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Ankle Sprains
An ankle sprain is a tearing or stretching of the ligaments
around the ankle. This can often result from twisting or
rolling the ankle. This most commonly occurs on the outside
of the ankle and results in pain, swelling and bruising.
A mild ankle sprain can be treated with Rest, Ice,
Compression and Elevation, better known as RICE therapy. However,
more severe injuries which can result in instability and
difficulty walking require professional care.
Athlete’s
Foot
Athlete’s foot is a fungus infection of the skin of the
foot. This can affect the entire foot but is most often seen
between the toes. The skin becomes macerated or moist with
perspiration. This is most often easily treated with
anti-fungal creams and powders. The most important factor,
however, is ensuring that the area is kept dry.
If this condition is left untreated, the cracks between the
toes may lead to an additional infection from bacteria,
which
can become very serious and require oral antibiotics or
other professional treatment.
Bone Spurs
A bone spur is an enlargement or growth of a bone most often
at the attachment of a tendon or ligament. As the spur grows
it can cause irritation and pain. If padding and shoe
modification do not alleviate the problem, surgical
correction is very helpful. Very often this can be
accomplished by minimal incision surgery (MIS). This may be
done in your podiatrist’s office; however, it often needs to
be performed in an operating room. It can be done under
local anesthesia. Generally, no stitches are required, there
is very little pain and you can walk immediately after the
procedure.
Bunions
A bunion is a deformity of the foot in the area of the big
toe joint. It can initially cause pain over the “bump” which
can be exacerbated by shoes. There can also be pain inside the joint
that worsens with movement. Over time the deformity can
worsen as the big toe moves towards the little toes. It is
often accompanied by hammertoes.
Orthotics or custom-made inserts and shoe modification can
offer some relief from pain. However, surgery is often
required to correct the deformity.
Corns & Callouses
These are skin lesions that result from abnormal pressure
and friction while walking. Corns usually occur on the top
or at the end of the toes while callouses are on the bottom
of the feet.
Frequently a custom-made orthotic or “arch support” can
rebalance the feet and reduce the growth of these lesions.
Often, a minimal incision surgery (MIS) can correct the
problem and allow the patient to return to normal activity
almost immediately.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetic patients have trouble with the control of their
blood sugar. As a result they are at increased risk of
developing certain problems, many affecting the lower
extremities, including loss of feeling and poor circulation. Therefore, it is advisable for all diabetics to
see a podiatrist for a complete evaluation at least once a
year. Should you notice any changes in your feet, or suffer
any minor injuries, see your podiatrist immediately.
Some diabetic patients are eligible to receive special
diabetic shoes and inserts that are covered by insurance.
These are important in protecting the feet from injury.
Diabetic
Shoes
Diabetics have multiple problems which leave the feet
susceptible to injury and sometimes amputation. As a result
Medicare and other insurance companies recognize and even
recommend special shoes and custom-inserts designed to
protect the feet from injury. They are usually covered by
insurance.
Foot and Ankle Injuries
Most injuries of the foot and ankle can easily be treated
with RICE therapy – Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.
Occasionally these injuries can be more serious and require
professional care. If symptoms do not improve quickly it is
advisable to seek professional treatment.
Fungus
Toenails
Thick, yellow, crumbly or brittle toenails often develop
from a fungal infection. This is essentially athlete’s foot
of the toenail. Unfortunately it is very difficult to cure.
Most topical medications are ineffective in treating nail
fungus. The best treatment is usually an oral medication.
However, your podiatrist will suggest the best treatment for
your condition.
Hammertoes
A hammertoe is characterized by a contracture of the toe at
one or all of the joints. Very often a corn can develop over
the joint or at the end of the toe from constant pressure
and rubbing. Early in its development a hammertoe is
flexible, but over time it will become more rigid. Treatment
varies based on the severity and rigidity of the
deformity.
Very often a hammertoe can be straightened with
minimal
incision surgery (MIS). This can be done in your
podiatrist’s office under local anesthesia. No stitches are
required, there is very little pain and you can walk
immediately after the procedure.
Heel
& Arch Pain
Pain on the bottom of the heel which is worse in the morning
and after periods of rest is known as Heel Spur Syndrome.
When the pain is located in the arch of the foot it is
called plantar fasciitis. This is caused by increased
tension in the plantar fascia, the long ligament on the
bottom of the foot. It is often accompanied by over
flattening or pronation of the foot and a tight Achilles
tendon.
Stretching, ice, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
(NSAIDs) and orthotics can help to improve this condition.
In many cases cortisone injections, taping or physical
therapy are required. Occasionally conservative therapy is
unsuccessful and surgical intervention is required. However,
there are several advanced techniques that are now
available, including; extra-corporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT),
radio-frequency and endoscopic plantar fasciotomy.
Heel Spurs
Heel spurs are boney growths that occur on the bottom or
back of the heel bone. These generally occur when there is
an abnormal amount of tension or tearing of the tendon or
ligament attached to the area. Spurs on the back of the heel
bone can be associated with Achilles tendonitis while spurs
on the bottom are associated with plantar fasciitis or heel
spur syndrome.
Ingrown
Toenails
Ingrown toenails can be extremely painful. Usually they are
a result of improper trimming of the toenails. However,
there are various other factors that can cause them such as;
trauma, fungus, ill-fitting shoes and hereditary factors.
The most effective treatment is permanent correction by
removing the edge of the toenail and the root in order to
stop the in-growing portion from returning.
Minimal Incision
Surgery (MIS)
Many corrective procedures can be performed through very
tiny incisions. Minimal Incision Surgery allows for
correction of these deformities in a way that minimizes the
risk of pain or other complications. Often there is no need
for stitches and the patient can leave the office wearing
normal shoes. Recovery is very quick with minimal disruption
of daily activities.
Neuromas
A neuroma is a pinched or scarred nerve in the foot that
causes numbness, tingling and pain in the ball of
the foot and often extends into the toes. The pain is
usually worse with walking and in shoes. Treatment for this
condition may include; anti-inflammatory medication, padding
or injection of medication to reduce the swelling of the
nerve. Orthotics are often required for long-term care. In
rare occasions the nerve may need to be removed.
Orthotics – Arch
Supports
Orthotics, often improperly referred to as arch supports are
thin, light-weight devices which are placed inside your
regular shoes. These are custom-made inserts which are
designed to help re-balance your feet and allow them to
function in a more efficient manner. The materials used
today make them very well tolerated and easier to wear than
in the past. High quality prescription, prefabricated
and diabetic footwear can be ordered from
www.betterforminc.com
Plantar
Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the long ligament on
the bottom of the foot, the plantar fascia. This ligament
attaches to the heel bone and extends to the ball of the
foot and adds support to the arch of the foot. When there
is excessive tension on this ligament it becomes inflamed
and painful.
Stretching, ice, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
(NSAIDs) and orthotics can help to improve this condition.
In many cases cortisone injections, taping or physical
therapy are required. Occasionally conservative therapy is
unsuccessful and surgical intervention is required. However,
there are several advanced techniques that are now
available, including; extra-corporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT),
radio-frequency and endoscopic plantar fasciotomy.
Poor
Circulation
Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, inactivity
and various other factors can result in fatty deposits in
the arteries of your extremities causing poor circulation.
This condition, known as Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD),
can affect the arteries to the heart and brain as well.
A simple test called an Ankle-Brachial Index or ABI,
measuring the blood pressure at the arms and ankles can
readily determine the risk of PAD and related complications.
Sports
Medicine
Injuries sustained during high-intensity activity are often
more serious than those which occur during normal activity.
These should be seen by a podiatrist for a more thorough
evaluation and definitive treatment plan.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis is a condition associated with pain and
inflammation where a tendon attaches to a bone. This often
occurs from overuse, imbalance or a mild strain. Very often
this occurs in the Achilles tendon. Treatment consists of
rest, ice and anti-inflammatory medication. Stretching
exercises and orthotics are also very effective.
Warts
Warts are skin growths that are caused by a virus called
the Human Papilloma Virus or HPV. Plantar warts (verrucae
plantaris) occur on the bottom of the feet while common
warts (verrucae vulgaris) occur on the arms, legs, face and
other areas of the body. They may appear as solitary lesions
or in clusters called mosaic warts. Warts are contagious and
can be spread by casual contact. There are many
different treatments for warts including; shaving, freezing,
applying topical preparations and laser removal. Your
podiatrist will recommend the best treatment based on the
location and number of warts present.
All
Conditions of the Foot & Ankle
Arthritis
Metatarsalgia Neuropathy
Burning Pain
Shin Splints
Dry & Cracked Skin
Sweaty Feet
Flat Feet
Tailor’s Bunions
Fractures/Stress Fractures
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Gout
A podiatrist is a specialist for the treatment of all foot
and ankle conditions. Should you have any problems affecting
your feet or ankles it is best to seek professional advice
from a specialist. Your podiatrist can offer you information
and treatment options specifically tailored to your specific
needs.
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Twinsburg, OH 44087 • (330) 405-3301
20455 Lorain Road • Fairview Park, OH
44126 • (440)
333-5350
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