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January 2023

Tuesday, 31 January 2023 00:00

Exploring Walking and Running Shoes

Walking and running activities might seem similar to many different individuals. Both activities involve the movement of feet and motion. However, despite their similarities, walking and running are extremely different. As a result, both activities require significantly different kinds of shoes, and one shoe will not necessarily work with the other activity. There are many different reasons to help explain this. Importantly, individuals use different strike patterns when they are walking versus running. When running, the feet will strike with the heel, but not necessarily immediately roll forward onto the toes. This is not the case with walking. Additionally, running puts more force from the body's weight onto the feet when compared to walking. Consequently, both running and walking require different things in shoes tailored for that activity. If you are interested in learning more about walking and running shoes, contact a podiatrist today. 

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.

Read more about Walking Shoes vs. Running Shoes
Published in Blog
Tuesday, 24 January 2023 00:00

Wearing Normal Shoes After a Fracture

When an individual breaks a bone in their feet, they will develop a condition that is known as a fractured foot. A fractured, or broken, foot can make it significantly difficult to put weight on the foot, and a patient may experience pain or discomfort. Often, patients with a fractured foot want to know if they are able to wear their normal shoes or when it is appropriate to do so. Unfortunately, there is no definite or universal answer to this question, as each case of fractured feet is highly specific and unique to each individual. However, as a general rule, someone who fractures their foot might have to wear some kind of medical boot or cast on the affected foot for some time after an injury. During this time, it might not be advisable to wear normal shoes. Although recovery time may vary from case to case, generally, foot fractures may take a few months to fully heal. To get treatment for a fractured foot, contact a podiatrist today.

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
Published in Blog
Tuesday, 17 January 2023 00:00

The Importance of Moisturizing the Feet

Taking care of the feet on a daily basis is a key part of maintaining your overall health. One of the most important ways in which an individual can care for and pamper their feet is by keeping them sufficiently moisturized. Keeping the feet moisturized protects against dry and cracked skin that might lead to conditions such as cracked heels. People may choose to apply a wide range of different moisturizers to their feet. Using moisturizing products like a glaze for the heel can help ensure that your skin on the feet feel smooth to the touch. Glazes or moisturizers may contain honey, aloe, and other moisturizing ingredients. While not all moisturizers may help you successfully get rid of calluses immediately, moisturizing the feet can nonetheless be helpful and beneficial. If you are someone that wants to take care of your feet, contact a podiatrist today about moisturizing the feet.

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 

  • Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
  • Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
  • Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
  • Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
  • Shoes that don’t fit properly
  • Pressure sores
  • Loss of circulation in legs & feet
  • Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

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.

Read more about Elderly Foot Care
Published in Blog
Tuesday, 10 January 2023 00:00

Chemotherapy and Toenail Fungus

Chemotherapy is a way in which modern science has enabled doctors to treat cancer patients. Essentially, chemotherapy is a way to kill cancer cells that grow and multiply in the body rapidly. Chemotherapy is associated with many different changes in the body, and one of those changes is a noticeable difference in the health of the nails. For example, chemotherapy can sometimes be associated with toenail fungus. Pre-existing nail fungus, like that common to the toenails, can exacerbate nail changes produced by chemotherapy. Importantly, sometimes chemotherapy can induce changes to the nails that then can lead to the development of some kind of toenail fungus. If you are someone who is living with cancer, it is important to understand the effects chemotherapy can have on the health of your toenails. A podiatrist can help you navigate these potential effects on your feet.  

For more information about treatment, 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.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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.

Read more about Toenail Fungus
Published in Blog
Friday, 06 January 2023 00:00

Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!

Published in Blog
Tuesday, 03 January 2023 00:00

Various Reasons for Foot Pain

Our feet provide us with the mobility to walk, run, and complete daily tasks. It is important to take proper steps in taking care of our feet, and this may help in preventing foot pain. Despite this information, research has indicated that approximately one out of three people who are over 65 years old will have foot pain. Heel pain is common, and may be a sign of plantar fasciitis. This can happen when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Athlete’s foot can be uncomfortable and unsightly. This can develop from a fungal infection, and it may be prevented by wearing appropriate shoes while frequenting public swimming pools and locker rooms. A pain or ache in the back of the leg may indicate an Achilles tendon injury has developed, and it may come from increasing speed or distance too quickly while running. Any type of foot pain can wreak havoc on the day’s activities, and it is advised that you speak to a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is and treat your foot pain accordingly.

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
Published in Blog
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