A heel spur is a bony growth that forms on the underside or back of the heel, often linked to strain on foot tissues. Symptoms include sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after rest. Risk factors include repetitive stress, poor footwear, and tight calf muscles. Gentle stretches can help relieve tension. A big toe stretch involves pulling the toe upward to stretch the arch, while a calf stretch against a wall is done by stepping one foot back and pressing the heel down. Additionally, a calf stretch on a step allows the heel to lower below the edge, and a seated calf stretch involves using a towel to pull the foot upward. Heel spurs can be painful. If this applies to you, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips and discuss treatment options with you.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Howard Kimmel, DPM from Buckeye Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous one, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

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

A hammertoe occurs when one of the smaller toes bends abnormally at the middle joint, creating a curled or claw-like shape. While it may begin as a mild change, it can gradually affect how the entire foot functions. As the toe loses its normal position, pressure shifts to the ball of the foot, altering weight distribution with each step. This can place extra demand on surrounding joints, tendons, and muscles, leading to compensation patterns in walking. Over time, these changes can increase tension along the sole of the foot, particularly in the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that supports the arch. As strain builds, discomfort may extend beyond the toes into the heel or ankle. Without proper management, the condition can worsen and impact overall mobility. If you have a hammertoe, it is suggested that you seek early care and guidance from a podiatrist who can help restore balance and reduce ongoing foot stress.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Howard Kimmel, DPM of Buckeye Foot Care. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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

As people age, changes in the lower limbs can quietly raise the chance of losing stability and stumbling. Reduced muscle power in the toes, along with stiff joints, can alter walking patterns and slow reactions. Ill-fitting shoes or worn soles further increase the likelihood of trips. Many seniors also develop sensory loss, making it harder to detect surfaces and obstacles. Targeted care can help, including tailored exercises for the lower limbs and guidance on properly fitted, supportive shoes. Regular assessment allows early identification of issues and timely management. Addressing these factors can improve confidence during daily activities and lower injury risk. Podiatrists can recommend skin care, orthoses, and routine nail maintenance, while coordinating with other clinicians to support safer movement and independence at home and in the community. If you are a senior and have developed foot pain or are looking for additional fall prevention tips, it is suggested that you schedule routine visits with a podiatrist.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Howard Kimmel, DPM from Buckeye Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Brook Park and Willoughby Hills, 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 grows or presses into the surrounding skin instead of resting above it, creating irritation, and, in some cases, a break in the skin. Mild cases may cause redness, tenderness, and slight swelling. As the condition worsens, moderate ingrown toenails can lead to increased pain, drainage, and discomfort in wearing closed-toe shoes. Severe or infected cases may include pus, warmth, and overgrown tissue along the nail border. Some people develop chronic ingrown toenails due to nail shape, repeated pressure, or injury. Treatment depends on severity. Early care includes warm soaks, keeping the area clean, and reducing pressure with proper footwear. A podiatrist may trim or lift the nail or place a small support. For persistent or severe cases, a simple in-office procedure can remove part of the nail and prevent regrowth. If you have a painful ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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 Howard Kimmel, DPM of Buckeye Foot Care. Our doctor 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 one of our offices located in Brook Park and Willoughby Hills, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Bicycle spoke injuries in children occur when a child’s foot or leg becomes caught in the rotating spokes of a bicycle wheel, often leading to trauma of the ankle and surrounding tissues. This type of entrapment can cause fractures, soft tissue damage, and significant pain. Symptoms include swelling, bruising, difficulty bearing weight, and visible injury to the ankle or lower leg. Risk factors include riding without proper foot protection, loose seating positions, and lack of protective guards on bicycles. These injuries can be serious and require prompt evaluation. A podiatrist can assess the extent of damage, provide appropriate treatment, and guide recovery to restore function. If your child has symptoms of a fractured ankle from bicycling riding, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer appropriate relief and treatment solutions.

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

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
• 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 contact one of our offices located in Brook Park and Willoughby Hills, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.