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!
Hammertoes are deformities occurring in toes (other than the big toe) where the joint at the base of the toe points up and the middle joint points down. This deformity causes a hammer-like appearance in the affected toe. Hammertoes form over time and are often the result from wearing shoes that are too short, pointed at the toes, or too high. Other contributing factors may include having a bunion or other condition that squeezes the toes into an unnatural, compacted position. A podiatrist may be able to straighten a hammertoe if they can treat it while it is still flexible. Once a hammertoe becomes rigid, a surgical intervention may be necessary to straighten the toe and return it to its normal range of motion. Call a podiatrist right away if you suspect a hammertoe is developing, in order to increase your chances of straightening it before it becomes rigid.
Hammertoe
Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Howard Waxman, DPM from Pleasant Valley Podiatry. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.
Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.
Symptoms
Causes
Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible
Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur
Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe
Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe
Treatment
Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it
Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used
Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option
If you have any questions please 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.
Walking is a great low-impact way to lose weight, strengthen muscles, improve circulation, and more. However, it is important to use footwear designed specifically for the biomechanics of walking. Walking is done with a steady heel-to-toe stride, transferring body weight evenly from the heel to the toe. This motion begins with the heel striking the ground first, followed by a rolling motion through the heel to the toes, and then a pushing out of the stride with the toes. A good walking shoe will support and facilitate this motion in a few ways. Walking shoes should be flexible at the forefoot to allow the foot to flex during the heel-to-toe walking stride. A walking shoe should provide adequate cushioning, but not as much in the forefoot as a running shoe. This makes walking shoes lighter in weight, which help keep you comfortable. Regarding the heel, straight (or undercut) heels are best for walking shoes—as opposed to wider, higher, or flared heels in running shoes which may interfere with the walking stride. Before embarking on any fitness walking regimen, consult with a podiatrist for additional footwear/foot health advice—particularly if you have an existing medical condition.
For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Howard Waxman, DPM from Pleasant Valley Podiatry. Our doctor can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.
Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes
There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.
You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.
Differences
Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.
Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.
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.
As we age, our feet experience the effects of age-related wear and tear. This can increase the risk of developing various foot and ankle problems, so it becomes increasingly important to take good care of the feet. One of the most important aspects of proper foot care is wearing the right shoes. Not only does wearing comfortable, well-fitting shoes make a foot or ankle injury less likely, it also reduces the risk of falling. Look for shoes that have a firm, non-slip sole and adequate cushioning. You should avoid walking barefoot, in slippers or flip-flops, or with only socks on. Wearing shoes with high heels taller than one inch is also not suggested, as excessively high heels can put too much pressure on the toes and balls of the feet. To learn more about elderly foot care, please speak with a podiatrist.
Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, 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.
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
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 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.
Blisters are fluid-filled bubbles that form between the top-most layer of skin and the layer beneath it. Blisters typically develop on the feet as a protective measure for your skin in response to friction. They often heal best when they are left alone, but some blisters can be quite painful or pop due to friction. You can help the blister heal by covering it loosely with a bandage or blister pad. Don’t touch or pop the blister, as this can expose the raw skin underneath it to germs and increase the risk of infection. If your blister continues to be very painful, does not seem to be healing well on its own, is showing signs of infection, or if you have diabetes, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist.
Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, 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.
Foot Blisters
Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.
What Are Foot Blisters?
A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.
How Do Blisters Form?
Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.
Prevention & Treatment
It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.
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.
Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is an overuse injury of the growth plate in the heel bone. This condition typically affects children between the ages of 8 and 14 who participate in sports or running and jumping activities. It is thought to be caused by the Achilles tendon pulling repetitively on the heel’s growth plate, creating tiny injuries that can become inflamed and painful. Sever's disease can affect either one foot or both feet at the same time. It affects both feet in about sixty percent of cases. This condition is typically treated with rest, footwear and activity modifications, and over the counter anti-inflammatory medications. If your child complains of heel pain, it is suggested that you take them to see a podiatrist right away.
Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Howard Waxman, DPM from Pleasant Valley Podiatry. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.
Sever’s Disease
Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.
Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.
Symptoms
Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.
Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.
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 injuries.
Despite its name, your child doesn’t have to be particularly athletic to incur athlete’s foot, a fungal infection of the skin on the feet. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot grows on warm, damp surfaces such as public swimming pools, showers, and locker rooms. It can also thrive on moist feet, or spread from person to person. Athlete’s foot causes symptoms such as cracked, peeling, red, and scaly skin between the toes or on the soles of the feet, itchiness, and an unpleasant odor. Fortunately, treatment for athlete’s foot is usually simple and straightforward. Your child’s doctor will most likely prescribe a topical antifungal medicine, such as a cream or powder, to apply to the infected feet. In more severe cases, oral antifungal medication may be needed. If your child has athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.
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 foot condition that is known as hammertoe is considered to be a deformity of the joints and ligaments. It affects the middle joints of the second and third toe, and causes them to bend downward, resembling a hammer. This ailment can develop from genetic reasons, or if a foot injury has occurred. Additionally, if the patient has high arches, or frequently wears shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in, the beginning stages of hammertoe may develop. A common medical condition that may contribute to the onset of hammertoe can be arthritis, which can cause severe pain and discomfort. Mild relief may be found when shoes that are worn fit properly, and it may be beneficial to wear proper insoles. If you have hammertoe, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can guide you toward feeling better.
Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Howard Waxman, DPM of Pleasant Valley Podiatry. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.
Hammertoe
Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.
Symptoms
Risk Factors
Treatment
If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.
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.
Heel pain is a very common disorder. While stress fractures, bursitis, fat pad atrophy, tarsal tunnel syndrome, sever’s disease, and bone spurs can cause heel pain, its most common source is plantar fasciitis. When the plantar fascia—the fibrous connective tissue on the bottom of the feet that links the heel with the forefoot—becomes torn or damaged, plantar fasciitis occurs. This condition can be caused by sudden trauma, or prolonged wear and tear, that affects the plantar fascia. With plantar fasciitis, the heel can become thickened, inflamed, and painful. People who are more at risk of damaging the plantar fascia include those who are obese, stand for prolonged periods of time, and wear flat-soled or un-supportive shoes. If you are experiencing heel pain, contact a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis and treatment appropriate for your condition.
Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.
Causes of Heel Pain
Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.
Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.
Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.
Why Might Heel Pain Occur?
Treatments
Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.
If you have any questions please 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.
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