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Children's foot and heel pain, or CFHP, encompasses a variety of conditions that can impact children’s ability to engage in activities and sports without discomfort. One common cause of CFHP is Sever's disease, a condition that results from inflammation of the growth plate in the heel. Sever’s disease is often seen in active children undergoing growth spurts. Additionally, flat feet or overpronation can strain the foot's muscles and ligaments, causing pain. Improper footwear, intense physical activity, and obesity may also contribute to the development of CFHP. Symptoms typically include pain in the foot or heel, particularly during or after physical activities, and might be accompanied by swelling or redness. Addressing CFHP involves a combination of rest, wearing appropriate footwear, and sometimes orthotic devices to support the foot's structure. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent chronic problems and ensure that children can participate in their favorite activities without pain. If your child is suffering with foot or heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today. 

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, 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.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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

Plantar fibroma is a benign condition characterized by the formation of a knot or nodule in the arch of the foot. This lump occurs in the plantar fascia, which is a thick band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes. Typically, someone can feel it if they physically examine the foot. A  plantar fibroma can develop in one or both feet, and it usually remains stable in size or grows slowly over time. The lump in the arch may or may not be painful. When pain is present, it's often because the fibroma presses against footwear or the ground, creating pressure on the foot. This discomfort can be increased by standing, walking, or wearing tight or unsupportive shoes. People sometimes modify their gait or posture in an attempt to minimize discomfort, which potentially causes secondary pain in the feet, legs, or back. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of symptoms. Conservative options may include orthotic devices and footwear modifications, and more invasive procedures may involve steroid injections or surgery. If you have a lump in the arch of the foot and suspect a plantar fibroma, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment options. 

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. 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.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

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

Gout, a painful form of arthritis, often causes intense swelling in a single joint, typically the big toe. Gout is the result of high levels of uric acid in the blood. The uric acid forms crystals in the joints that result in sudden and severe pain, called flare ups. Diagnostic lab tests for gout examine blood or joint fluid for uric acid levels or crystals, though not all cases show elevated uric acid levels. Imaging tests like X-rays, ultrasounds, or special CT scans can help show joint damage or uric acid crystals. Monitoring lab tests can track uric acid levels over time, with additional assessments of kidney function through creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, or BUN, tests. A urinalysis is used to detect uric acid in urine. Regular imaging tests monitor joint health to detect any damage caused by untreated gout. A podiatrist can conduct the appropriate diagnostic tests for gout. If you are experiencing toe joint pain or suspect gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Howard Kimmel, DPM from Buckeye Foot Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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