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May 2025

Tuesday, 27 May 2025 00:00

Relieving Pain From an Ingrown Toenail

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. Soaking the foot in warm water with Epsom salts can help reduce inflammation and soften the nail. Keeping the foot clean and dry afterward is essential. Gently lifting the nail edge with a clean piece of cotton or dental floss may relieve pressure, but this should only be attempted in mild cases. Wearing tight shoes or socks can worsen the condition and should be avoided. Mild pain relievers may help with discomfort. If the area becomes increasingly red, warm, or begins to drain pus, these are signs of infection. Recurrent or severe ingrown toenails may require a minor in-office procedure to remove part of the nail or the nail root. If home care is not effective, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for safe and lasting treatment.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

  • Improper toenail trimming
  • Genetics
  • Improper shoe fitting
  • Injury from pedicures or nail picking
  • Abnormal gait
  • Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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, 20 May 2025 00:00

Causes of Pain in the Ball of the Foot

Pain in the ball of the foot, often called metatarsalgia, can result from repeated stress or pressure on the front of the foot. This discomfort is frequently caused by high-impact activities, such as running or jumping. Wearing tight shoes, especially those that lack proper support or cushioning, are other factors. Structural issues and deformities like high arches, bunions, or hammertoes may also increase pressure on the heads of the metatarsals, which are the long bones that connect to the toes. Arthritis, gout, or Morton’s neuroma can also lead to pain in the ball of the foot. Symptoms of metatarsalgia include a burning or aching sensation, numbness, or the feeling of walking on a small pebble. A podiatrist can examine the foot, assess your gait, and use imaging to rule out fractures or nerve issues. Treatment may involve custom orthotics, footwear changes, or, in rare cases, surgery to relieve pressure or correct bone alignment. If you have pain in the ball of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

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.

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Published in Blog
Tuesday, 13 May 2025 00:00

How Foot Care Education Helps Seniors

As people age, taking care of their feet becomes increasingly important. Poor foot care can lead to a variety of issues, such as infections, pain, or mobility problems, which can affect overall quality of life. Proper foot care for seniors includes daily washing and drying, regular nail clipping, and performing toe exercises to improve circulation and flexibility. Gentle foot massages can also help alleviate stiffness and promote relaxation. Wearing appropriate footwear is essential to prevent blisters, calluses, and painful conditions like bunions or heel spurs. Wearing tight, ill-fitting shoes or walking barefoot can increase the risk of falls or foot injuries. A podiatrist can provide valuable education and support in managing foot health for seniors. They can offer tailored advice on proper foot hygiene, recommend suitable footwear, and provide treatment for common issues like toenail fungus, corns, or arthritis. Regular check-ups can prevent minor issues from becoming more serious. If you are a senior, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for proper care and support.

If you need your feet checked, contact Howard Waxman, DPM of Pleasant Valley Podiatry. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

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.

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Published in Blog
Tuesday, 06 May 2025 00:00

Effective Foot Stretches

Keeping the feet flexible and strong is essential for overall mobility and balance. One simple method is practicing toe stretches by gently pulling the toes upward and downward to loosen tight muscles. Improving toe flexibility further enhances foot strength and reduces the risk of injury. A foot massage stretch, where you knead and press into the soles, helps to release tension and promote blood flow. Using a tennis ball to stretch the plantar fascia is another effective technique. This is done by rolling the ball under the foot as it targets deep tissue, which eases discomfort. Additionally, walking barefoot on safe, natural surfaces like grass or sand encourages the feet to move naturally, strengthening muscles and improving balance. If foot pain arises, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on effective foot stretches.

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

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

  • Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
  • Similar to the previous one, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
  • Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
  • Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

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
Friday, 02 May 2025 00:00

It's Time for Beautiful Feet

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

Published in Blog
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