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November 2022

Tuesday, 29 November 2022 00:00

Is Popping a Blister Bad?

Blisters are quite a common form of foot affliction that can affect a wide variety of people. Blisters are filled with fluid and often develop on the feet in response to friction placed on the affected area. Other times, blisters can form on the feet in response to burns. Some individuals with this condition have the urge to pop these blisters. However, it is important to note that popping certain kinds of blisters is not recommended and may be dangerous. For example, it is generally not advisable to pop a burn blister. These blisters can be highly susceptible to infection. Sometimes, these blisters might pop on their own. In this case, you might consider keeping the blister covered. Maintaining moisture in the wound, perhaps with ointment, might also be beneficial. Contact a podiatrist today for more information.

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.

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Published in Blog
Tuesday, 22 November 2022 00:00

Shoes for Different Types of Running

There are basic things to look for when purchasing running shoes. It is important to decide what type of running will be practiced, and this generally consists of mileage that is high, medium, or low. This is followed by choosing a shoe that will fit your foot, such as having a wider toe box, or a certain type of heel. Additionally, the type of surface that is run on will determine what type of shoe to buy. Running on pavements will require road shoes to be worn, and these are adequate in providing shock absorption. Trail shoes are designed to be worn while running through soft muddy trails, and wearing hybrid shoes is recommended for running on various surfaces. It is beneficial to bring the socks that are worn to try on with the shoes, in addition to bringing insoles, if applicable. If you would like more information about what type of shoes to buy for specific types of running, please consult with a podiatrist who can help you to make choices that are right for you. 

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, 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.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

  • Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
  • There should be little to no slipping at the heel
  • Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
  • Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
  • Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our 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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Published in Blog
Tuesday, 15 November 2022 00:00

A Few Different Options for Bunion Relief

A bunion is a foot condition involving a bony protrusion on the side of the big toe and is easy to notice. It is considered to be a deformity, and may cause the toes to shift towards each other. A common reason why people can develop bunions is from wearing shoes that are too small in the toe area. This can force the toes to squeeze together, and be uncomfortable. In severe cases, walking may become difficult, and larger shoes may need to be purchased that can accommodate the bunion. Research has shown that family genes may contribute to developing a bunion. Additionally, arthritis may lead to getting a bunion, as a result of inflamed toe joints. Symptoms of this ailment can include pain and swelling surrounding the big toe, and there may be calluses and corns that form on top of the bunion as it touches the side of the shoe. Mild relief may come from wearing a protective pad over the bunion, and orthotics may be prescribed that may help to realign the foot structure. If you have a bunion, it is strongly urged that you contact a podiatrist who can recommend the correct treatment options, which may include surgery for permanent removal. 

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

  • Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
  • Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

  • Redness and inflammation
  • Pain and tenderness
  • Callus or corns on the bump
  • Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, 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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Published in Blog
Tuesday, 08 November 2022 00:00

Why Heel Pain May Be Present

Our feet are prone to aches and pains, partly because of the weight of the body that is endured daily. Heel pain can occur for various reasons and negatively impact productivity. An Achilles tendon injury may bring pain to the heels and the calf and cause difficulty walking. A condition that many patients suffer from is known as plantar fasciitis, and this happens when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed. This is the band of tissue that is found on the sole and is needed for pain-free walking, running, and balancing. Sometimes the pain can be unbearable with this condition, and medical attention is often sought. A heel spur is another cause of heel pain, and it is defined as a small bone that grows from the heel as a result of the body’s natural protection against a heel injury. It can cause a considerable amount of pain, despite its small size. If you have heel pain, it is strongly urged that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer proper treatment techniques.

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?

  • Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
  • Wearing non-supportive shoes
  • Weight change           
  • Excessive running

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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Published in Blog
Monday, 07 November 2022 00:00

Gout Pain Can Be Managed

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

Published in Blog
Tuesday, 01 November 2022 00:00

How Does the Cuboid Bone Work?

The feet are incredibly complex, intricate parts of the human body, made up of a number of different and important bones. Each bone serves a critical function, including the cuboid bone. One ought to know about this bone because it serves an important role in supporting the arch of the foot and providing stability. As the name of the bone suggests, it is shaped in a kind of cubical structure. This bone is located in the midfoot area and is situated essentially on the outer side of the foot. Being diligent in taking good care of the cuboid bone is essential to maintaining good foot health because if it moves out of alignment, a condition known as cuboid syndrome might develop. This foot affliction can cause a variety of symptoms, most notably a kind of pain on the outer side of the foot. This area of the foot is commonly referred to as the lateral area. For more information about this important bone in the foot, contact your podiatrist. 

If you have any concerns 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

  • Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
  • In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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.

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