, 28 February 2023 00:00

Development of Baby's Feet

Babies’ feet may look like miniature versions of adult feet, but that is only true on the outside. Early development enables the baby to find various ways to move their feet. This generally begins with wiggling their toes to gradually walking. During the crawling stage, the child’s feet will grow approximately three sizes, and the cartilage will start to form into bones. Eventually, this will add up to 26 bones and numerous joints, tendons, and muscles that make the adult foot. It is beneficial to have your child crawl and walk barefoot while indoors. This can help the toes and feet become strong. When the first shoes are purchased, make sure they are made of breathable materials, and having soft soles can help the toes stretch. There are many stages to a child’s foot development, and it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist to learn more.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Inc.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

  • Make sure their shoes fit properly
  • Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
  • Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
  • Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
  • Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
  • Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
  • Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
  • Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Beachwood, Mayfield Heights, Mentor, and Tallmadge, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about What to Do to Keep Your Child’s Feet Healthy
Tuesday, 21 February 2023 00:00

Foot Health Tips for Diabetics

Since diabetes can cause side effects that negatively affect the feet, experts believe that a regular foot care routine can be helpful. One major foot problem experienced by diabetics is nerve damage. This can cause weakness, numbness, and pain in the feet and toes. In addition, nerve damage, or neuropathy, makes it difficult for the diabetic to feel sores, cuts, or blisters.  The danger is that wounds that are slow to heal invite infection, which may quickly develop into skin ulcers on the feet. Here are some tips for diabetic foot care suggested by professionals. Above all, do a daily check of your feet, including the soles, for any cuts, sores, or other abnormalities. Avoid walking barefoot, as an open or undetected cut may be vulnerable to fungal or bacterial infection. Keep your feet clean and carefully dried, especially between the toes. Give up smoking, and keep toenails trimmed straight across. For more help with foot pain or other problems that can stem from diabetes, please consult a podiatrist regularly for checkups and treatment options.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Inc.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

  • Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
  • Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
  • Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Beachwood, Mayfield Heights, Mentor, and Tallmadge, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Diabetic Foot Conditions
Tuesday, 14 February 2023 00:00

Stress Fracture Treatment Begins With Rest

A hairline fracture is another name for a stress fracture. It often happens in the foot and generally affects the second metatarsal bone. The majority of stress fractures occur from overuse, and are a common injury among people who frequently participate in running and jumping activities. Some people can have this type of injury from an accident, or if something heavy drops on the foot. The pain can be worse while walking or standing, and treatment starts by resting and elevating the affected foot. Many patients have an X-ray or other imaging test taken, which is an effective method for determining the severity of the fracture. A cast or a walking boot may be prescribed to stabilize the foot as the healing process occurs. People who have flat feet or an abnormal foot structure may be more prone to developing stress fractures, and it is beneficial to wear shoes that fit properly that can protect the feet. Complete healing takes approximately four weeks, and running can be gradually increased as the foot becomes stronger. If you have incurred a stress fracture, please consult a podiatrist who can offer you treatment options that are best for you.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Inc.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

  • Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
  • Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
  • Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
  • Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
  • Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Beachwood, Mayfield Heights, Mentor, and Tallmadge, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
Tuesday, 07 February 2023 00:00

What Is in a Wound Kit?

Some individuals, such as people who are diabetic, may be particularly susceptible to developing wounds on their feet. Therefore, these individuals may benefit from always having some kind of professional wound kit handy in case they must treat wounds on the feet. Many patients might wonder what exactly is in a wound kit like this. Although it can vary from person to person, a standard wound care kit will contain certain essential items. These can include items such as gauze pads of different sizes and rolled gauze. Additionally, a wound care kit may have non-stick pads and paper tape. If you are looking into buying a wound care kit for your own feet, contact a podiatrist today for more advice on foot wound care. 

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 Podiatry Inc.. 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 feel free to contact our offices located in Beachwood, Mayfield Heights, Mentor, and Tallmadge, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Wound Care
Friday, 03 February 2023 00:00

Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

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Advanced Podiatric Procedures & Services in Northeast Ohio: in the Beachwood, OH 44122, Mayfield Heights, OH 44124, Mentor, OH 44060 and Tallmadge, OH 44278 area