Items filtered by date: December 2023

Podiatry, a specialized branch of medicine, focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders and conditions related to the feet and lower extremities. A podiatrist, also known as a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, or DPM, is a healthcare professional who specializes in caring for the health and well-being of the feet. Their expertise encompasses a wide range of conditions, including foot and ankle injuries, diabetes-related foot problems, and structural issues. To become a podiatrist, one typically follows a rigorous educational path. This begins with completing a bachelor's degree, followed by enrollment in a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, or DPM program, which is a four-year professional degree program. After earning the DPM degree, aspiring podiatrists typically undergo a residency program to gain hands-on experience in various clinical settings. Podiatrists then can choose to pursue board certification in a specific area of podiatric medicine, such as surgery or sports medicine, to further specialize in their field. If you have foot or ankle problems or are interested in pursuing podiatry as a career path, it is suggested that you speak with this type of doctor.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact Dr. Scott Peters from Ankle & Foot Walk-In Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Mayfield Village, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Embarking on a running journey brings not just the thrill of the track but also the responsibility of safeguarding against potential injuries. Start with a proper warm-up, gradually transitioning from brisk walking to a light jog, allowing muscles to adapt to the forthcoming activity. Choosing the right footwear is paramount. Opt for shoes that provide adequate support and cushioning based on your foot arch and running terrain. Maintain a balanced training routine that incorporates strength and flexibility exercises, focusing on core muscles and leg stability. Listen to your body and incorporate rest days to allow for recovery and muscle repair. Pay attention to running surfaces, choosing softer terrains when possible to reduce the impact on joints. Lastly, progress your running intensity gradually to avoid overexertion. If you would like more information about how to prevent running injuries in addition to protecting the feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Scott Peters of Ankle & Foot Walk-In Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Mayfield Village, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Achilles tendon injuries can cast a shadow over the start of the day, with many individuals experiencing heightened discomfort in the morning. This specific pain is often a result of the tendon's response to a period of inactivity during sleep. As the body rests, the tendon may tighten, and upon resuming activity, the sudden stretching can induce pain and stiffness. This morning agony is a common symptom in conditions such as Achilles tendonitis or tendinosis, where the tendon undergoes repetitive stress or degeneration. It is essential to recognize the significance of a gradual warm-up routine before stepping out of bed, incorporating gentle stretches to prepare the Achilles tendon for the day ahead. Additionally, wearing supportive footwear and avoiding sudden, high-impact activities in the morning can contribute to managing and minimizing the discomfort associated with Achilles tendon injuries during those initial awakening moments. If you have endured this type of injury, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective treatment and relief techniques.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Scott Peters of Ankle & Foot Walk-In Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Mayfield Village, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Pain on the top of the foot can be a perplexing and uncomfortable experience, often arising from various underlying factors. One common culprit is overuse or repetitive strain, especially in activities that involve extensive flexing of the foot. Wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear may compress the nerves and tendons on the top of the foot, leading to discomfort. Traumatic injuries, such as fractures or contusions, also can cause localized pain on the top of the foot. Inflammation of tendons or ligaments due to conditions like tendonitis or arthritis may also contribute to this discomfort. Additionally, stress fractures, particularly in the metatarsal bones, can manifest as persistent top-of-foot pain. Nerve compression or entrapment, such as with conditions like Morton's neuroma, can be another source of discomfort. Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment, highlighting the importance of consulting with a podiatrist who can identify and address the specific cause of top-of-foot pain. If you have pain in the top of your foot, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with this type of doctor who can offer you the correct treatment methods.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Scott Peters  from Ankle & Foot Walk-In Clinic. Our doctor 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 office located in Mayfield Village, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.