Items filtered by date: January 2024

As one ages, the importance of foot care becomes paramount for falls prevention. Start by selecting supportive footwear with slip-resistant soles to navigate slick surfaces with confidence. Regularly inspect your feet for any signs of discomfort, changes, or potential issues that may compromise stability. Moisturize to prevent dryness, as cracked skin may lead to instability. Incorporate gentle stretching exercises to maintain flexibility, enhancing overall balance and coordination. Mindful foot hygiene, including regular washing and drying, helps ward off infections that could affect mobility. Stay vigilant in choosing appropriate footwear for different activities, ensuring a snug fit and proper arch support. By embracing these foot care practices, you can create a solid foundation for fall prevention. Falling can impact the feet, and as these practices are implemented, falling mishaps may be prevented. If you are looking for additional falls prevention techniques, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

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 Howard Kimmel, DPM from Buckeye Foot Care. Our doctor 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 one of our offices located in Brook Park, Beachwood, and Willoughby, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Proper foot health is the cornerstone of overall well-being, laying the foundation for a life of mobility and comfort.  At its core, everyday foot care involves maintaining cleanliness and hygiene, with regular washing and drying to prevent infections. It also entails the choice of wearing appropriate footwear, ensuring a balance between comfort, support, and style. Routine inspections for signs of potential issues, such as ingrown toenails or calluses, play a pivotal role in proactive foot care. A regular moisturizing routines prevents dryness and cracking, while fostering skin health. Incorporating gentle exercises and stretches into daily routines strengthens muscles and promotes flexibility, contributing to the prevention of common foot ailments. If you have developed a foot problem that causes pain or discomfort, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Howard Kimmel, DPM from Buckeye Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Brook Park, Beachwood, and Willoughby, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

In the dynamic world of retail, where hours on one's feet and constant movement are the norm, the significance of wearing proper footwear cannot be overstated. Retail workers face the daily challenge of balancing customer service, stocking shelves, and navigating various surfaces. The right shoes play a vital role in promoting comfort, reducing fatigue, and preventing potential foot problems. Opting for supportive footwear with adequate arch and heel support can alleviate the stress on the feet and lower limbs during prolonged periods of standing. Additionally, shoes with non-slip soles provide essential traction on polished retail floors, minimizing the risk of slips and falls. Considering the diverse tasks and environments encountered in retail, shoes with breathable materials contribute to overall foot health by reducing moisture and the likelihood of discomfort. If you are experiencing foot problems related to your retail job, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with treatment options and information on proper footwear.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Howard Kimmel, DPM from Buckeye Foot Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Brook Park, Beachwood, and Willoughby, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Tarsal coalition, which affects approximately one in every 100 people, emerges during adolescence, causing pain and stiffness in the foot. The issue arises when certain tarsal bones fuse or abnormally connect. This leads to a rigid and inflexible region that includes the talus, calcaneus, cuboid, navicular, and cuneiform bones of the foot. The most common types are calcaneonavicular and talocalcaneal coalition, where bridges form between the calcaneus and navicular bones, or between the calcaneus and talus. Three categories of tarsal coalition are osseus coalition, which involves bony growth, cartilaginous coalition which affects cartilage growth, and fibrous coalition which consists of fibrous tissue growth. Causes of tarsal coalition include genetic abnormalities and foot trauma, such as fractures or sprains, which can disrupt connective tissue development. This may lead to abnormal growth and fusion. Infections that weaken foot structures may cause inflammation, further disrupting normal tissue development. Arthritis, especially certain types and associated medications, increase the risk of abnormal growth and fusion in the foot. Understanding the types and causes is important for early diagnosis and tailored treatment plans. For those experiencing persistent foot pain or suspecting tarsal coalition, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and effective management. 

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Howard Kimmel, DPM of Buckeye Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Brook Park, Beachwood, and Willoughby, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
 

Onychomycosis, a common fungal infection affecting the nails, unveils itself as a condition that warrants a closer inspection. This ailment, known as a fungal nail infection, targets the toenails or fingernails, causing discoloration, thickening, and brittleness. The infection is often attributed to various fungal strains, primarily dermatophytes, but also yeasts and molds. These fungi thrive in warm and moist environments, making nails susceptible to infection when exposed to such conditions. Several factors contribute to the development of onychomycosis. Trauma to the nails, poor hygiene practices, and a compromised immune function elevate the risk. Additionally, communal spaces, such as public showers and swimming pools, serve as potential breeding grounds for the fungi, facilitating its transmission. If you have developed toenail fungus, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

For more information about treatment, contact Howard Kimmel, DPM of Buckeye Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Brook Park, Beachwood, and Willoughby, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.