Cracked heels are a common foot problem that occurs when the skin surrounding the heel becomes dry, hard, and thickened, often due to pressure, lack of moisture, or prolonged standing. Symptoms include rough patches of skin on the heel edge that may split and cause pain. In severe cases, the cracks can deepen and become infected, sometimes leading to cellulitis, which requires medical attention. A podiatrist can help by safely removing thickened skin, providing moisturization plans, recommending footwear to reduce pressure, and addressing any underlying conditions. If cracked heels are left untreated they may worsen over time. If you have developed cracked heels, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition, which may include prescribed medication.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from North Eastern Ohio Podiatry Group LLC. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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

Morton's neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of the foot, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. It is caused by thickening of the tissue surrounding a nerve that leads to the toes, often due to repetitive stress, wearing tight footwear or high heels. Foot deformities like flat feet or bunions can also be factors. Symptoms may include sharp, burning pain, or the sensation of having a pebble inside the shoe. The pain often worsens with activity or pressure and may subside when the shoes are removed. A podiatrist can diagnose Morton's neuroma through a physical exam, symptom review, and imaging such as ultrasound or an MRI scan. Treatment options include footwear modifications, custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory medications, or, in severe cases, surgical removal of the affected nerve. Early diagnosis can prevent the condition from worsening. If you are experiencing persistent forefoot pain or numbness, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an expert evaluation and relief.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of North Eastern Ohio Podiatry Group LLC. our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail curves into the skin, causing tenderness, swelling, and sometimes infection. Early treatment can ease discomfort and prevent the problem from worsening. Soaking your foot in warm water with Epsom salts softens the nail and skin, making it easier to relieve pressure. Wearing roomy shoes or sandals also helps reduce irritation. One conservative method sometimes recommended is taping. By gently placing a strip of medical tape along the side of the toe and pulling the skin slightly away from the nail, the pressure can be reduced, giving the nail room to grow properly. However, this technique should be done carefully by a podiatrist to avoid cutting off circulation. If your symptoms do not improve or the toe becomes infected, it is suggested you see a podiatrist who may use additional treatments, including lifting the nail, using a splint, or removing part of the nail.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of North Eastern Ohio Podiatry Group LLC. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

Compartment syndrome of the foot occurs when increased pressure within the muscle compartments of the foot restricts blood flow. The most common cause is high-energy trauma, like fractures from a fall or motor vehicle accident. Symptoms of compartment syndrome include intense pain, swelling, bruising, and sometimes numbness or tingling. The affected muscle compartments are surrounded by dense fibrous tissue, which can prevent proper circulation. If not treated promptly, this may result in muscle death and long-term foot dysfunction, including clawing of the toes. A podiatrist can assess the injury by performing a thorough clinical evaluation, and using pressure monitoring to confirm the diagnosis. If compartment syndrome is identified, this foot doctor may recommend surgery to relieve the pressure and restore circulation. Early intervention is critical to prevent severe complications. If you are experiencing this type of foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an immediate appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with one of our podiatrists from North Eastern Ohio Podiatry Group LLC. our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Muscle strains
• Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
• Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

• Bruising
• Inflammation/ Swelling
• Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.

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

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream, leading to the formation of sharp crystals in the joints. It most often affects the big toe, causing sudden and intense pain, redness, swelling, and warmth. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, an overabundance of uric acid, and certain medical conditions. High levels of uric acid can result from diet, poor kidney function, or lifestyle habits. A podiatrist can help diagnose gout, manage painful flare-ups, and recommend changes to reduce recurrence. Gout can be extremely painful and may cause difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have sudden pain in your big toe, it is strongly suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist who can help you manage this uncomfortable condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from North Eastern Ohio Podiatry Group LLC. our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

Running is an excellent form of exercise, but it can lead to injuries if the feet and ankles are not properly supported. Common running injuries include Achilles tendonitis, which causes pain and stiffness along the back of the ankle, and plantar fasciitis, which creates sharp heel pain from inflammation of the foot’s arch. Prevention involves wearing supportive shoes, stretching regularly, gradually increasing mileage, and avoiding uneven terrain. A podiatrist can evaluate your gait, provide custom orthotics, recommend strengthening exercises, and treat injuries to restore comfort and mobility. Ignoring foot pain can lead to chronic issues. If you have developed a foot or ankle injury from running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of North Eastern Ohio Podiatry Group LLC. our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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

Sever’s disease is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel, common in physically active children and adolescents. It occurs due to repetitive stress and strain on the heel bone during growth spurts. Risk factors include participation in running or jumping sports, tight calf muscles, and wearing improper footwear. This condition typically affects children between 8 and 14 years old. Symptoms include heel pain, swelling, and difficulty walking or running. A podiatrist can diagnose Sever’s disease, recommend stretching exercises, supportive footwear, activity modifications, and other things  to reduce pain and promote healing. If your active child complains of persistent heel pain, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist  who can offer effective relief tips, ensuring a healthy return to activity.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from North Eastern Ohio Podiatry Group LLC. our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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

As pickleball becomes more popular, foot and ankle injuries are becoming more common. The sport’s quick movements, sudden stops, and fast pivots place added pressure on tendons, ligaments, and bones. One serious concern is injury to the Achilles tendon, which can occur without warning and is especially common among men. Other frequent problems include ankle sprains, heel pain, and overuse injuries like stress fractures. Playing on hard courts, skipping warm-ups, or wearing the wrong shoes can increase the risk of harm. Continuing to play through discomfort may worsen the injury and slow recovery. Whether you play pickleball for fitness or fun, it is important to protect your feet and ankles to avoid long-term problems. If you notice swelling, pain, or stiffness after playing, it is suggested you schedule a visit with a podiatrist for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment plan.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from North Eastern Ohio Podiatry Group LLC. our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Willoughby Hills, Euclid, and Beachwood, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Midfoot arthritis occurs when the joints in the middle of the foot become inflamed, leading to pain and stiffness. It often feels like a deep ache or sharp discomfort during walking or standing, especially after periods of rest. Causes include aging, previous injuries, or conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Symptoms can involve swelling, limited motion, and tenderness in the arch. Risk factors include repetitive stress, high-impact activities, and joint instability. A podiatrist can diagnose midfoot arthritis through physical exams and imaging. Treatment options include custom orthotics, supportive footwear, and pain management strategies. If midfoot pain is affecting your mobility, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for expert care and long-term relief.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from North Eastern Ohio Podiatry Group LLC. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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