Items filtered by date: November 2025

A rupture of the Achilles tendon, the strong cord that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, often causes sudden pain in the back of the ankle and difficulty pushing off the foot. An Achilles tendon rupture usually occurs during activities that involve a quick change in direction or an explosive push from the foot. When the tendon tears, patients often describe hearing or feeling a “pop,” followed by swelling and weakness when standing on the toes. A podiatrist can diagnose this injury through a physical exam and imaging tests to confirm the extent of the rupture. Treatment depends on the severity of the tear and can involve immobilization with a boot or surgery to repair the tendon. Early, controlled movement during recovery helps maintain strength and flexibility while reducing the chance of re-injury. If you have injured your Achilles tendon, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. 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.

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 one of our offices located in Brook Park and Willoughby, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A bunionette, also called a tailor’s bunion, is a bony bump that forms on the outside of the foot at the base of the little toe. It may appear red, swollen, or irritated, and often becomes painful, especially when wearing tight or narrow shoes. The area may feel tender, sore, or produce a burning sensation during walking or standing. Common causes include inherited foot structure, improper footwear, pressure on the outer edge of the foot, or abnormal foot mechanics. A podiatrist can diagnose a bunionette with a physical examination and may use X-rays to assess the alignment of the bones. Treatment options depend on the severity and include wider shoes, padding, anti-inflammatory medications, and custom orthotics to relieve pressure. In more advanced cases, surgery may be necessary to realign the toe and remove the bony prominence. It is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to receive an accurate diagnosis and the most effective treatment.

If you are suffering from bunions, 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.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

High heels may look sexy and make the legs look longer, but a lifetime spent wearing high heels can cause a lot of damage to the feet. The angle at which the toes and ball of the foot are jammed into a pointy toe box adds undue pressure on the bottom of the foot. The higher the heel, the more pressure is added. This may result in several painful foot conditions including bunions, hammertoes, corns, calluses, and Achilles tendonitis, to name a few. Other effects in the long-term wearing of high heels is plantar fasciitis, Haglund’s deformity at the back of the heel, which is also called pump bump, knee and back pain caused by the shifting of weight, and Morton’s neuroma, which affects the nerves under the third and fourth toe. If you are experiencing any of these foot conditions and the pain is ongoing or worsening, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and discussion of treatment options. 

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Howard Kimmel, DPM from Buckeye Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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

Foot arthritis causes inflammation and damage to the joints of the foot, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Osteoarthritis results from wear and tear of the joint cartilage over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks its own joints, causing swelling and deformity. Additionally, post-traumatic arthritis develops after an injury or fracture, while gout occurs when uric acid crystals accumulate in the joint, causing sudden and severe pain. A podiatrist can diagnose the specific type of arthritis, recommend treatments such as custom orthotics or medication, and provide guidance to improve mobility. If you have symptoms of arthritis in your feet, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Howard Kimmel, DPM from Buckeye Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

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