Items filtered by date: August 2022

People who have flat feet often look toward stretching and exercising which may help any discomfort that can accompany this ailment. Flat feet are defined as the foot having a low arch, or the arch being absent. It is noticeable while standing on the floor, and the entire foot lies flat. It is considered to be an imbalance, and can affect other parts of the body. The feet are the foundation of the body, and carry us through the day. When the feet connect to the ground, and there is no arch, the plantar fascia may be negatively affected, and may cause pain and discomfort. This is the band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot, and connects the heel to the toes. This can produce tight calf muscles. There are simple stretches that can help to relieve the discomfort. These can consist of standing on a step and lowering the heels one at a time until a gentle stretch is felt. Additionally, many people choose to roll the sole of their foot over a tennis ball, and this can be beneficial in releasing any tension in the foot. If you have flat feet, and would like to learn more about how stretches can help you, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Cleveland Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

Diabetics have high blood sugar levels that can damage blood vessels and nerves in the legs and feet. Such damage can make it hard to feel pressure, pain, and temperature in the feet. Therefore, diabetics may not know they have a cut or sore on their foot or feel the effects of shoes that are not fitting properly. Diabetes can cause the toes to become crooked or curved under and this can impact the way one walks, leading to more pressure on the foot. The increased pressure can reduce blood flow to the feet which increases the risk of foot ulcers. Diabetics need to practice regular foot care to prevent serious problems such as an infection, gangrene, or even amputation. Regular foot care involves checking the feet daily for wounds, corns, or calluses as well as changes in skin texture, color, or temperature. Wash the feet each day with warm, soapy water and dry them, followed by applying a moisturizer. Finish by trimming the toenails straight across and wear well-fitting shoes with clean, dry socks. If you are diabetic it is suggested to have a professional foot exam once a year or whenever you notice a change in your feet. A podiatrist can monitor your feet over time as well as care for any problems that may arise.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Cleveland Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

Flip-flops are undoubtedly a convenient kind of footwear. Not only are they fashionable, but they are also very easy to slip on during the warm summer months. However, they can wreak havoc on the health of your feet for many different reasons. Most importantly, flip-flops can be bad for your feet because they force the feet to work overtime to keep the shoe on the foot. For example, flip-flops lack a back strap of any kind causing the foot must scrunch up into unnatural contortions to keep the flip-flop in place. This type of shoe can be dangerous because the piece of foam resting underneath the sole of the foot offers little to no support. Additionally, many kinds of flip-flops are made using plastic and that plastic material can cause blisters and irritate the skin. If you must wear flip-flops, consider wearing them selectively. For instance, you might wear them only to walk down the block or from the car to the beach instead of on long walks or hikes. For more information about this kind of footwear, reach out to a trusted podiatrist.

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Cleveland Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

• Ankle problems
• Hip problems
• Lower back problems
• Pain in the balls of the feet
• Problems with foot arches
• Changes in the way you walk

Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?

Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

• Sprained ankles
• Blisters
• Infections
• Cuts and Scrapes

I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?

When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.

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

If you have suffered an ankle sprain that has not healed properly, and it has left your ankle ligaments overly loose, you are most likely experiencing ankle instability. A podiatrist will typically diagnose you with ankle instability if you are still experiencing weakness and laxity 6 months after an ankle sprain, or if you have suffered multiple ankle sprains. This is a common occurrence when the initial ankle sprain was not treated satisfactorily, which would have prevented it from healing properly. Ankle instability can also cause pain and tenderness, swelling and discomfort, and cause your ankle to repeatedly “give way.” Ankle instability that goes untreated may lead to chronic ankle instability, and even osteoarthritis in worst case scenarios. If you have had an ankle sprain in the past, and your ankle feels wobbly, weak, painful, or tender, there are treatments to help. It is suggested you start by having a podiatrist examine you and diagnose your condition.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Cleveland Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

Stress fractures of the foot, considered to be overuse injuries, are cracked bones that result from repetitive impact. They are common to runners, especially those whose footwear does not support the foot sufficiently. Women with osteoporosis are also prone to getting stress fractures. A podiatrist can diagnose stress fractures, starting with a medical history of your past injuries, along with a review of your eating habits, exercise regime, and daily activities. X-rays may not be able to detect the hairline fractures until a month or so following the injury, so other types of imaging tests may be necessary. A bone scan may be conducted, calling for a dose of radioactive material given intravenously. However, the results may not be conclusive, because many types of bone problems look alike. An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) test may be administered. This process uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field that create detailed images of the bones. The MRI is considered to be the best indicator of stress fractures, because it shows fractures sooner than an X-ray can, and it also differentiates between bone and soft tissue injuries. An ultrasound test or a CT scan (computed tomography) also can be used to diagnose stress fractures. If you believe the pain in your feet is being caused by a stress fracture, please consult a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Cleveland Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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