Hammertoes

Have you noticed one of your toes bending upwards or becoming more difficult to move? If so, we hope you’ll schedule an appointment with Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates in Lorain right away. Hammertoes, as toes with this sort of deformity are known, do not get better on their own. And if they are allowed to progress, they can result in permanent damage to the foot and seriously impact a patient’s quality of life.

A hammertoe is what we call it when the middle joint of a toe gets stuck in a bent position. (A mallet toe is a bend in the front-most joint, while the big toe only has two joints.) It usually develops slowly, and more than one toe may be affected. The bent toe will rub against a person’s shoe, causing it to chafe and develop a callus. The ball of the foot may also chafe, and the toe joint may become inflamed.

Hammertoes usually develop in women, and the first thing a person should do if they notice one developing is switch to shoes that have roomier toe boxes and won’t force their feet forward. They may also want to try stretching exercises, such as using their toes to pick up light objects. Podiatrists generally don’t recommend acidic corn-removers, as patients can injure themselves using these unsupervised. If a hammertoe continues to cause problems, we may be able to perform minor surgery to release the tendon keeping the toe bent. This would also give us an opportunity to remove any bunions that may have developed as a result of the toes being cramped and chafing against the shoe.

Doctors David J. Hintz and Michael A. Wenowitz run Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road #B, Lorain, Ohio, 44053. To schedule an appointment, visit Integrity Foot and Ankle or call 440-282-1221.

Shopping for Shoes

If you read about foot health, you’re doubtlessly aware that picking good shoes is one of the most important things you can do to keep your feet comfortable and functional. But what does “good” mean, exactly? If you have a specialized condition, we at the Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates in Lorain will be happy to provide you with more personalized advice, as well as customized orthotics. But in general, there are a few things that everybody should keep in mind the next time they go shoe shopping.

When you try on shoes, it’s important to have them fitted as well as possible while erring on the side of more toe room. Wear socks of a similar thickness to the ones you plan to normally wear with the shoe, and try to go later in the day, after your feet have spread out a bit from carrying you for several hours. And remember when getting your feet measured that they are unlikely to be of the exact same size.

A good shoe will provide you with arch support, being neither completely flat nor inclined enough to slide your foot forward and squish your toes together. Athletic shoes will need to be breathable for most kinds of activity, but with solid heels and snug ankle cuffs. Be wary of shoes with soles that bend, and pay some mind to how you will keep an athletic or work shoe clean so you’ll be at less risk for microbial infections. If you plan to be working in slippery environments or ones where you might be carrying something heavy, OSHA provides additional resources to help you determine what you’ll need in a specialized work boot. (For example, you may need protection for your metatarsals and not just your toes.) But regardless of what kind of shoe you’re looking for, you’ll need one that fits you and is comfortable when you walk out of the store, not something that needs to be broken in.

Doctors David J. Hintz and Michael A. Wenowitz run Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road #B, Lorain, Ohio, 44053. To schedule an appointment, visit Integrity Foot and Ankle or call 440-282-1221.

Heel Spurs

At Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates in Lorain, OH, we treat a variety of foot conditions. From hammertoes to heel spurs, we will treat your foot issue so that you are able to complete everyday activities more comfortably. Heel spurs are especially painful as they cause swelling at the front of your heel. If you think you are experiencing a heel spur, don’t hesitate to call our office to set up an appointment. You don’t have to live with that discomfort! Your Lorain podiatrist is here to help.

 

According to Healthline, “A heel spur is a foot condition that’s created by a bony-like growth, called a calcium deposit, that extends between your heel bone and arch.” When this inflammation happens, it often affects other parts of the foot. And while heel spurs can certainly be painful, they aren’t always and they are not easy to detect with the naked eye. 

 

Heel spurs don’t develop overnight but over time. They are caused by long-term muscle and ligament strain. A few different things can bring on heel spurs, including:

 

-Excess body weight

-Old shoes that no longer provide efficient support

-Wearing flip-flops

-Arthritis

-Heel bruising

-Ill-fitting shoes

-Walking gait issues

Are you unsure if you have a heel spur? We can assess your foot and start you on a treatment plan if you do have one. Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates is located on 1740 Cooper Foster Park Rd #B in Lorain, OH 44053. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit integrityfootandankle.com or call 440-282-1221.

 

Preventing Hammertoes

Hammertoes aren’t pleasant and the name for this foot condition doesn’t help its cause. Without knowing what hammertoes are, one might picture a literal hammer smooshing the toes back into the foot. Which honestly isn’t too far off. Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates in Lorain, OH, wants patients to know that they do not have to live with this pain. There are ways to find pain relief and prevent this common foot condition!

 

Hammertoe is a deformity that occurs in the middle joint of one or more of your little toes. It develops when there is an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toes straight. The structure of your feet, trauma, certain diseases, and the type of shoes you wear can all bring on hammertoes. Surgery may be required to correct hammertoes if they are severe enough. Left untreated, the toes affected can become permanently bent and cause painful corns or calluses. 

 

Preventing hammertoes is quite easy since a lot of it has to do with the shoes you wear:

 

-Make sure to have adequate toe room in your shoes and avoid shoes that are pointy.

-Lower heels are less likely to slide your foot forward and put your toes in a scrunched position.

-Laced or strapped shoes are a better option since they have more room and are adjustable. 

-Your feet tend to swell throughout the day, so it’s better to purchase shoes at the end of the day to account for that swelling.

-Your shoe size can change with age, so it’s important to keep checking that you are the size you are!

-Be sure to purchase shoes that are comfortable.

Do you think you have hammertoes? We can take a look and get you started on a treatment plan. Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates is located on 1740 Cooper Foster Park Rd #B in Lorain, OH 44053. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit integrityfootandankle.com or call 440-282-1221.

 

Neuropathy

At Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates in Lorain, OH, we often treat patients struggling with peripheral neuropathy. This is a condition where the nerves in the feet or legs are damaged and is often seen in patients with diabetes. This is because the higher glucose levels destroy the nerve fibers, resulting in diabetic neuropathy. Your experienced staff at Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates is here to help you. If you’re struggling to control your diabetic neuropathy symptoms, reach out to our office today. 

 

The biggest indicators of diabetic neuropathy are numbness, tingling, and severe pain. Because you can’t properly feel your feet, complications arise. It’s common for patients to develop bunions, corns, calluses, and swelling. Diabetic foot ulcers may even develop, since you are unable to tell if your foot is rubbing against your shoes and irritating your feet. Daily foot care is of the utmost importance. Check your feet daily for any developing sores. 

 

Your comfort and concerns are extremely important to us. Your appointment begins with a review of your medical history. Be forthcoming with any relevant information about your diabetes and care. From there, we perform a physical examination. Diabetic nerve damage is diagnosed in a few different ways: we’ll test your muscle strength and tone, sensitivity, and tendon reflexes. Treatment is easily developed afterward, focusing on pain management and treating any resulting cuts, abrasions, or ulcers. We recommend investing in new and proper footwear. Buy shoes that fit properly, provide support, and don’t rub against your feet.

 

Your trusted staff at Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates is highly skilled in treating diabetic neuropathy and are happy to address any questions or concerns that come up. Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates is located on 1740 Cooper Foster Park Rd #B in Lorain, OH 44053. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit integrityfootandankle.com or call 440-282-1221.

 

Bursitis

Running is a great way to exercise, but it does put a lot of stress on your feet. Among the many overuse injuries a patient might develop is bursitis, the inflammation of the bursae. Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates in Lorain, OH, is happy to help patients suffering from painful sports injuries. We also want to educate our patients about how they can prevent bursitis and avoid relapses.

 

A bursae is a sac of fluid that provides cushioning and secretes lubrication for the joints. They are found throughout the musculoskeletal system, but the ones in the feet that are at the greatest risk for injury are on the back of the heel and the base of the big toe. Although they can suffer acute injuries, they are usually strained by tight tendons, and occasionally, bone growths such as Haglund's deformity on the heel bone. People who are overweight or suffering from gout are at greater risk.

 

We take a sample of bursae fluid for testing if we suspect a patient has undiagnosed gout, but rest and ice are usually sufficient treatments for bursitis. Ice should only be applied for fifteen minutes at a time. Patients should return to activity gradually. Athletes need to remember to stretch their calves as part of their warm-ups to prevent their Achilles tendons from getting too tight, and to regularly replace worn-out shoes. Athletes may also want to consider heel inserts. If pain is severe enough, we provide anti-inflammatory injections. 

Do you have bursitis? We are happy to address any questions or concerns that come up. Foot & Ankle Associates is located on 1740 Cooper Foster Park Rd #B in Lorain, OH 44053. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit integrityfootandankle.com or call 440-282-1221.

 

Foot Fungus

Also known as onychomycosis, foot fungus is specifically a fungal infection of the toenails. It causes toenails to become brittle and distorted, thicken, turn yellow, and emanate a foul smell. Foot fungus has the ability to cause a whole host of other problems, including uncomfortable mobility. We at Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates in Lorain, OH, have the expertise to help you or someone you know with various foot problems. Your Lorain podiatrist is dedicated to getting you on the road to treatment for a more comfortable life!

Foot fungus comes in varying degrees of severity. Sometimes treatment isn’t required if it doesn’t bother you. However, for severe cases, relief can only be achieved by a podiatrist’s treatment. The frustrating thing about foot fungus is that even if treatment is successful, nail fungus often comes back. There are a few risk factors to be aware of, some in your control and some not:

- History of athlete’s foot

- Sweating a lot

- Diabetes causes circulation problems and a weakened immune system

- Minor skin or nail injury, such as psoriasis

- Walking barefoot in public areas, especially at gyms, shower rooms, and swimming pools

- Seniors have reduced blood flow, so more exposure to fungi and slow-growing toenails

In order to prevent foot fungus, we recommend that you wash your feet regularly, choose a medical pedicure over a standard nail salon, wear sweat-absorbing socks and breathable shoes, especially wear footwear in pool areas and locker rooms, and either discard or disinfect old shoes. 

Do you have foot fungus? Stop into our office so we can have a look and get you started on a treatment plan! Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates is located on 1740 Cooper Foster Park Rd #B in Lorain, OH 44053. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit integrityfootandankle.com or call 440-282-1221.

Plantar Fibromas

Do you suffer from soreness in the bottom of your foot? If so, it’s worth getting checked out. You may have heard of plantar fasciitis, the inflammation of connective tissue on the bottom of the foot. But there is another, lesser known condition called a plantar fibroma. At Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates in Lorain, we can assist patients suffering from this condition, but it might not get better on its own.

The plantar fascia is the connective tissue stretching from the heel to the beginning of the toes. It is unknown why thick nodules called fibromas sometimes develop in it, although it happens most frequently to middle-aged men. Although not all fibromas cause pain, they are sometimes responsible for soreness a person feels when they have been standing for a long time, and people who notice lumps developing in their feet may reasonably be concerned about them. Fibromas are not cancerous, but they can increase in size, and people with peripheral artery or nerve damage are always better off getting unusual changes in their feet examined.

If a patient is suffering from inflammation, we can inject them with a corticosteroid. We may also fit them for customized orthotics, which should allow them to stand more comfortably, and prescribe stretching exercises that will allow blood to circulate in their feet more freely. Surgical removal of the fibroma may be possible when more conservative interventions are unsuccessful. Recurrences of fibromas are rare, but can happen in people who had more than one fibroma at once.

Doctors David J. Hintz and Michael A. Wenowitz run Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road #B, Lorain, Ohio, 44053. To schedule an appointment, visit Integrity Foot and Ankle or call 440-282-1221.

Common Toe Deformities

Our feet withstand a lot. They hold up the full weight of our bodies and propel us forward. It’s important that we take care of our feet so that they can last us our lifetimes with little complication. Common toe deformities such as claw toe, hammertoe, and mallet toe can all be prevented if we treat our feet right. We at Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates in Lorain, OH, are dedicated to helping our patients find relief and educating them about how they can prevent future toe deformities. 

 

Claw toe, hammertoe, and mallet toe: it almost sounds like we’re going through a toolbox. But the names do lend to the visual abnormality of these deformities, as well as the discomfort. Most of the time, surgery will be required to completely correct these deformities. The tissue will need to be released and tendons will need to be lengthened. 

 

A closer look at the common toe deformities:

 

- Claw toe: This deformity is caused by one of the tendons in the foot contracting, raising the first bone in the toe and making the second two bones point downward. 

- Hammertoe: A normal toe should form a straight line with the three bones that make up the toe. This deformity raises the first toe bone, the second bone tilts downward, and the third bone becomes flat. Like claw toe, this is also caused by a tendon contracting in the foot.

- Mallet toe: This deformity is also caused by a tendon in the foot contracting. The first two toe bones remain straight, though they are slightly raised. The third bone points downwards.

 

Are you experiencing a toe deformity? Stop into our office so we can have a look and get you started on a treatment plan! Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates is located on 1740 Cooper Foster Park Rd #B in Lorain, OH 44053. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit integrityfootandankle.com or call 440-282-1221.

 

Toenail Trauma

An injury to your toenail is likely to be extremely painful. If this has happened to you, you should seek treatment immediately. But if you’re reading this for general informational purposes, we hope you’ll remember what to do if you ever suffer trauma to a nail. We at Integrity Foot and Ankle Associates in Lorain assist patients with all sorts of podiatric needs, and although toenail trauma is scary, it usually heals well if the proper protocol is followed.

The word “avulsion” is used to describe a nail that is wholly or partially torn off. If you suffer a nail avulsion, you should trim down the jagged edge so that it won’t catch on your sock or any other cloth you wrap it in on your way to treatment. However, you should not remove any other portion of the nail that remains. Even if your doctor has to remove the entire nail in a clinic, it can still provide protection from infectious microbes while you are in transit. Nails can usually regrow as long as the nail bed hasn’t been reshaped by scar tissue resulting from an infection or the injury itself. If the congealed blood underneath your remaining nail bed covers a small enough area, it may be able to be drained through a small puncture. If not, the injury beneath the nail bed may require stitches.

Often during treatment for nail bed trauma, an x-ray is taken of the patient’s foot to determine if their toe bones are fractured. If they are not, the toe would still need to be kept covered while the nail regrows, which could take as long as eighteen months. You will receive instructions from your doctor on caring for your toenail while it recovers, but you will need to avoid pinching it in tight shoes or socks and change the covering regularly. You will have to keep the bandages dry while you bathe, and use all of the antibiotics you are directed to use.

Doctors David J. Hintz and Michael A. Wenowitz run Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road #B, Lorain, Ohio, 44053. To schedule an appointment, visit Integrity Foot and Ankle or call 440-282-1221.

Tarsal Coalitions

Sometimes, a deformity that is present in a foot at birth won’t start causing problems until a child reaches adolescence. That is often the case with tarsal coalitions, a fairly common variant in foot structures that may contribute to fatigue and balance problems. Recently, we at Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates in Lorain described how to care for flat feet. We thought that this week we would discuss tarsal coalitions, since they are a common cause of fallen arches, and what can be done about them.

The tarsals are the group of bones at the back of the feet. They include the calcaneus, or heel bone, the talus, which connects to the leg bones, and the navicular, which connects to the bones leading to the midfoot. Tarsal coalitions usually form between the calcaneus and either the talus or the navicular, and a person who has one often has them in both feet. They usually form in utero as cartilage connections, but harden into bone when a person is between eight and sixteen years old. Less commonly, older people may develop tarsal coalitions due to arthritis or injuries. Since most people don’t get foot x-rays for no reason, tarsal coalitions often go undetected until they start causing problems after hardening.

Tarsal coalitions are not always painful, but the inflexibility they cause may result in balance problems on uneven surfaces. Consequently, people with tarsal coalitions are at elevated risk for rolling their ankles. They may also get sore from activities more quickly, or adapt unusual gaits. Shoe inserts can help redistribute the body’s weight comfortably, and steroidal injections may be appropriate in some cases for pain relief. But if dysfunction persists, a podiatrist may consider surgically removing the coalition and replacing it with muscle or fat tissue. Alternatively, if other joints have become overused as a result of compensating for the tarsal coalition, a podiatrist may consider fusing them, as well.

Doctors David J. Hintz and Michael A. Wenowitz run Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road #B, Lorain, Ohio, 44053. To schedule an appointment, visit Integrity Foot and Ankle or call 440-282-1221.

Osteochondral Lesion

A twisted ankle is a relatively common problem, and while it’s not fun, it’s usually treatable without major interventions. However, the patient’s situation may be more serious if there is damage to their cartilage. At Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates in Lorain, our podiatrists take particular interest in sports injuries. As such, they are experienced in treating osteochondral lesions in the foot. This means they can help patients to recover from cartilage breakdown in areas including the talar dome.

The talus is a bone in the ankle that the leg bones rest on top of. The top-side of the talus is covered with a dome of cartilage, which is a rubbery substance that provides cushioning. If a person has a degenerative condition or suffers an ankle injury, the cartilage may rupture, soften, or develop cysts. A breakdown in cartilage may be accompanied by a break in the bone, but not always. Since cartilage helps the joint to move freely, breakage in it could cause the bone to catch or click. The patient may also experience swelling and bouts of pain, particularly when putting the joint under pressure.

The ankle joints don’t always get a great deal of blood supply, and osteochondral lesions in the talus may be slow to heal. If a piece of cartilage breaks off and floats freely in the joint, it will continue to cause inflammation and obstruction. Identifying a talus dome injury is done through a combination of range of motion tests and imaging. The patient may be provided with oral or injected non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication and be given a fitted ankle brace, with instructions on non-weight bearing exercises to do at home. But if the patient continues to experience pain or diminished function, we may determine that surgical removal of the damaged cartilage is necessary. In that case, surgery will usually be done through small holes, using miniature cameras, to allow the patient a faster recovery.

Doctors David J. Hintz and Michael A. Wenowitz run Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road #B, Lorain, Ohio, 44053. To schedule an appointment, visit Integrity Foot and Ankle or call 440-282-1221.

Dry Skin

You’ve probably never heard of Xerosis, but chances are you’ve come across it before. Xerosis is the medical term for dry skin. At Integrity Foot and Ankle Associates in Lorain, OH, Drs. Michael Wenowitz and David Hintz specialize in treating conditions like severe dry skin or Xerosis. Here’s everything you need to know about this condition. 

Causes

Xerosis is typically caused by a change in the environment. This is why it’s more common to experience Xerosis in the cold winter months, where your skin is increasingly prone to losing water.

 

Other causes include:

-Dehydration

-Overdrying the skin

-Bathing or showering frequently

-Bathing or showering with hot water excessively

-Sun exposure

-Living in areas of low humidity

Symptoms

-Itchy, dry, and even scaly skin

-Flaky skin

-Skin that’s tight, especially after bathing

-Irritated skin or skin with cracks

Risk Factors
Older people are more susceptible to Xerosis than younger people. Aging skin is more prone to dryness because of the less active sweat glands. With higher levels of blood glucose, diabetic patients are also at a higher risk for dry skin and Xerosis.

Treatment

Xerosis is a fairly common ailment, so treatment is simple as well. If you’re experiencing severe dryness, your Lorain, OH podiatrists recommend using a moisture-rich lotion to apply to the area. However, if you’re Xerosis persists for more than two weeks, it may be a viral infection. Contact Integrity Foot and Ankle Associates right away for an appointment.

Doctors David J. Hintz and Michael A. Wenowitz run Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road #B, Lorain, Ohio, 44053. To schedule an appointment or to learn more about Xerosis, visit Integrity Foot and Ankle or call 440-282-1221.

When Your Child is Toe Walking

What is Toe Walking?

Toe walking is when your child walks on the balls of their feet without their heels touching the floor. This condition is common amongst kids who are just beginning to learn how to walk and usually isn’t a concern because most children will outgrow it. However, if your child is still toe walking after two years old, visit Drs. David Hintz and Michael Wenowitz at Integrity Foot and Ankle Associates in Lorain, OH for an appointment today.

Causes of Toe Walking

Walking on tiptoes is unusual for children past two years old and causes stiffness of the ankles. Sometimes this behavior is a result of underlying conditions including: 

Heel Pain

Your child may be toe walking because of pain in their heels. Pediatric heel pain is caused by Sever’s disease, a condition where the heel’s growth plate is heavily inflamed and swelled up. Typically, children going through early puberty or who are active in sports are at a risk for developing Sever’s disease. 

Short Achilles Tendon

Your Achilles tendon is located on the back of your heel and extends up to your lower legs. This tendon helps your child move and walk. If an Achilles tendon is too short, that means the heel can’t reach the ground. This is why your child prefers to walk on their tip-toes instead of their feet. 

Other conditions that are linked to toe walking include cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorders, and muscular dystrophy. 

Treating Toe Walking

Your Lorain, OH podiatrists pride themselves in taking care of their littlest patients, and that includes your child suffering from toe walking. At Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates, we will evaluate your child for the best possible treatment plan to stop toe walking. Ranging from physical therapy and stretching treatment plans to braces and footwear with special soles, Drs. Hintz and Wenowitz will help your child walk normally in no time. 

Doctors David J. Hintz and Michael A. Wenowitz run Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road #B, Lorain, Ohio, 44053. To schedule an appointment or to learn more about how toe walking, visit Integrity Foot and Ankle or call 440-282-1221.

Neuroma

If you suffer from a neuroma, you know how bothersome and painful this condition can be. Characterized as a nerve tumor between the toes, a neuroma will worsen if not treated immediately. At Integrity Foot and Ankle Associates in Lorain, OH, Drs. Michael Wenowitz and David Hintz specialize in treating all foot conditions, including neuromas.  

 

What is a Neuroma?

Typically found in the foot between the third and fourth toes, neuromas are benign tumors made up of a collection of nerve tissues. This condition is also referred to as a pinched nerve or a nerve tumor. One of the most common neuroma conditions is known as Morton’s neuroma. 

 

Causes

While causes are unclear, researchers have theories of why neuromas occur. These include:

 

-Incorrect footwear

-Damage to the nerve

-Foot deformities like arched foot

-Repeated stress on the area, such as through work

 

Symptoms

-Pain between toes

-Swelling

-Numbness on the ball of the foot

-Tingling sensations

 

Treatment

If you’re suffering from a neuroma, one of the best things you can do for yourself is check your footwear. Avoid all high heels and any shoes that put stress on your feet. Wear thick soles in the foot for extra support or try over-the-counter shoe pads to relieve pressure.

 

Added rest is also important for your feet. Lie down or put your feet up. Try icing them with an ice pack to reduce swelling. 

 

Visit a podiatrist if the pain is persistent. Your Lorain, OH podiatrist will recommend special exercises, ointment, and shoe inserts as part of your treatment plan. 

Doctors David J. Hintz and Michael A. Wenowitz run Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road #B, Lorain, Ohio, 44053. To schedule an appointment or to learn more, visit Integrity Foot and Ankle or call 440-282-1221.

 

Corn 101

Do you have corn? No, not that type of corn. We’re talking about foot corn, coined because of the yellow scaly thick circles of skin on your feet. At Integrity Foot and Ankle Associates in Lorain, OH, Drs. Michael Wenowitz and David Hintz specialize in treating all foot conditions, including corn.

What is Corn?

A corn is a thick layer of hardened skin that usually forms in response to increased pressure and friction on a specific region of the body. Corns typically occur on feet, toes, hands, and  fingers. 

Causes

-Wearing too snug or tight shoes

-Walking or standing frequently

-People with diabetes are more at risk for foot corn due to poor blood flow to the feet.

Symptoms

-Sensitive skin

-Feet that hurt while wearing shoes

-Bumpy hard skin

-Rough, yellowing patches of skin

Treatment

There are many home remedies and over-the-counter products to treat foot corn. Try soaking your feet in a warm bath with Epsom salts. After the corn is softened, use a file or pumice stone to gently remove the thick layers of skin. Another treatment option is corn pads, which can be found at your local pharmacy. Using salicylic acid, these pads are an effective way to remove foot corn in just a few weeks.

If you’re still experiencing painful foot corn, visit Integrity and Ankle Foot Associates today. Your Lorain, OH podiatrists will file away the corn for you and offer special tips and tricks to prevent future foot corn.

Doctors David J. Hintz and Michael A. Wenowitz run Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road #B, Lorain, Ohio, 44053. To schedule an appointment, visit Integrity Foot and Ankle or call 440-282-1221.

What is Toe Walking?

Toe walking is when your child walks on the balls of their feet without their heels touching the floor. This condition is common amongst kids who are just beginning to learn how to walk and usually isn’t a concern because most children will outgrow it. However, if your child is still toe walking after two years old, visit Drs. David Hintz and Michael Wenowitz at Integrity Foot and Ankle Associates in Lorain, OH for an appointment today.

Causes of Toe Walking

Walking on tiptoes is unusual for children past two years old and causes stiffness of the ankles. Sometimes this behavior is a result of underlying conditions including: 

Heel Pain

Your child may be toe walking because of pain in their heels. Pediatric heel pain is caused by Sever’s disease, a condition where the heel’s growth plate is heavily inflamed and swelled up. Typically, children going through early puberty or who are active in sports are at a risk for developing Sever’s disease. 

Short Achilles Tendon

Your Achilles tendon is located on the back of your heel and extends up to your lower legs. This tendon helps your child move and walk. If an Achilles tendon is too short, that means the heel can’t reach the ground. This is why your child prefers to walk on their tip-toes instead of their feet. 

Other conditions that are linked to toe walking include cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorders, and muscular dystrophy. 

Treating Toe Walking

Your Lorain, OH podiatrists pride themselves in taking care of their littlest patients, and that includes your child suffering from toe walking. At Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates, we will evaluate your child for the best possible treatment plan to stop toe walking. Ranging from physical therapy and stretching treatment plans to braces and footwear with special soles, Drs. Hintz and Wenowitz will help your child walk normally in no time. 

Doctors David J. Hintz and Michael A. Wenowitz run Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road #B, Lorain, Ohio, 44053. To schedule an appointment or to learn more about how toe walking, visit Integrity Foot and Ankle or call 440-282-1221.

Diabetes and Foot Care

Foot care with diabetes can be tricky. For people with diabetes, even the smallest blister can grow into something serious like an amputation. At Integrity Foot and Ankle Associates in Lorain, OH, Drs. David Hintz and Michael Wenowitz specialize in diabetic foot care. If you have diabetes, here’s everything you need to know about proper footcare to stay safe.

Diabetes and Your Feet

People with diabetes can’t process glucose properly. With consistently high levels of blood glucose in the body, many diabetic patients are prone to reduced sensation in their feet and damage to the nervous system. 

How to Take Care of Your Feet

Drs. Hintz and Wenowitz of Lorain, OH advise their diabetic patients to maintain their blood glucose levels to stay healthy. But at the same time, one should practice proper foot care to prevent any injuries. Here are three tips to keep in mind when it comes to your feet when you have diabetes.

Proper Shoes:

When looking for proper shoes, always opt for comfort first. Ditch the heels, flip flops, and anything else that doesn’t give good ankle support. Athletic shoes or comfort shoes are one of the best shoes to wear. 

Toenail Care:

Your toenails need some special attention too! Make sure to moisturize your nails, especially during the winter months. Dry weather leads to cracked skin, heel fissures, and chilblains. Trimming your nails regularly, enjoying foot baths, applying cuticle oil and lotion to your toes every night, and airing out your feet at home are just a few tips for healthy foot care.

Examine Your Feet:

Make sure to examine your feet for any new injuries or blisters, whether it’s before bed or after taking off your shoes. Catching an injury earlier is better than waiting. This is another reason why regular visits to our office, Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates are important if you have diabetes. Your Lorain, OH podiatrists will perform thorough examinations and suggest helpful tips like special footwear and massage to protect your feet. 

Doctors David J. Hintz and Michael A. Wenowitz run Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road #B, Lorain, Ohio, 44053. To schedule an appointment or to learn more about how toe walking, visit Integrity Foot and Ankle or call 440-282-1221.

What Causes Gout?

Of the many kinds of arthritis that affect the feet, the most identifiable is gout. At Integrity Foot and Ankle Associates Drs. David Hintz and Michael Wenowitz specialize in a variety of treatments to provide pain relief to gout patients. However, long-term solutions are likely to require some changes in lifestyle. It is our hope that if more people know what causes gout, they’ll be able to avoid it or seek treatment as soon as they recognize symptoms.

 

Gout is caused by the accumulation of spiky crystals made from uric acids. Alcohol, meat, and sugar contain substances called purines that break down into uric acid. If something prevents the kidneys from filtering uric acid, they form crystals that get stuck in your joints. The base joint of the big toe is the most commonly affected location, but crystals can also build up in the ankles, fingers, or elbows too. If the crystals have been building up for a while, a sudden influx of purines can trigger a gout attack. During an attack, the joint swells noticeably, turns red, and is extremely painful or sensitive. Gout attacks often last for hours and could go on for days.

 

Unfortunately, there are some medications that put people at a higher risk for gout. You can decrease your risk by staying hydrated and avoiding excessive intake of alcohol, soda, and meat (particularly organ meat and seafood). Your trusted Lorain, OH podiatrists perform tests on your joint fluid to determine whether you have a dangerously high amount of uric acid crystals. If a patient is at risk, we provide them with anti-inflammatory medications and discuss dietary changes.

Do you think you could be suffering from gout? Come in for a visit so we can see what’s going on. We will get you started on a treatment plan unique to your problem! Doctors David J. Hintz and Michael A. Wenowitz run Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road #B, Lorain, Ohio, 44053. To schedule an appointment or to learn more about gout, visit Integrity Foot and Ankle or call 440-282-1221.

 

Xerosis 101

You’ve probably never heard of Xerosis, but chances are you’ve come across it before. Xerosis is the medical term for dry skin. At Integrity Foot and Ankle Associates in Lorain, OH, Drs. David Hintz and Michael Wenowitz specialize in treating conditions like severe dry skin or Xerosis. Here’s everything you need to know about this condition. 

Causes

Xerosis is typically caused by a change in the environment. This is why it’s more common to experience Xerosis in the cold winter months, where your skin is increasingly prone to losing water.

 

Other causes include:

-Dehydration

-Overdrying the skin

-Bathing or showering frequently

-Bathing or showering with hot water excessively

-Sun exposure

-Living in areas of low humidity

Symptoms

-Itchy, dry, and even scaly skin

-Flaky skin

-Skin that’s tight, especially after bathing

-Irritated skin or skin with cracks

Risk Factors
Older people are more susceptible to Xerosis than younger people. Aging skin is more prone to dryness because of the less active sweat glands. With higher levels of blood glucose, diabetic patients are also at a higher risk for dry skin and Xerosis.

Treatment

Xerosis is a fairly common ailment, so treatment is simple as well. If you’re experiencing severe dryness, your Lorain, OH podiatrists recommend using a moisture-rich lotion to apply to the area. However, if you’re Xerosis persists for more than two weeks, it may be a viral infection. Contact Integrity Foot and Ankle Associates right away for an appointment.

Doctors David J. Hintz and Michael A. Wenowitz run Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road #B, Lorain, Ohio, 44053. To schedule an appointment or to learn more about Xerosis, visit Integrity Foot and Ankle or call 440-282-1221.