Ankle surgery may be required to correct a serious deformity of the ankle and its bone structure. Injury (such as a fracture), birth defects, or changes throughout the course of life are the usual culprits. Diseases, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and neuromuscular conditions, may cause severe Read more
Plantar Fasciitis
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is used to treat chronic heel pain (plantar fasciitis). "Extracorporeal" means "outside of the body." During this noninvasive procedure, sonic waves are directed at the area of pain using a device similar to that currently used in nonsurgical treatment of kidney Read more
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is a standard treatment for warts that uses a very cold substance (usually liquid nitrogen) to freeze and deaden the tissue. Cryotherapy can be done in a doctor's office and takes less than a minute. During the procedure, the doctor applies the liquid nitrogen to the wart using a probe or Read more
Neurolysis is a therapeutic procedure used to treat neuromas. During this nonsurgical procedure, the affected nerve is chemically destroyed via seven weekly injections of ethanol mixed with a local anesthetic. Because nerve tissue has an affinity for ethanol, it absorbs the substance, which, after repeated Read more
Ultrasound is a very effective tool for diagnosing a wide variety of foot and ankle problems, particularly soft tissue problems. Ultrasound uses sound waves on the body in a way much like radar uses sound waves. The waves hit a targeted area and are bounced back to a recording device, which produces Read more
MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is sophisticated diagnostic equipment used to diagnose an array of health problems or conditions, including: Arthritis. Fractures. Infections. Injuries of the tendons, ligaments, or cartilage. Tumors. MRIs use no radiation like conventional X-rays or CT scans. They Read more
X-Rays
Computed Tomography
Computed tomography (CT) examination (also known as a CAT scan) is used in podiatry to help diagnose and treat foot or ankle problems. A CT is a kind of X-ray device that takes cross sectional images of a part of the body, giving the physician a three-dimensional image. CT scans are often superior to Read more
Iontophoresis
Iontophoresis is a procedure used to treat excessive sweating in the hands or feet. The procedure involves one or a series of short, 10- to 20-minute sessions in the doctor's office during which a light electrical current is passed through water into the feet. The current is gradually increased until Read more
Hallux Varus is a condition in which the big toe points away from the second toe. It is a possible complication from bunion surgery. The condition has been linked to a number of other causes, including congenital deformity, tight or short abductor hallucis tendons, trauma, injury, or an absence or surgical Read more
Cyst Removal
Ganglion masses, or cysts, are normally removed through surgery. Most cyst removal surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis. Contact our office to have this procedure performed. During the procedure, the cyst is dissected from the surrounding soft tissues and removed. The recovery period depends Read more
Bunions
Bunions are much more common in women; in fact, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, over half the women in America experience bunions at some point in their lives. Women often wear shoes that are too narrow and crush the toes. High heels add to the problem by pushing the toes forward.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails can be a nasty condition causing intense pain, irritation, swelling and even infection. Luckily, this condition can be avoided by taking measures to properly care for your toenails. However, understanding what causes ingrown toenails and how your doctor can treat them can help you keep your toenails healthy and free from injury.
There are many kinds of cancers of the foot. Some take the form of cysts and lesions, while others are more widespread. Malignant melanoma is a skin cancer that is curable if caught early. Although it makes up only one percent of skin cancers, malignant melanoma accounts for over 60 percent of skin Read more
Corns
Corns are calluses that form on the toes because of bones that push up against shoes and build up pressure on the skin. The surface layer of the skin thickens, irritating the tissues underneath. Hard corns are usually located on the top of the toe or on the side of the small toe. Soft corns resemble Read more
Cyst
Frostbite
Extreme exposure of your feet to cold for a prolonged period can lead to a serious condition called frostbite. Frostbite starts by producing pain and a burning sensation in the exposed areas. This is followed by numbness in toes or feet and changes in skin color, from pale or red to bluish-gray or black. Read more
Calluses
Heel calluses, also called plantar calluses, develop when one metatarsal bone is longer or lower than the others and it hits the ground with more force than it is equipped to handle. As a result, the skin under this bone thickens. The resulting callus causes irritation and pain. In most cases, heel Read more
Eczema
Fungus
2. Inspect your feet regularly. Pay attention to changes in color and temperature. Look for thick or discolored nails (a sign of developing fungus), and check for cracks or cuts in the skin. Peeling or scaling on the soles of feet may indicate Athlete's Foot. Any growth on the foot is not considered normal.
Lesions
Osteochondritis are lesions that usually cause pain and stiffness of the ankle joint and affect all age groups. Osteochondritis is caused by a twisting-type injury to the ankle. Symptoms include swelling and ankle pain. Immobilization of the foot and ankle for a period of time usually resolves the Read more
Psoriasis
Heel fissures is the term for cracking of the skin of the heels. This can be a painful condition that can cause bleeding. Open-backed sandals or shoes that allow more slippage around the heel while walking are often culprits that cause heel fissures. Skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, can Read more
Now, after surgery and physical therapy, I feel great! I have always been an athlete, and I’m so excited to start running again.
Flatfoot Correction
Heel Pain
Ankle Sprain
With all its running, twisting, turning, and jumping, basketball is one of the hardest games on feet. Different movements put all the areas of the foot at risk. That is why proper conditioning, stretching, and well-fitted shoes are critical to a healthy enjoyment of the sport. Ankle sprain is a particularly Read more
People call a doctor of podiatry for help diagnosing and treating a wide array of foot and ankle problems. Please contact our office if you experience one of the following...
Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the human body and can withstand forces of 1,000 pounds or more. It also is the most frequently ruptured tendon, usually as a result of a sports injury. Both professional and weekend athletes may suffer from Achilles tendonitis, a common overuse injury and Read more
Ankle Instability
Chronic lateral ankle pain is recurring or chronic pain on the outside part of the ankle that often develops after an injury such as a sprained ankle.Signs and symptoms include: Ankle instability. Difficulty walking on uneven ground or in high heels. Pain, sometimes intense, on the outer side of the Read more
Ankle Sprain
Arthritic Foot Care
Bunions Problems
A bunion is a hard, bony knob on the side of your big toe. Bunions are caused by uneven weight distribution on your toe joint. Over time, your toe joint becomes unstable and your body begins to mold the joint into a hard bump on the side of your toe.
Calluses
Diabetic Foot Care
Knowing the additional risks associated with diabetes is key to remaining healthy and active. To learn more about diabetic neuropathy and how to keep your feet and body healthy, call Oakton Foot & Ankle Institute at 330-825-7878 to see your Norton, OH podiatrist and schedule a foot exam today.
Flat Feet
Fungus Toenails
Toenail fungus can make you not want to take off your shoes. It’s embarrassing and uncomfortable. Fortunately, your podiatrist is an expert at toenail fungus treatment and can help you get rid of what’s infecting your toenails.
Geriatric Foot Care
Hammertoes
Do you have a small toe that bends so much that it appears almost claw-like? If so then you may be dealing with a hammertoe. A hammertoe usually develops because of an imbalance of the toe muscles that puts extra pressure on the tendons and joints, leading to a bending of the middle toe joint. However, trauma to the foot, arthritis, ill-fitted shoes and genetics can also play a role in whether you are more likely to develop a hammertoe.
Heel Spurs
- Heel Spurs—growths of bone on the underside, forepart of the heel bone. Heel spurs occur when the plantar tendon pulls at its attachment to the heel bone. This area of the heel later calcifies to form a spur. Proper warm-up and the use of appropriate athletic shoes can reduce the strain to the ligament and prevent the formation of heel spurs.
Heel Pain
Foot Pain
Ingrown Toenails
If your ingrown toenail becomes infected, your doctor will need to take measures to clear up your infection before treating the ingrown toenail itself. Your doctor may suggest soaking the foot daily to help with swelling and discomfort. Over-the-counter medications can also help relieve pain and swelling. You may be able to roll the skin back to access the toenail where it has grown inward. If this is possible, you can slip a small piece of floss or cotton underneath. Severe cases will require that your doctor use a surgical procedure to remove part or all of your toenail.
Foot Injuries
Metatarsalgia
Pain in the area between the arch and toes, or ball of the foot, is generally called metatarsalgia. The pain usually centers on one or more of the five bones (metatarsals) in this mid-portion of the foot. Also known as dropped metatarsal heads, metatarsalgia can cause abnormal weight distribution due Read more
Foot Orthotics
Kohler's Disease is a spontaneous loss of blood supply to a particular bone in the foot. Treatments may include cast immobilization, reduced activities and foot orthotics or inserts. Read more
Plantar Fasciitis
- Plantar Fasciitis—an inflammation on the bottom of the foot that leads to heel and/or arch pain. A variety of foot injuries or improper foot mechanics can lead to plantar fasciitis. Treatments range from icing and foot exercises to the prescription of custom orthotics to correct the foot position and help alleviate pain.
Podiatric Deformities
Ingrown toenails occur when the side of the nail begins to curl in as it grows, causing it to dig into the skin on the side of the toe. This can cause the skin to break, which can lead to serious pain, discomfort and infection. The most common cause of ingrown toenails is failing to cut the toenail properly. However, foot deformities like bunions, wearing improperly fitting or too-tight shoes, trauma to the toe, obesity, diabetes and arthritis can also contribute to ingrown toenail development.