Toenail fungus can cause a great deal of discomfort and foot pain. Some common symptoms of this condition may include discoloration, brittleness, and thickening of the affected toenail. In severe cases, the nail may lift from the toenail bed. If the nail is neglected and left untreated, it’s possible for the infection to spread to other toenails, which is why promptly treating this condition is so important. Keeping the feet clean, dry, and trauma-free are extremely important methods in toenail fungus prevention. Wearing moisture-wicking socks, and appropriate footwear in public areas such as swimming pools, locker rooms, and gyms can also help to prevent getting toenail fungus. For more information on how to care and treat an infected toenail, please consult with a podiatrist.

For more information about treatment, 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.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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.

One symptom that is associated with poor circulation is cold feet. This can be a result of limited blood flow, and it may be indicative of serious health issues. Additional signs of this condition can include a tingling or numbing sensation, increased blood pressure, and the feet may feel heavy. There are several reasons why poor circulation may develop. These can consist of being obese, leading a sedentary lifestyle, and having medical conditions such as diabetes. Research has indicated it is beneficial to perform low-impact exercises that can consist of yoga, swimming, and walking. Patients have found relief when compression stockings are worn which may help to increase circulation. If you have symptoms of poor circulation in your feet, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Howard Kimmel, DPM of Buckeye Foot Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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 and ankle needs.

The ball of the foot is located between the arch of the foot and the toes, and it primarily contains metatarsal bones. While walking, weight is transferred from the heel to the ball of the foot, and an uneven weight transfer can cause pain and swelling in that area. As you get older, the fat pad at the bottom of the foot can wear away and cause shock to the ball of the foot. Pain in the ball of the foot can also be caused by high arches, obesity, arthritis, ill-fitting shoes, and wearing high heels too often. If you are looking to manage and limit this type of pain from becoming worse, please consult with a podiatrist for professional guidance.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Howard Kimmel, DPM from Buckeye Foot Care. 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 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.

Plantar Fasciitis is the inflammation of the tissue, known as the plantar fascia, that connects the heel bone to the toes. This tissue is responsible for supporting the bones on the arch of the foot, as well as absorbing the strain that is put on the feet during exercises. The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain in the heel bone, particularly where the plantar fascia connects to the heel bone. Pain is most commonly felt when getting up in the morning or after a long time of remaining stationary. Causes may include tight calf muscles, being overweight, high arches, or high impact activities such as hiking or running. For pain relief, it is suggested to rest and ice the affected area, and custom orthotics may be beneficial as well.  If you are experiencing pain in your heel, it is recommended to see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and the best treatment options available. 

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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 and ankle needs.

Corns are formed by a buildup of hard and dead skin that usually forms around the toe joints. The most common cause of corns is poorly fitting shoes, but activities like running and climbing can lead to corns as well. They normally form in a cone-like shape and work as the foot’s method of protection from friction. Ultimately this extra skin can cause uncomfortable pressure on the feet. Corns are very common and are also treatable. The most common solutions are to wear properly fitting shoes and to take pressure off of the corn as often as possible. If you continue to experience issues with corns, or you have preexisting conditions like diabetes, poor blood flow, or fragile skin, please consult with a podiatrist.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Howard Kimmel, DPM of Buckeye Foot Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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 and ankle needs.