Items filtered by date: December 2023

Foot blisters are fluid-filled pockets that form on the skin's surface, commonly caused by friction, heat, and moisture. These blisters can be painful and uncomfortable, affecting individuals of all ages. Friction is a primary culprit in blister formation. When the skin repeatedly rubs against footwear or other surfaces, it can lead to irritation, causing a blister to develop as a protective mechanism. Wearing ill-fitting shoes, especially those that are too tight or loose, can exacerbate this problem. Heat and moisture also contribute to blister development. When your feet sweat excessively, it creates a moist environment inside your shoes, increasing the risk of friction. In hot weather, sweat can make the skin more vulnerable to blistering. Another potential cause of blisters is burns, whether from hot surfaces, chemicals, or sunburn, as they can damage the skin and result in blister formation. Understanding the causes of foot blisters is essential for prevention. If you do develop a blister, it is important to protect and care for it to avoid infection and promote healing, and a podiatrist can help you accomplish this. It is suggested that you contact this type of doctor who can guide you toward healing and prevention techniques.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, 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.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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.

Cuboid fractures are rare and occur when the cuboid bone in the foot becomes broken. The cuboid bone is one of the smallest bones in the foot, and when it breaks, it can cause pain and trouble walking. Cuboid syndrome is a condition that is related to the cuboid bone. It happens when the cuboid bone does not move or function properly. This can cause pain on the outer part of your foot and make it hard to walk. Sometimes, cuboid syndrome can occur after a cuboid fracture because the bone may not heal correctly, or may still be out of place. If you have foot pain on the outer side of the foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to obtain a proper diagnosis and treatment that will help you return to normal activity as quickly as possible.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, 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.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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.

Ingrown toenails can be a persistent source of discomfort, often caused by improper toenail care or wearing ill-fitting shoes. When conservative measures fail, surgical intervention becomes a viable solution to address the root cause and provide lasting relief. The primary goal of ingrown toenail surgery is to eliminate infection and pain. Before considering surgery, it is beneficial to implement conservative measures. These can include cutting toenails straight across and avoiding leaving sharp edges, and opting for shoes that accommodate the natural position of the toes. In some cases, a podiatrist may be able to manually address the issue by pushing the skin away from the ingrown toenail or carefully trimming the offending toenail section. Surgical procedures for ingrown toenails include nail avulsion, involving the complete removal of the toenail and wedge excision. This procedure removes the section of the toenail growing into the skin, along with the adjacent tissue. Another surgical remedy is nail-bed ablation, partial or complete toenail removal. This is followed by the application of a chemical to the tissue where the toenail originates. Electrocautery methods may also be employed. If you experience ingrown toenails on a regular basis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a full examination and suggested treatment options. 

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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.

People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing serious foot problems, which can ultimately lead to amputation if not addressed promptly. This is especially true if they are considered to have a high risk of foot issues. Monitoring your feet daily is crucial if you fall into this category. It is essential to be aware of signs such as tingling, pain, shiny skin, and loss of feeling. Additional symptoms can include swelling, lack of sweat, slow healing wounds, and blisters or cuts that you cannot feel. If you have diabetes and notice signs of foot problems, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who will assess your risk level, create a personalized care plan, and provide appropriate treatment for existing foot conditions.

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.