Items filtered by date: September 2022

Pickleball is one of the most popular sports people are playing now because it is slower and has a lower intensity compared to other sports. However, despite it seeming to be an easier form of exercise, injuries to all parts of the body can still be sustained. Ailments from pickleball related to the feet are commonly associated with the Achilles tendon and ankles. An Achilles strain involves the tendon in the back of the ankle that connects the calf to the heel. This can happen from the sudden stop-and-go actions in pickleball and can be accompanied by a sharp, snapping feeling. Ankle sprains are injuries to the ligaments on the side of the ankle and are typically caused by missteps or faulty landings. Wearing well-fitting and supportive footwear, warming up before playing pickleball, performing stretching and strengthening exercises regularly, and using ankle braces can help. If you get injured during pickleball or any other sport, it is important to rest. If pain persists or worsens, see a podiatrist as soon as possible to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan so you can return to pain-free play.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Cleveland Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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.

Baby’s feet are generally adorable, and you may yearn to touch them. They are soft and pliable as a result of the fatty tissue they are composed of. This will gradually convert into bone as the growing process occurs. Research has shown that babies are born with a stepping reflex, and this can be seen while they are held in a standing position as they move their legs as if they are walking. This will eventually disappear, and crawling will begin first, then walking will start at approximately one year of age. The majority of babies are born with flat feet, and the arch will be fully developed as they approach their teenage years. There are parents who choose to trim their baby's nails after they have had a bath, when the nails are the softest. An interesting fact is that baby’s feet will reach half of their adult foot size before they are one year old. Additionally, it is beneficial that the first shoes are made with a flexible sole, and padded ankle. This may be helpful in providing the necessary support as the first steps are taken. Please consult with a podiatrist if you would like to know more about what to expect as your child’s feet grow.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Cleveland Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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.

A bunion, known as hallux valgus, is a bony bump that occurs on the joint of the big toe. It forms from bones in the top part of the foot moving out of place, which causes the tip of the big toe to be pulled toward the smaller toes. It also forces the joint in the big toe to be stuck. Women and elderly people are most apt to suffer with bunions. These rarely occur in children, but sometimes babies are born with bunions, or they form in later childhood. The skin above the bunion might be sore and red. Bunions can form by wearing narrow or tight shoes, from one’s foot shape, way of walking, a medical condition, or a foot deformity. Calluses might develop where the big and 2nd toe touch, or on the ball of the foot. Bunion pads, well-fitted shoes, or toe spacers might help with bunion discomfort, and if not, bunion surgery (a bunionectomy) might be an option. Untreated bunions may get worse over time, and it might be difficult to walk or wear regular shoes without pain. If you have a bunion and it hurts, contact a podiatrist for the best treatment option for you.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Cleveland Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• 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.

A rare foot condition happens to only a few people in the population. Many rare foot conditions share symptoms with common foot problems but are harder to diagnose and treat. Three such foot diseases are Freiberg’s disease, Maffucci syndrome, and Kohler’s disease. Freiberg’s disease usually affects the second or third metatarsal bones and causes the bones to flatten and lose their normal, round, smooth shape. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and stiffness around the affected toe, and it can cause the forefoot to be tender and have a limited range of motion. Maffucci syndrome affects the skin and bones. It is characterized by multiple benign tumors in the cartilage, called enchondromas, which develop near the ends of bones and cause them to bulge and stop growing. These can lead to severe bone deformation and make bones more susceptible to fractures. This syndrome is most common among children and is rarely detected at birth, but symptoms can become apparent in the first few years of life. Kohler’s disease is another rare foot condition that happens due to the compression of the arch of the foot during a child’s early development. It affects boys more than girls and typically affects a single foot. Those with this disease have redness, swelling, and tenderness on the affected foot. Symptoms may be mild but chronic. If your child suffers from foot pain, see a podiatrist who can diagnose the problem and provide treatment.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Cleveland Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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