People with diabetes are at an increased risk of neuropathy, or nerve damage. Diabetics are frequently diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, or nerve damage in the hands and feet. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in the lower limbs include tingling, pins and needles, numbness, pain, or increased sensitivity in the feet. In some cases, the feet may change shape due to nerve damage. Sores and diabetic foot ulcers, which can be difficult to detect and tend to heal slowly and poorly, are also very common. If you have diabetes, it is important to be vigilant of any foot or ankle symptoms. Seeing a podiatrist regularly can help manage existing symptoms, detect and treat any new problems, and maintain the health of your feet.
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.
Falls are the leading cause of injury and hospitalizations in older adults across North America. Most falls occur in the home, due to slipping or stumbling. Falls can result in both minor and major injuries, from bruises and sprains to dislocations and fractures. Injuries sustained from a fall can make falling in the future more likely, as they can impair mobility and decrease an older adult’s self-confidence when it comes to getting around their home and community. There are several steps that you can take to prevent falls, including removing tripping hazards from the home, installing non-slip mats and grab bars in slippery areas, and using a mobility aid when needed. To learn more about preventing falls, please consult with a podiatrist.
Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Howard Waxman, DPM from Pleasant Valley Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.
Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.
How to Prevent Falls
Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:
Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.
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.
Good foot care is not beneficial only for adults, but also for children. You can put your child on the path to a lifetime of healthy feet by following a few simple tips. If you have a young child, let them walk around barefoot where it is safe to do so. Young, growing feet build strength and flexibility as they walk barefoot. Wash and dry your child’s feet daily to promote good foot hygiene and prevent skin and nail problems. Trim your child’s toenails regularly, cutting them straight across and not too short to reduce the risk of ingrown toenails. Finally, choose the right shoes and socks for your child. They should fit the child’s feet well, be supportive and comfortable, and be made of breathable materials. If your child complains of any foot pain, or if you notice any worrisome changes to their feet, please consult with a podiatrist.
Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, 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.
Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...
Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.
Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.
Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.
As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’.
As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.
Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.
Be watchful for any pain or injury.
Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.
Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.
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.
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.
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