Here at the Foot & Ankle Center of Ohio we see and treat a variety of foot and ankle conditions. The following is a list of some of the common conditions we see and treat at our office:
- Achilles Tendonitis and Injuries (Tears & Ruptures)
- Ankle Pain
- Ankle Instability
- Ankle & Foot Sprains
- Arthritis of the Foot & Ankle
- Athlete's Foot
- Bunions
- Corns
- Calluses
- Flat Feet
- Fractures of the Foot & Ankle
- Geriatric Foot Care
- Gout of the Foot & Ankle
- Hammertoes
- Heel Spurs/Plantar Fasciitis
- High Arches
- Ingrown Toenails
- Injuries
- Neuromas
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Tendinitis and Tendon Conditions of the Foot & Ankle
- Toenail Fungus
- Sports and Running Foot & Ankle Injuries
- Warts
- Wound Care
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendinitis is caused by overuse of the band of tissues that connects the lower region of your calf muscle to your heel bone, also known as your Achilles tendon. Those at a higher risk for Achilles tendinitis are runners engaging in intense training or middle-aged people who participate in sports on occasion.
Ankle Pain
The foot and ankle are highly specialized structures that absorb the weight of our body and enable us to move. Experts estimate that the force and pressure on your feet when walking can be up to two times your body weight. This pressure can increase with more vigorous movements such as running and jumping. With so much pressure on your feet and ankles, they undergo a lot of wear and tear throughout your life and are highly susceptible to injury and trauma.
The foot and ankle are a complex system of bones, ligaments, muscles, and joints that provide the structure and stability we need to move freely. If any of these components become compromised or weakened due to injury, overuse, degenerative conditions, or sprains, it can significantly impact your foot's ability to move and function properly.
For those struggling with foot and ankle pain, it is important that you seek medical attention for a proper evaluation. Our orthopedic physicians are highly trained and experienced in diagnosing and treating all facets of foot and ankle pain or injury. After a thorough examination, we can begin to craft a customized treatment plan that will take your unique needs and lifestyle into account.
Ankle Instability
Chronic ankle instability is usually caused by repeated ankle sprains and is described as the gradual giving way of the outside of the ankle. Some symptoms of ankle instability include constant inflammation or swelling, tenderness, and instability in the ankle. After a sprained ankle, the ligaments become stretched and torn. Proper rehabilitation is required to strengthen the muscles around the ankle and rehabilitate the tissues within the ankle that affect your balance. In addition, physical therapy, medications, and bracing can help treat chronic ankle instability. Failure to do so may result in repeated ankle sprains, or possibly surgery.
Ankle & Foot Sprains
A sprained ankle or sprained foot occurs when you twist your ankle or foot in an abnormal way causing the ligaments holding your bones together to stretch or tear. Most sprains of the foot and ankles involve injuries to the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle. Treatment for a sprained ankle/foot depends on the severity of the injury. Although you may just need proper rest and pain medications to heal, it is important to have the sprain looked at by a professional to determine the severity and proper treatment.
Arthritis of the Foot & Ankle
Arthritis is the inflammation of the cartilage and lining of the joints. Although it can present itself at any age, arthritis is primarily found in those over 50.
Each foot has 33 joints, making them easy targets for arthritis. In some cases, arthritis can be extremely painful and debilitating.
There are two types of arthritis: Osteoarthritis (also called "wear and tear" arthritis,) is the most common, typically brought on by the aging of joints. Cartilage breaks down over time, creating painful sensations and difficulty moving and articulating the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most serious form and can be majorly crippling. In the foot, it is a chronic inflammatory problem affecting the feet and ankles.
Athlete's Foot
Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a specific type of fungal infection that typically begins between the toes. A common cause of athlete's foot is sweaty feet that are confined to tight shoes for a long period of time. Signs and symptoms of athlete's foot include a scaly rash that usually causes itching, stinging and burning. Athlete's foot is contagious and should be carefully monitored and treated. Athlete's foot can easily be treated with antifungal medications, but the infection is likely to recur. Prescription medications also are available.
Bunions
A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe. They can develop from an inherited structural defect, excess stress on your foot, or can result from an existing medical condition.
For the most part, bunions require no medical treatment. However, if you are experiencing one or more of the following, a podiatrist can help alleviate your symptoms.
Corns
Corns tend to be smaller than calluses and are the hard center is surrounded by irritated skin. While corns can be found on the bottom of the foot where pressure is usually applied, it is more common that you find corns on the tops and sides of your toes and even between your toes. When pressure is applied, corns can cause significant pain and discomfort.
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Calluses
Calluses, on the other hand, don't usually cause pain. They usually develop on the soles of your feet, especially under the heels or balls, on your palms, or on your knees. Calluses vary in size and shape and are often larger than corns.
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Flat Feet
Flat foot is a condition where the arches on the inside of your feet are flattened which causes the sole of the foot to touch the floor when standing upright. It is likely for flat feet to be caused by the arches not fully developing during childhood and is considered a very common and painless condition. On the other hand, flat feet can occur after an injury or from the normal aging process.
While it is common not to experience any pain or symptoms of flat feet, some people do tend to sense pain in the heel or arch area. Physical activity can irritate the area and inflame the foot along the inside of the ankle. This can be caused by the tendon that is supporting the arch being stretched as it is depreciating.
Fractures
Since nearly one-fourth of the bones in our body are in our feet, fractures of the foot are common and rarely debilitating.
There are two types of fractures. A stress fracture typically occurs in the space between the toes and middle of the foot, usually as a result of a physical activity gone awry. These fractures are only on the surface of the bone. General bone fractures extend through the bone. These injuries are usually caused by trauma to the foot.
Depending on the fracture and placement, different treatments will be discussed. Foot fractures typically heal on their own, although more serious cases may require surgery.
It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you suspect your foot is fractured so treatment can begin right away.
Geriatric Foot Care
As we age, foot problems are almost inevitable and completely normal. However, there are important steps to take to make sure you stay on your feet.
Health problems such as diabetes, arthritis, and circulatory issues may cause problems that present themselves in the feet. It is very important to monitor your foot health and seek medical attention whenever you notice a problem. Below are some daily tips and tricks to keep your feet healthy.
Gout of the Foot & Ankle
Often we associate arthritis with older patients who have lived an active lifestyle. Gout, on the other hand, can affect anyone. Gout is a common form of arthritis that is known for its sudden attacks of pain and joint tenderness. Joints that are affected by gout are often hot to the touch, swollen, and very tender. While symptoms are not chronic, it is essential to take preventative measures to manage gout as its side effects can be debilitating and intolerable.
Hammertoes
Hammertoe is a deformity where one or both joints of the second, third, fourth or fifth toes begin to bend outside of their normal alignment. Pressure can begin to weigh heavy on the toes as you wear shoes which is where pain and other symptoms develop.
Hammertoes typically begin with small symptoms and deformities and continue to worsen with time. In its beginning stages, hammertoes are often impressionable which means they can be controlled using minimal treatment. It is important to know the signs of hammertoes to get them evaluated early. If left untreated, hammertoes can become more firm and difficult to manipulate, requiring surgery.
Heel Spurs/Plantar Fasciitis
Heel spurs occur in at least 50% of people who have plantar fasciitis. Past treatments for heel spurs, a bony growth that begins on the front of your heel bone and points toward the arch of your foot, included surgery to remove the growth. Nowadays, surgery is rarely a treatment option and more plans for physical therapy, ice, and pain medications are used to treat heel spurs.
High Arches
The arches of your feet are responsible for much of the shock absorption while walking and running. Having arches that are too low or too high can lead to a host of problems with not only your feet and ankles but also your back and hips.
In many cases, those with high arches were born with them; however, some medical conditions may cause high arches too. These conditions may include:
- Cerebral palsy
- Muscular dystrophy
- Polio
- Spinal cord tumors
- Spina bifida
- Stroke
- Charcot-Marie-tooth disease
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are a common condition where the corner of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding the toe (usually the big toe). Ingrown toenails can be very uncomfortable, painful, and can easily lead to an infection in the toe.
It is possible to take care of ingrown toenails on your own, but if the pain does not subside, We can take steps to relieve the pain and help you avoid further complications caused by ingrown toenails.
Injuries
Did you know that foot and ankle injuries are actually quite common? These injuries often occur when the ligaments that support the foot or ankle stretch beyond their limits and tear. This can be very painful, and can limit your ability to walk or bear weight. A foot or ankle injury can happen to anyone and can range from mild to severe. Here at Foot & Ankle Center of Ohio we provide treatment and rehabilitation for various types of foot and ankle injuries. We will do everything we can to assist you throughout your treatment and educate you on ways to prevent future injuries. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today at (330) 345-5500.
Neuromas
A neuroma can occur in many areas of the body when nerve tissue thickens. Morton's neuroma is the most typical neuroma that occurs in the foot and it occurs between the third and fourth toes. Also known as an intermetatarsal neuroma, the name describes its location in the ball of the foot.
Compression and irritation typically cause the nerve tissue to thicken. This pressure creates inflammation of the nerve, ultimately causing untreatable damage to the nerves in the foot.
Peripheral Neuropathy
As a result of damaged peripheral nerves, peripheral neuropathy can occur causing symptoms like weakness, numbness, burning, and tingling in the hands and feet as well as other parts of the body. Traumatic injuries, diabetes, and even some exposure to toxins can cause peripheral nerve damage.
Once damage to nerves occurs, the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are gradual and worsen with time. It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to aid in the prevention of damage to those specific nerves.
Tendinitis and Tendon Conditions of the Foot & Ankle
Achilles tendinitis is caused by overuse of the band of tissues that connects the lower region of your calf muscle to your heel bone, also known as your Achilles tendon. Those at a higher risk for Achilles tendinitis are runners engaging in intense training or middle-aged people who participate in sports on occasion.
If you're experiencing Achilles tendinitis, you may encounter mild aching, tenderness, and/or stiffness in the back of the leg or above the heel. Fortunately, most cases can be treated, and your highly qualified doctor will discuss ways to perform at-home care to prevent recurring episodes. For more serious cases that lead to tendon tears, surgery may be required. Your doctor will conduct a thorough examination and will discuss the best course of action with you.
Toenail Fungus
Fungal infections in the toe or fingernails can appear as thickened, discolored, or disfigured. While it may seem like the condition is just an aesthetic concern, fungal infections can lead to worsened symptoms and pain. Diabetes, a weakened immune system, and the normal aging process are all causes associated with fungal infections. It is more likely for senior citizens and adults to develop a fungal infection as opposed to children.
Sports and Running Foot & Ankle Injuries
Below are some of the most common sports and sports-related injuries we see in our office.
- Martial Arts and Kickboxing: Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, and ankle sprains. Proper stretching is vital to injury prevention, specifically, a minimum of 15 minutes before beginning exercise.
- Aerobics: With impact forces reaching up to six times the force of gravity and 26 bones in the foot, proper shoes are extremely important when participating in aerobics. Shoes must provide shock absorption and proper cushioning, as well as stability.
- Team Sports: Baseball, basketball, soccer, football, field hockey, and lacrosse often lead to foot and ankle injuries. Artificial surfaces, improper footwear, and inadequate stretching are recipes for disaster.
Make sure to wear proper shoes and stretch for at least 15 minutes before playing sports.
Warts
Plantar warts are caused by the HPV virus and cause tiny cuts and breaks on the bottom of your feet.
While most plantar warts are not a major health concern, it is advised you see a doctor to have the warts examined and removed. Some symptoms include small, rough lesions on the base of the foot, calluses in one spot, and tenderness when walking or standing for long periods of time.
Wound Care
Ulcers on the foot may not always come with pain, but they are serious conditions that should be evaluated by a medical professional. The symptoms of ulcers may include drainage, or red, inflamed tissue. To properly diagnose and develop a treatment plan x-rays may be ordered.