Items filtered by date: January 2025

Friday, 31 January 2025 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!

Tuesday, 28 January 2025 00:00

Foot Care for Improved Health in Seniors

Proper foot care is essential for maintaining overall health in seniors. As people age, foot health can significantly impact mobility, balance, and quality of life. Regular foot care helps prevent common issues such as bunions, corns, calluses, and ingrown toenails, which can lead to pain and discomfort. Neglecting foot health can also contribute to more serious conditions like infections or falls, which can be particularly dangerous for elderly people. Seniors should focus on cleaning and moisturizing their feet regularly to prevent dryness and cracks. It is also important to trim toenails carefully to avoid ingrown nails and infections. Wearing well-fitting shoes that provide adequate support can prevent many foot problems. Additionally, paying attention to circulation and checking for signs of conditions like diabetes is vital. If you are a senior and have foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can effectively treat various foot conditions, and guide you on additional foot care tips.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, 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.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

  • Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
  • Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
  • Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
  • Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
  • Shoes that don’t fit properly
  • Pressure sores
  • Loss of circulation in legs & feet
  • Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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 Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Tuesday, 21 January 2025 00:00

Achilles Tendonitis and Heel Pain

Heel pain and Achilles tendonitis are common foot issues caused by inflammation of the Achilles tendon, the band connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. This pain often results from overuse, repetitive stress, or sudden increases in physical activity. Tight calf muscles, improper footwear, and poor foot mechanics, like flat feet or high arches, can also contribute. Athletes, especially runners, and middle-aged individuals engaging in sports are most at risk. However, anyone can develop Achilles tendonitis, particularly those who lead an active lifestyle or stand for extended periods. Ignoring the pain may worsen the condition, leading to chronic discomfort or even tendon tears. Rest and stretching can help, but persistent pain requires professional attention. If you are experiencing ongoing pain from Achilles tendonitis, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for targeted treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, 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.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

  • Inflammation
  • Dull to severe pain
  • Increased blood flow to the tendon
  • Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

  • Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
  • Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

  • Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
  • Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about What are Achilles Tendon Injuries
Tuesday, 14 January 2025 00:00

Common Foot Injuries From Treadmill Use

Treadmills provide an excellent way to stay fit, but improper use or overuse can lead to various foot injuries. One common issue is plantar fasciitis, a condition that causes pain in the heel and bottom of the foot due to inflammation of the plantar fascia. Another frequent injury is stress fractures, which occur from repetitive impact on hard surfaces, often from running or walking too aggressively on the treadmill. Achilles tendonitis is also common, as the tendon at the back of the heel can become irritated and inflamed from excessive use. Additionally, blisters may form from friction, especially if shoes are not properly fitted. To reduce the risk of these injuries, it is important to wear supportive footwear, warm up properly, and gradually increase exercise intensity. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury from the treadmill, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot issues, and guide you on prevention tips.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Inc.. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

  • Achilles Tendonitis
  • Achilles Tendon Rupture
  • Ankle Sprains
  • Broken Foot
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Stress Fractures
  • Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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 Sports Related Foot And Ankle Injuries
Tuesday, 07 January 2025 00:00

Managing Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a painful foot condition that affects millions of people in the United States. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed. This inflammation often leads to sharp heel pain, particularly when taking the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. Other symptoms include swelling and tenderness along the arch or heel. The primary causes of plantar fasciitis include overuse, excessive weight, wearing poor footwear, or certain foot structures, such as flat feet or high arches. Activities that involve prolonged standing, running, or jumping can also contribute to the condition. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar fasciitis through physical examination and imaging, if necessary. Treatment options include stretching exercises, custom orthotics, corticosteroid injections, or in severe cases, surgical intervention. If you are dealing with this issue, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Having high arches in your feet
  • Other foot issues such as flat feet
  • Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
  • Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

  • Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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 Plantar Fasciitis
Wednesday, 01 January 2025 00:00

Why Live with Pain and Numbness in Your Feet?

Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

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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