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Tuesday, 04 March 2025 00:00

Swollen ankles can result from a variety of conditions affecting the feet, toes, and ankles, ranging from minor injuries to serious medical issues. The most common causes of swollen ankles include trauma such as sprains, fractures, or torn tendons, which often result in localized swelling. Overuse injuries like tendonitis or bursitis may also cause gradual swelling. Infections, including those stemming from ingrown toenails or severe athlete's foot, can lead to swelling accompanied by redness and pain. Systemic conditions, such as arthritis, gout, or autoimmune diseases, may contribute to foot or ankle swelling, while also causing stiffness or inflammation. Venous insufficiency or blood clots in the legs can impair blood flow and lead to fluid buildup in the feet and ankles. Lymphedema, caused by blocked lymphatic flow, is another potential factor. A podiatrist can diagnose the underlying cause of foot or ankle swelling through a detailed examination, recommend appropriate treatment options, and help prevent further complications. If you have a swollen ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Howard Waxman, DPM of Pleasant Valley Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

  • Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
  • Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
  • Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
  • Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
  • Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Willoughby Hills and Broadview Heights, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.


 

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Sunday, 02 March 2025 00:00

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

Tuesday, 25 February 2025 00:00

Pain in the ball of the foot, known as metatarsalgia, occurs when excessive pressure or structural changes affect the metatarsal bones. These five long bones located just behind the toes help support the body's weight and movement. Factors such as high-impact activities, wearing tight or high-heeled shoes, stress fractures, arthritis, and foot deformities can cause pain in the ball of the foot. Symptoms include a sharp or aching pain that worsens with standing or walking, a sensation of walking on pebbles, numbness, or tingling in the toes. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot through a physical exam and imaging tests to determine the source of the pain. Treatment may involve taking pressure off of the metatarsal area, prescribing custom orthotics, suggesting footwear modifications,  or immobilizing the foot in the case of fractures. If conservative treatments do not relieve symptoms, surgery may be needed to address bone misalignment, nerve irritation, or joint damage. If you have pain in the ball of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Howard Waxman, DPM from Pleasant Valley Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Willoughby Hills and Broadview Heights, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Foot Pain
Tuesday, 18 February 2025 00:00

Osteoporosis weakens bones, making them more prone to fractures, including those in the feet, toes, and ankles. A stress fracture in the foot, especially one that occurs with minimal impact or no clear cause, may be an early warning sign of this condition. Since osteoporosis, more common among women, reduces bone density, routine activities like walking or standing for long periods can lead to small, repetitive injuries that result in foot fractures. Women with this condition are particularly vulnerable to stress fractures in the metatarsals, which are the long bones in the foot that bear weight. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. A podiatrist can assess the extent of the injury and recommend appropriate treatment options, which may include immobilization, supportive footwear, or surgery in severe cases. Identifying osteoporosis-related fractures early can help prevent further complications and support long-term foot health. If you have incurred a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Howard Waxman, DPM from Pleasant Valley Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

  • Bruising
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Blue in color
  • Numbness
  • Cold
  • Misshapen
  • Cuts
  • Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Willoughby Hills and Broadview Heights, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment for a Broken Foot
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