Reflexology is a popular form of foot therapy. It is performed by applying pressure to certain reflex points on the feet which are connected to specific organs. Patients have noticed their ailments may be diminished as a result of having this type of therapy done, and it may produce a healing response in the overall body. Some therapists lightly touch the heels and surrounding areas and may pull on the toes. Having a massage performed is another form of foot therapy. This targets the tissues to relieve tension in the muscles and may possibly improve circulation. The benefits of reflexology can include boosting the immune system, balancing the body’s energy, and reducing toxins in the body. There are additional bonuses for both types of therapies, and if you would like more information, please consult with a podiatrist who can help you to determine which is right for you.
Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, consult with Howard Waxman, DPM from Pleasant Valley Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Most Common Injuries
People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track.
What to Do When Injured
Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.
During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:
Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.
Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.
Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.
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.
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!
One of the more severe side effects of diabetes is the development of wounds that do not heal properly. Wounds may cause skin ulcers, which can develop into gangrene if not treated correctly. Gangrene indicates the death of tissue, typically in the feet, because of decreased blood flow to the area. Causes of gangrene include diseases that affect blood circulation like smoking or infected wounds. Among the symptoms are pain and swelling, decay of the affected area, a blackened color, and a foul odor. If you have any of these symptoms it is essential to consult with a podiatrist who can evaluate the severity of the condition. Treatment may include debridement or removal of the dead tissue and intravenous antibiotic medication. In addition, pain relievers and anticoagulation medicine may be prescribed. In the most severe cases, the affected area may need to be amputated. For more information, please contact a podiatrist.
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 Howard Waxman, DPM from Pleasant Valley Podiatry. Our doctor 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 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.
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common foot conditions that causes heel pain. The plantar fascia is a long band composed of tissue, running from the heel to the toes. The plantar fascia also makes up the arch of the foot. When this band of tissue becomes irritated or inflamed, it is known as plantar fasciitis. This condition can be treated in several ways. If you do not respond to any of the less severe treatment options like orthotics or anti-inflammatory medications, you might be a candidate for a surgical procedure. The surgery, known as plantar fasciotomy, is a procedure that essentially moves the affected fascia away from the heel bone. This is done to ultimately reduce the tension that is causing the condition. There are two main kinds of surgery for plantar fasciitis. First, you may have an open surgery, which is performed in a hospital and includes making a 1-2 inch incision. Alternatively, you may have an endoscopic surgery, which involves making two small incisions that are less than half an inch deep. There are a variety of factors that can determine whether you are a candidate for this kind of surgery. If you are interested in this treatment and want to learn more, contact a podiatrist.
Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
How Can It Be Treated?
While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.
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.
Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is the most common fungal infection that affects the feet. It is common in older children, and it might occur in one or both feet. This fungus grows best in warm, moist areas of the skin and between the toes. Someone with this affliction will experience red, moist, scaly, and cracked skin that can be itchy and peeling between the toes. Sometimes they will find small blisters on the bottoms and sides of the feet. This might also be accompanied by an unpleasant odor and can come back repeatedly. Home treatment of athlete’s foot includes washing and drying the child’s feet daily, moisturizing them, using antifungal powders and lotions that can be purchased over-the-counter, wearing clean socks daily, wearing shoes that breathe, not sharing shoes or socks with others, rotating shoes between wearing them, and making sure to wear footwear in public spaces like community showers, gyms, or swimming pools. If the condition is not healing, an infection develops, the feet swell, there is pus or pain, consult with a podiatrist for a more effective treatment for your child’s athlete’s foot.
The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, 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.
Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
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.
The feet and ankles are the foundation for stability and balance, and keeping them mobile and stable is imperative for proper functioning of the body. If we exercise our feet and ankles, we can help to prevent foot and ankle injuries and conditions. Strengthening and improving flexibility in the feet and ankles can provide a good foundation for stronger muscles and avoidance of pain. If overdone or pushed to discomfort, the opposite can happen. Exercise done wrong or pushed too far can create inflammation and torn tissues, which can restrict joint movement. Pain is an important sign to pay attention to when exercising the feet and ankles. It can let us know when we are doing something wrong or unsafe. One way of exercising the lower extremities is called Active Isolated Stretching, or AIS. This type of stretching focuses on active-assisted movements, where one moves into a stretch until the first sign of tension. With rhythmic, relaxed repetitions, there is increased blood flow and sedation of the nerves. For healthy feet and ankles, it is important to stretch the calves, ankles, and toes. As you practice exercising your feet and ankles, be gentle with yourself and ease into it. Never push so hard that you find you are holding your breath, and simply pay attention to how you feel. If you would like more information about proper exercise for your feet and ankles, consult with a podiatrist who is an expert in this area.
Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Howard Waxman, DPM from Pleasant Valley Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Stretching the Feet
Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.
Great ways to stretch your feet:
Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.
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.
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.
Research has indicated there is a large percentage of Americans that are considered to be obese. This condition is known to increase the risk of many physical ailments, including heel pain and plantar fasciitis. It can happen as a result of the added impact the feet endure from completing daily activities, and this may possibly damage the plantar fascia. This is defined as the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, and connects the heels to the toes. Walking can become difficult, and heel pain may increase. Partial relief may be found when a low-impact exercise routine is frequently followed. This type of exercise can include swimming, water aerobics or cycling, and some patients can feel the benefits of practicing yoga and Pilates as part of their exercise regime. This, along with eating foods that are healthy, are often effective ways to lose weight, which may relieve some of the pressure on the plantar fascia. If you have any type of foot pain, and feel your weight may be a contributing factor, please speak with a podiatrist who can treat foot conditions, and offer additional solutions for weight loss.
The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, 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.
Obesity and Your Feet
People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.
Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity
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.
Depending on your occupation, you might have to spend a significant amount of time on your feet throughout the workday. For example, hairdressers, food servers/waiters, house cleaners, factory line workers, and others all must work on their feet for most of the day with little to no extended time spent sitting down. There are several risks that come with working on your feet all day. First, people who spend a significant amount of time on their feet all day may experience discomfort and swelling throughout their legs and feet. Certain people are at an increased risk of experiencing these symptoms. Namely, obese people, pregnant women, individuals who suffer from arthritis, and the elderly are all at an increased risk of developing these symptoms. Another risk associated with working all day on your feet is the development of certain foot complications. These individuals might develop conditions such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, and poor blood circulation, among other things. If you spend most of the workday on your feet, it might be time to see a podiatrist who can help you mitigate these risks.
While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Howard Waxman, DPM from Pleasant Valley Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Working on Your Feet
Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.
Positive Changes
Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.
Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.
Eliminate Pain
Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.
Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen.
With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.
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.
Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy, is a term for nerve damage to the peripheral nervous system. These are nerves that are outside of the brain and spinal cord. Peripheral neuropathy can create various symptoms which may impair a person’s balance and their perception of their body and its movement. These symptoms include numbness, pain, and weakness in the feet. Older adults are more prone to developing peripheral neuropathy as a complication of diabetes, which can cause them to have foot drop, difficulty walking up stairs, rising out of their chairs, and standing up from a crouching position. All of this can increase the elderly person’s already heightened risk of falls. If you or someone you love is experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned here, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a full examination and evaluation.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Howard Waxman, DPM from Pleasant Valley Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.
What Is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.
Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:
Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.
Treatment
To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.
Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.
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.
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