A cane is a mobility aid designed to improve balance, reduce pressure on the lower extremities, and help prevent falls. It is commonly used by individuals recovering from foot or ankle injuries or those experiencing weakness or instability. A properly selected cane provides support during walking and can reduce strain on affected joints. Choosing the right cane involves understanding individual needs, body measurements, and the type of support required for safe movement. This simple tool can make a meaningful difference in daily mobility and independence.

Symptoms that may indicate the need for a cane include foot or ankle pain, instability while walking, and difficulty maintaining balance. Individuals recovering from sprains, fractures, or chronic conditions may benefit from added support. Risk factors for falls include poor balance, muscle weakness, and uneven walking surfaces. Without proper assistance, these factors can increase the likelihood of injury. A cane helps distribute weight more evenly and provides an additional point of contact with the ground, improving stability and confidence during movement.

Selecting a cane that fits correctly is essential for safety and effectiveness. The height should allow the handle to align with the wrist when the user stands upright with arms relaxed. This ensures proper posture and reduces strain on the shoulders and back. Learning how to use a cane is equally important. It should be held on the opposite side of the injured or weaker foot and moved in coordination with the affected leg. Different types of canes, including single point and quad-base designs, offer varying levels of support depending on individual needs.

Using a cane can support recovery from foot and ankle injuries while helping prevent further complications. A cane should be viewed as a supportive tool that enhances safety and independence. If you have a foot condition that would benefit from using a cane, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what type of cane is right for you.

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 Cleveland Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors 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 Cleveland, Independence, and Kent, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Treadmill running offers a convenient way to exercise in a controlled setting. Runners can choose their speed, adjust the incline, and follow a pace without dealing with traffic or challenging weather. The belt provides a smooth, predictable surface that can feel gentler than concrete. This consistency can help new runners learn pacing and gradually build endurance. A treadmill makes interval training easier because speed settings are precise. For people with busy schedules, indoor access can make regular running more practical. These benefits make the treadmill a useful option for fitness, training, and maintaining a routine throughout the year.

However, treadmill running has drawbacks. The moving belt assists with forward motion, so the legs and feet work somewhat differently than they do outdoors. A flat, even surface also places the body through the same movement repeatedly. This lack of variety can contribute to soreness or strain, especially when speed or distance rises too quickly. Treadmills do not prepare runners for uneven ground, sharp turns, or downhill sections. They can also feel repetitive, and some runners find the indoor setting less motivating. Having poor form and wearing shoes that lack proper support can increase pressure on the heels, arches, and ankles.

A podiatrist can help runners gain the benefits of treadmill exercise while reducing injury risks. The visit can include an examination of foot structure, joint movement, and running form. A podiatrist can identify problems linked to heel pain, arch strain, or repeated stress. Advice can cover proper shoe selection, safe training changes, and the use of custom orthotics. These are shoe inserts designed to improve support and distribute pressure more evenly. A podiatrist can also explain whether treadmill running suits a patient's foot health, symptoms, and training goals. If your feet hurt after running on a treadmill, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Cleveland Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? 
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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 broken toe can cause enough pain to make walking and standing difficult. Breaks can happen after a hard stub, fall, or heavy object lands on the foot. Some fractures develop from repeated stress on the bone instead of one sudden injury. Pain and difficulty walking are key symptoms. A traumatic break can also cause throbbing, swelling, and bruising. Some patients hear a pop or crack when the injury occurs. However, being able to walk does not mean the toe is not broken.

Toe fractures range from small stress fractures to more serious breaks. A stress fracture is a tiny crack caused by repeated pressure on the bone. It can cause soreness after walking or running and tenderness when the area is touched. A displaced fracture occurs when the broken bone moves out of its normal position. The toe can look crooked, and severe injuries can break the skin. Broken toes and sprained toes can feel similar, so an accurate diagnosis matters. Most broken toes take about six to eight weeks to heal, although recovery varies by injury.

A podiatrist can examine an injured toe and determine whether symptoms point to a fracture. The evaluation can assess swelling, tenderness, and toe alignment. An X-ray can help confirm the break and show whether the bone has moved. Treatment depends on which toe is injured and how severe the fracture is. Options can include buddy taping, a rigid-sole shoe, or a walking boot. More serious fractures can require the bone to be repositioned or surgery to restore alignment. Proper treatment can lower the risk of lasting pain, reduced movement, or problems while walking. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Cleveland Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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.

Flat feet can affect more than the way a person stands or walks. The arches on the bottom of the feet help support the body and guide movement through the legs. When these arches are lower or flattened, the feet can move differently when walking. This change can affect how forces travel from the feet toward the ankles, knees, and hips. Knee osteoarthritis is a condition in which the tissues inside a joint become damaged, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced movement. Research has found an association between flat feet and knee osteoarthritis. People with flat feet and knee osteoarthritis can experience greater knee pain and reduced physical function. However, research does not show that flat feet directly cause knee osteoarthritis.

A podiatrist can examine the feet, ankles, and legs to determine how foot structure affects movement. The evaluation can include checking the height of the arches, observing how the feet move while walking, and assessing areas of pain or stiffness. A podiatrist can also consider the severity of knee symptoms when developing a treatment plan. This is important because flat feet can vary from mild to more pronounced changes in foot position. Research involving patients with knee osteoarthritis found that greater flat-foot severity was associated with more knee pain, stiffness, and difficulty with physical function. These findings suggest that foot structure should be considered when evaluating patients who have both flat feet and knee osteoarthritis.

Treatment from a podiatrist focuses on improving foot function and supporting comfortable movement. Depending on the patient's needs, care can include custom orthotics, footwear recommendations, and exercises designed to support foot and lower-leg function. Orthotics are inserts designed to support the foot and improve how pressure is distributed when walking. A podiatrist can also monitor changes in foot and knee symptoms and coordinate care with other healthcare providers when appropriate. Addressing foot mechanics does not cure knee osteoarthritis, but evaluating the feet can be an important part of managing symptoms and maintaining mobility. If you have symptoms of flat feet or knee osteoarthritis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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 care needs.