Items filtered by date: November 2022

An ingrown toenail is the result of the nail growing into the skin instead of over it. This can happen from wearing shoes that are too tight or from trimming the toenails improperly. Some people will get an ingrown toenail from enduring a toe injury, or from inadequate foot hygiene. Additionally, there may be genetic factors that can cause an ingrown toenail to develop. Common symptoms that many patients experience can consist of the surrounding skin becoming red, swollen, and painful. If the nail becomes infected it may bleed and a discharge may ooze from the nail.  A proper diagnosis is done by having a physical examination of the foot performed, and an X-ray may be necessary which can determine the extent of the injury. Mild relief may be found when the foot is soaked in warm water, thus making it easier to gently pull the skin away from the nail. This is considered to be a temporary solution and a podiatrist is eventually sought who can provide permanent relief, which may include surgery.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Ankle & Foot Care. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Parma, Cleveland, and Westlake, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Hammertoe is considered to be a deformity. It is a foot condition that usually affects the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th toes, and causes them to bend downward at the joint. This can resemble a hammer, hence the name. Wearing shoes that do not have ample room for the toes to move freely may be a top reason why hammertoe occurs. Research has shown women are more prone to developing hammertoes and this may be the result of wearing high heels that have pointed toes. In the beginning stages, the toes may remain flexible and it is somewhat reasonable that they can be manipulated into their normal position. In more severe cases, corns may develop on top of the toes from friction as the toes rub that portion of the shoe. Additionally, there may be medical conditions that can lead to the onset of hammertoe, including rheumatoid arthritis, peripheral neuropathy, and inflammatory joint diseases. If you are afflicted with hammertoe, please consult with a podiatrist who can determine its severity and offer the correct treatment options. 

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Ankle & Foot Care. Our practitioners 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

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

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 our offices located in Parma, Cleveland, and Westlake, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Corns of the feet can develop when a specific area of the foot is exposed to a significant amount of pressure or friction. Corns, thickened areas of skin, grow in response. There are many steps that an individual might consider taking to mitigate the effect that corns can have on the health of their feet. One mitigation technique to reduce discomfort from corns is known as corn pads. These pads are shaped like a doughnut and are meant to be adhered to the affected area, with the corn in the center hole. These corn pads are typically made of various materials, including foam and moleskin. Contact a podiatrist today for more information about how corn pads can help you.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Ankle & Foot Care. Our practitioners will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our practitioners to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Parma, Cleveland, and Westlake, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

About one-third of adults who are 65 years or older fall at least once in a year, research has shown. It is also believed that falling is the 6th highest cause of death among seniors, and many falls cause serious injuries. Most falls occur either in or around the home while doing tasks or chores. Common causes for falls among the elderly are tripping, loss of balance, blurred vision, and underlying health conditions. For that reason, it is a good idea to take some precautions that can help to prevent falls. Experts recommend wearing shoes that fit properly and have non-skid soles, rather than walking barefoot or in loose slippers. Checking medications for side effects, such as dizziness or loss of balance, is also a wise move. Reducing the number of places that could cause you to trip, such as scatter rugs and dark hallways, is another good idea. Installing grab bars in bathrooms and placing non-slip mats in bathrooms are suggested. Using a walking aid, or at least having one nearby in case of sudden dizziness, may help ward off falls. Staying active and keeping weight at normal levels are a good idea. For more information about how to keep from falling, please consult 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 one of our podiatrists from Advanced Ankle & Foot Care. Our practitioners 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:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

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 our offices located in Parma, Cleveland, and Westlake, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A fracture of a child’s ankle is when one or more bones are broken in the ankle. A child who has broken their ankle may experience pain and bruising as well as trouble putting weight on their ankle or foot. If this happens, medical help should be sought from a podiatrist who will examine the ankle, do an imaging test, and provide appropriate treatment based on the results. Usually, a support device such as a brace, cast, or splint will be provided to protect the ankle and help the child limit movement. Crutches may need to be used with such a device to decrease pain and help with mobility. Pain medication and further intervention might be needed as well, depending on the severity of the injury. To enable healing, the child should rest his or her ankle and elevate it above the heart level as much as possible. If your child has hurt his or her ankle and is in pain, it is suggested that a podiatrist be seen as soon as possible.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Ankle & Foot Care. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Parma, Cleveland, and Westlake, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.