Items filtered by date: May 2024

Lower limb and foot injuries are common in athletic children, partly due to the vulnerability of their growth plates. Growth plates are the developing areas of cartilage at the end of the long bones in the legs where bone growth takes place. These plates are weaker than nearby tendons and ligaments, making them more susceptible to injury. This is especially true when under the stress of repetitive physical activities in sports. Movements like running, jumping, and quick pivoting can place excessive strain on growth plates, leading to conditions such as Sever's disease, or heel pain. Ankle sprains are also common because ligaments in children tend to be more elastic than in adults. The biomechanics of growing children, such as variations in gait, muscle strength, and coordination during growth spurts, can further predispose them to these injuries as their bodies adapt to rapid physical changes. A podiatrist, or foot doctor, can treat these types of injuries common in active children. They may suggest treatments ranging from rest and elevation to custom orthotics that support proper alignment and reduce stress on the growth plates. Treatments vary depending on the injury. If your child is struggling with a lower limb or foot injury, it is suggested you consult with a podiatrist for targeted care. 

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, 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.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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.

Plantar fasciitis surgery is a treatment option for individuals who have not found relief from conservative measures and continue to experience severe and debilitating heel pain. The surgery typically involves releasing or removing a portion of the plantar fascia to alleviate tension and reduce inflammation. This procedure aims to provide long-term pain relief and restore normal foot function. Success rates of plantar fasciitis surgery vary depending on various factors, such as the patient's overall health, the severity of the condition, and the specific surgical technique used. While many patients experience significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life following surgery, it is essential to understand that success is not guaranteed, and there are risks associated with any surgical procedure. If you have this condition and are considering surgery, it is strongly suggested that you speak with your podiatrist who can guide you toward making an informed decision. 

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Scott Peters of Ankle & Foot Walk-In Clinic. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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.

Walking on a foot stress fracture can seem like a feasible option in certain situations, but it carries both advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side, continuing to walk may help maintain mobility and prevent muscle atrophy, especially if the fracture is minor and does not cause severe pain. It can also be convenient for individuals with busy schedules or obligations that require them to stay on their feet. However, walking on a stress fracture can exacerbate the injury, delaying healing and potentially causing further damage. It may prolong recovery time and increase the risk of complications such as a complete fracture or chronic pain. Additionally, ignoring the need for rest and proper treatment can lead to long-term consequences, including decreased bone density and recurrent injuries. Ultimately, while walking on a foot stress fracture may offer short-term benefits, it is essential to prioritize rest and medical guidance to ensure a full and efficient recovery. If you have endured a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide proper recovery treatment.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. Scott Peters from Ankle & Foot Walk-In Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate 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 and ankle needs.

Ankle injuries are an ongoing concern among surfers, especially those who continually push their limits in pursuit of perfect waves and daring tricks. From simple ligament strains to complex fractures, the spectrum of ankle injuries in surfing can lead to extended periods out of the water. To safeguard against ankle injuries, experts emphasize the importance of prioritizing ankle strength and stability. Enhancing proprioception, the body's spatial awareness is paramount for injury prevention. Balance exercises on unstable surfaces are often used to simulate conditions encountered while surfing. Plyometrics, which focuses on explosive movements and controlled landings, can aid in developing ankle resilience. Using resistance bands during ankle exercises can help strengthen key muscles involved in ankle stability. Incorporating dorsiflexion, internal rotation, and external rotation exercises can fortify ankle joints against the stresses of wave-riding and reduce vulnerability to injury. If you have injured your ankle while surfing, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options. 

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, 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.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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.