Items filtered by date: March 2024

Surgical debridement is a critical  procedure in foot wound care, involving the removal of dead, damaged, or infected tissue to promote healing. It is commonly used for severe wounds, ulcers, and burns where other methods may not be effective. During the procedure, a podiatrist uses surgical tools to carefully remove the affected tissue, ensuring that healthy tissue remains intact. This process helps to eliminate sources of infection and encourages the growth of new tissue. Surgical debridement can be performed in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and specialized wound care centers. Depending on the extent of the wound, anesthesia may be necessary to minimize discomfort. After debridement, the wound is typically cleaned and dressed to prevent infection and support the healing process. Proper wound care and follow-up are essential for optimal outcomes following surgical debridement. If you have problematic foot wounds, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to see if you can benefit from surgical debridement.

Limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have diabetes, cancer, or any other condition that could lead to foot amputation if left unchecked, 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.

What Is Limb Salvage?

Limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Those with diabetes experience poor blood circulation, which prevents proper healing of an ulcer. If the ulcer is left uncheck, it could become infected, which could result in the need for amputation.

However, there are other causes as well, such as cancer and traumatic injury. Links between higher mortality rates and amputation have been found. This translates into higher healthcare costs, and a reduced quality of life and mobility for amputees. Podiatrists have attempted to increase the prevalence of limb salvage in an attempt to solve these issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Limb salvage teams have grown in recent years that utilize a number of different treatments to save the infected limb. This includes podiatrists that specialize in wound care, rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery. Through a combination of these methods, limb salvage has been found to be an effective treatment for infected limbs, and as an alternative to amputation. Podiatrists will first evaluate the potential for limb salvage and determine if the limb can be saved or must be amputated. 

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.

Foot pain can occur for many reasons, making it tough to know exactly what is wrong without the help of a medical professional. One common cause of foot pain is a fracture, which is a break in the bones of the foot. This can cause intense pain, making it difficult to walk. Heart disease can also lead to foot problems. This condition makes it harder for blood to circulate properly, leading to swelling and pain in the feet. Diabetes is another big cause of foot pain, because high sugar levels can damage nerves in the feet, causing pain and sometimes even leading to serious infections if cuts or sores do not heal properly. Plantar fasciitis is also common, especially in people who stand for extended periods of time or wear shoes without good support. It happens when the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot gets inflamed, causing heel pain that is usually worse in the morning. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist, who can help diagnose the source of the pain and create an effective treatment plan.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, 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.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

Your feet and ankles are very important for how you move. Imagine them like the strong base of a building. They help you stand up straight and walk around without falling over. But did you know they do even more? They also help you push against things when you move. For instance, you push against the ground when you run or jump. But if your feet and ankles don't move the right way, it can cause problems. You might feel pain or get hurt. The muscles, bones, ligaments, and tendons in your feet and ankles all work together to keep you safe and moving. Learning about how your feet and ankles work helps you understand why they're so special and how we can take care of them. If you would like to learn more about how the feet and ankles work together to support your body or you have sustained an injury to these parts of your lower extremities, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment.

If you have any 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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.

Papillomas, also known as warts, are caused by coming into contact with the human papilloma virus, or HPV. One type of papilloma found on the feet is termed a plantar wart. The HPV virus is commonly picked up in humid communal environments, such as public showers and swimming pools. The best way to avoid being exposed to these contagious papillomas on your feet is to wear appropriate foot coverings in public places such as showers, locker rooms, and pools. A plantar wart typically appears as a small, rough growth on the bottom of your foot, usually at the base of the toes, or on the ball or heel. In some cases, the wart may contain black pinpoints, which are small clotted blood vessels, commonly called wart seeds. While a plantar wart may resolve without treatment, seeking advice from a podiatrist can help to minimize its spread and any discomfort it causes. If the wart reoccurs, and especially if it is bleeding, painful, or there are changes in shape or color, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for immediate treatment.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Cleveland Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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.