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.

Skateboarding and Ankle Sprains

Sprained ankles are one of the most common sports injuries, and skateboarders are not exempt. Although they may take reasonable precautions by wearing safety equipment, they are still subjecting their ankles to repetitive force, and may develop chronic injuries as well as acute ones. At Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates in Lorain, we specialize in sports injuries, so we wanted our readers to know a bit more about what a sprained ankle is and how it is treated.

A sprain is an injury to a ligament. The ligaments are the tissues that connect bones to each other. Rolling the foot inward may injure the ligaments on the outside of the ankle, which is the most common form of ankle sprain, but rolling the foot outward may harm the inward-facing side’s ligaments. A ligament may have been weakening for a long time before a particularly bad fall caused it to stretch too far or tear, and ligaments that have been injured in the past are more vulnerable. Without the stability provided by the ligament, the foot bones may rub against cartilage or each other, causing further damage.

Sprained ankles will be swollen and tender, but will only be substantially unstable in the most severe cases. Usually, sprains don’t require surgical repair. Instead, the patient should rest, ice, compress, and elevate their ankle until a doctor can examine it, after which it will be immobilized by a brace. The patient will then gradually build up their strength, agility, balance, and flexibility through physical therapy. But to prevent the sprain from returning, a skater will have to remember to warm-up before exercising, do stretches regularly, and to stop skating if they’re in pain and switch to a different activity that doesn’t put as much lateral force on their ankle.

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.

 

Risk Factors for Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis remains a mysterious condition. Although the connective tissue at the bottom of each foot is subjected to a lot of daily wear, it is unknown why some people develop inflammation and others don’t. However, there are often specific factors that can be identified as increasing the risk of fascia strains. At Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates in Lorain, our podiatrists are specialists in sports medicine and offer comprehensive treatments for plantar fasciitis and other causes of foot pain, but our patients will need to do what they can to mitigate their risk factors.

Plantar fasciitis is common in distance runners, whose feet are subjected to an especially high amount of stress. It’s also seen in people whose jobs require them to be on their feet for most of the day, such as hairdressers, and in people whose shoes don’t allow them enough arch support. But people who are overweight are also at increased risk, as are people who are new to physical activity or who have recently returned to it. Researchers have noticed that people with plantar fasciitis often have tight calf muscles, suggesting that the plantar fascia is being overstretched to compensate for the heel being pulled upwards.

One bit of good news about plantar fasciitis is that it doesn’t usually appear in people who have heel spurs, so it’s probably possible to stretch the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon enough so that a heel spur won’t wear them down too much. The less good news is that plantar fasciitis is common in people with fallen arches. However, it may be possible to reinforce and arch without restoring to surgery, by making use of customized orthotics and physical therapy to strengthen the foot muscles. Patients should also make sure they are stretching their calf muscles before work-outs and giving them enough time to recover afterward.

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.

 

Bones of the Foot

We talk a lot about the bones of the foot at Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates in Lorain. As podiatrists, we often perform surgeries and help people to recover from broken bones and other problems in their foot structure. We recognize that patients are more confident making decisions about their care when they feel comfortable with the language used in the office, so we wanted to briefly describe where each bone of the foot is and what they’re called.

The talus is the bone at the top of the ankle that the leg bones, the tibia and fibula, connect to. Below it is the calcaneus, or heel bone. In between the back of the foot and the mid-section are the tarsals, which form the curved ramp that is the foot’s arch. They are the navicular, which is in front of the talus, the cuboid, which is in front of the calcaneus on the outer side of the foot, and the three cuneiforms, which are in front of the navicular and, along with the cuboid, form a crescent-shape when seen from above.

The middle of the foot is made up of the five metatarsal bones. They are long and thin, with one connecting to each cuneiform and leading to the first three toes, and the remaining two connecting with the cuboid and leading to the outer two toes. The toes themselves are made up of bones called phalanges, with the big toe having two and the others each having three. The phalanges furthest back toward the metatarsals are called “proximal,” and the ones at the tips of the toes are called “distal.” The ball of the foot is where the proximal phalanges and metatarsals connect.

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.

 

Juvenile Arthritis

Could arthritis be the cause of your child’s swollen feet? It’s possible. Recently, we of the Integrity Foot and Ankle Associates in Lorain discussed Sever’s disease, a common cause of foot pain in children. Since then we've felt it would be helpful to discuss another potential cause of ankle swelling in pediatric patients, and describe how it’s recognized and treated.

Juvenile arthritis is poorly understood, but we know it's an autoimmune condition. That means the body’s immune system is attacking healthy tissues, causing swelling, hot spots, and stiffness. Most cases of juvenile arthritis are oligoarticular, meaning that they only directly affect a small number of joints. However, the joint that is affected is often the ankle or knee. It is more common in girls and tends to strike during the first few years of a child’s life.

Oligoarticular arthritis is generally considered to be the most mild form of juvenile arthritis. The diagnostic process includes x-rays and blood tests for antibodies associated with autoimmune disorders. Treatment is conservative, usually consisting of non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs and physical therapy to strengthen the muscles, allowing them to better support the joints. We especially encourage low-impact exercises that will also stretch the ankle without jostling it.

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.

 

Hallux Rigidus

Your big toe plays a major role in the balance of your foot, so it’s a serious problem if your toe is becoming less flexible. Hallux Rigidus is a term that describes arthritis in the metatarsophalangeal, or MTP joint, which connects the big toe to the rest of the foot. We at the Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates of Lorain have helped a lot of people to manage this condition, but if it’s not caught early, it can cause permanent damage.

Some people have a genetic susceptibility to cartilage damage in their feet, but loss of cartilage can be exacerbated by overuse. If a person’s ankle rolls inwards, they’ll put a lot of stress on their MTP joint. A person who suffers from gout or has a rheumatoid condition will also have damaged cartilage, and as the bones of their toes rub together, they may grow a spur. This may cause a visible bump in the top of the foot that could be mistaken for a bunion, and a patient will likely feel pain in their big toe when they push off from the ground while walking. Some people also feel more pain in damp weather.

It’s always important to wear shoes with sufficient room in the toe box, but that’s especially true if you’re experiencing MTP stiffness. If your stiffness has already progressed, you might need to wear a shoe with a rocker-shaped bottom to compensate for your big toe’s inability to help you move. We can provide nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs to reduce swelling, and can provide corticosteroid injections in more advanced cases. Many people find corrective orthotics helpful. It may also be possible for us to remove a bone spur surgically. However, patients need to see us before too much irreplaceable cartilage is lost or our options will be more limited, and it’s better to see us before spurs develop.

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.

 

Caring for Toenails

If you’re thinking of wearing open-toed shoes or going barefoot in the summer, you’re probably paying more attention to the shape of your toenails. But if you aren’t caring for them, correctly, you’re increasing your risk of developing a hangnail. At the Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates in Lorain, we can assist people who have conditions such as neuropathy that make it dangerous for them to cut their nails themselves. But for everyone else, we have some tips on good nail care.

Generally, it’s safer to cut your nails when they’re dry. This makes them less likely to bend and tear under the pressure of the clippers. They should be cut frequently enough to not grow beyond the edge of the toes, but they shouldn’t be cut extremely close to the nail plate. This will mean cutting them about every six weeks, for most people. Each nail should be cut straight across. Cutting them in a rounded shape increases the risk they’ll grow into the sides of the toe, especially if a person wears tight shoes or hose. Once the nail has been cut, the jagged edges can be filed down a little.

It’s common to have separate clippers for the fingernails and toenails, since toenails are thicker and keeping clippers separate limits the spread of bacteria. A person who has very thick toenails may need to wet them before cutting, in which case they should be patted dry afterward. The cuticle should not be cut; it may be pushed back, but cutting it could result in an infection.

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.

 

Causes of Fallen Arches

If you’ve recently felt pain in the sides of your ankles or a bump developing on the bottom of your foot, you may be in the process of developing a flat foot. While that’s hardly good news, we at the Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates of Lorain are experts at treating this condition. But flat feet can be caused by several things and treatment may vary depending on which of them is responsible, so let’s take a closer look at the causes of ankle degeneration and arch collapse.

Our feet are largely shaped by the posterior tibial tendon, so it’s one of the first things we look at when a person’s foot is getting flatter. The posterior tibial tendon stretches from the thigh to the inside of the foot, and when it frays, the arch of the foot may sag. Fraying is usually due to wear-and-tear, but it could have been the result of an acute injury. It’s also possible that a ligament that is more centrally located or in the back of the foot has frayed. Degeneration is more likely to occur when a person is suffering from diabetes, which damages the nerves and makes it difficult for someone to feel pain from injured tissues. Another potential complicating factor is arthritis, in which the cartilage supporting the ankle joints would be worn away, causing the bones to develop spurs that might also compress nerves.

It might not be possible to determine whether you have a serious structural problem with your foot just by looking at it. Some people have more flexible arches than others. But if you are in pain, or you know diabetes might prevent you from feeling pain and you suspect something is wrong, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us. We can devise a minimally invasive plan to restore your foot’s function, but the earlier you get treatment, the easier it will be.

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.

 

National Juvenile Arthritis Month

Could arthritis be the cause of your child’s swollen feet? It’s possible. Last month, we of the Integrity Foot and Ankle Associates in Lorain discussed Sever’s disease, a common cause of foot pain in children. But since July is National Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month, we felt it would be appropriate to acknowledge another possible cause of ankle swelling in pediatric patients, and describe how it’s recognized and treated.

Juvenile arthritis is poorly understood, but is an autoimmune condition. That means the body’s immune system is attacking healthy tissues, causing swelling, hot spots, and stiffness. Most cases of juvenile arthritis are oligoarticular, meaning that they only directly affect a small number of joints. However, the joint that is affected is often the ankle or knee. It is more common in girls and tends to strike during the first few years of a child’s life.

Oligoarticular arthritis is generally considered to be the mildest form of juvenile arthritis. The diagnostic process includes x-rays and blood tests for antibodies associated with autoimmune disorders. Treatment is conservative, usually consisting of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy to strengthen the muscles, allowing them to better support the joints. We especially encourage low-impact exercises that will also stretch the ankle without jostling it.

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 Pain in Children

Children are more vulnerable to some kinds of injuries than adults, including a certain type of foot pain. Sever’s Disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, commonly strikes children between the ages of eight and fourteen, especially when they are highly active. Although this can be frightening for them and their parents, we at the Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates in Lorain want to reassure our patients that it is temporary and we are able to help.

In children, the heel bone contains a growth plate from which new tissue develops. Growth plates are weaker than ordinary bone tissue and the Achilles tendon attaches to the pack of the heel, subjecting this particular growth plate to a lot of strong forces. Children who run frequently and play sports such as soccer and basketball, or who are overweight, may suffer overuse injuries including inflammation of the growth plate. This would cause swelling and tenderness or soreness, which would get worse while walking and may be present in one or both feet.

Children suffering from frequent heel pain will need to reduce their activity. Our podiatrists will conduct an examination to determine whether there is a biomechanical problem, such as a tight Achilles tendon, that could be contributing to the growth plate’s inflammation. To return to activity, a patient will need to do stretching exercises to loosen their tendons, and to make sure they warm up before any strenuous activity. Children may also benefit from wearing heel pad shoe inserts and from switching to shoes that provide better arch support. Once the growth plate solidifies, it will not become inflamed again.

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 Causes of Heel Pain

As podiatrists who specialize in sports medicine, we at Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates in Lorain want all our patients to continue leading active lifestyles. Keeping the lower limbs strong and flexible will prevent problems later in life, but athletes are at greater risk for overuse injuries. Heel pain is a common problem that can usually be traced to biomechanical defects that worsen over time, so this week’s blog post is about recognizing why they develop.

Most heel pain is caused by a problem with the plantar fascia or the Achilles tendon. The plantar fascia is what connects the heel to the ball of the foot. It can suffer wear when a person has fallen arches or they develop a bone spur on the back of their heel. The Achilles tendon travels down the back of the ankle to the heel and may be inflamed when a person’s shoes are rubbing against it. Inflammation here can also result in the growth of a bone spur.

Although these problems are usually treatable with rest, they are worth examining in case the heel pain is actually being caused by an infection or fracture. People with plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis may benefit from supportive shoe inserts and from doing stretching exercises to loosen up their tissues. We can provide patients with anti-inflammatory medications, and in severe cases, can discuss surgical options such as bone spur removal.

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.

 

Introduction to Gout

Among the many forms of arthritis, one of the most painful is gout. This condition can affect any joint, but is usually seen in the first joint of a big toe. An attack may only last for twelve hours, but they often recur. At Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates in Lorain, we can help people control their symptoms, but they’ll need to make some lifestyle changes to lower their risk of future attacks.

The body contains substances called purines that, when broken down, produce uric acid. Normally, uric acid is filtered through the kidneys, but when the kidneys are overwhelmed or underperforming, uric acid will form sharp crystals. Those crystals tend to accumulate in the lower parts of the body and can cause gouty inflammation.

Gout can be controlled with injectible or orally consumed anti-inflammatory medications. These include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids. If a person has chronic gout attacks, they may also be prescribed drugs that affect uric acid levels. The people most at risk for gout are middle-aged men who smoke or are overweight. People may reduce their risk of gout by avoiding red meat and seafood, which are high in purines, as well as sugary drinks, which increase uric acid.

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.

 

Morton's Neuroma

If you have pain in the front of your foot, you may have a condition called Morton’s neuroma. This ailment is usually responsive to conservative treatment, but it can get worse without intervention and needs to be properly identified, so we at Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates in Lorain thought it would be a good idea to teach our patients more about it.

A neuroma is a thickening of nerve tissue. It creates pressure on the surrounding tissues and causes numbness or a sharp pain. Morton’s neuroma is the name of a neuroma that develops between the third and fourth toe. It is often described as feeling like a person has a stone in their shoe and tends to develop in people who wear shoes that slide their feet forward into narrow toe boxes. Partly for this reason, it is more common in women, but it also occurs frequently in runners of both sexes.

Morton’s neuroma is identified through imaging, tactile, and range of motion examinations. To treat it, podiatrists recommend roomier, more supportive shoes with customized orthotics. Patients may also receive anti-inflammatory injections. Most people find this sufficient, but in advanced cases, surgical reduction of the neuroma is an option. We will also treat co-occurring disorders such as bunions.

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 Plantar Fasciitis?

Earlier this year, Cleveland Cavaliers center Ante Zizic’s season debut was delayed for a few weeks due to plantar fasciitis in his left foot. This kind of injury is common in older people as well as athletes, and can cause a person a lot of pain and difficulty moving. We at Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates in Lorain frequently treat it, so we want patients to understand what they can expect when they seek help.

The plantar fascia is a shock-absorbing band of connective tissue that runs the length of the bottom of the foot, right under the skin. It stretches tightly under the heel bone, and when it becomes inflamed due to wear-and-tear or an acute injury, a sharp pain in the heel is a common result. The pain is usually worse after the foot has been at rest. It is most common in people between forty and sixty, and people are at particularly high risk if they have tight calf muscles, heel spurs, or are overweight. The impacts from running can also contribute to it.

Treatment for plantar fasciitis starts off converativeley, with therapeutic exercises to loosen the calves and toes. Patients may be given injections of anti-inflammatory medications and shoe orthotics to compensate for their heel’s loss of cushioning. Surgical options to release the fascia may be considered if the patient shows no improvement after several months, and the bone spur may also be removed.

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.

 

Hangnails

Ingrown toenails are painful and have the potential to become infected. They’re a challenge for most people to treat on their own and can have serious implications for people with disorders such as diabetes. However, at the Integrity Foot and Ankle Associate of Lorain, we frequently help patients find a permanent solution to their discomfort.

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin. It most often affects the big toe and is common in teenagers and people whose toes have incurred blunt-force trauma. If it is allowed to go untreated, it can become infected, resulting in the development of pus. If infection has not set in, people without complicating medical conditions may attempt at-home remedies such as soaking the foot in warm water three times a day and rubbing the overhanging skin. It is not advisable to repeatedly cut the nail, and objects such as paper used to lift the toenail out of the skin must be replaced daily.

If a hangnail persistently recurs, we can prescribe antibiotics and surgically remove parts of the nail or surrounding skin. Hangnails are one of the ailments people with peripheral nerve damage need to regularly examine themselves for. They can be avoided by cutting the nail straight across and wearing shoes with adequate room in the toe boxes. The feet should also be kept dry as much as possible.

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 Tunnel Syndrome

If you feel a sharp, shooting pain in the sole of your foot when you’re running, you may be suffering from tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS). Our podiatrists at Integrity Foot and Ankle Associates in Lorain are trusted care providers to people who have suffered sports injuries. While not all instances of TTS are sports-related, it is an overuse injury that we can help people to manage and recover from.

Like the carpal tunnel in each wrist, the tarsal tunnel is a canal in each ankle through which a major nerve travels. The tibial nerve provides feeling to the bottom of the foot and allows us to move most of our toes. The tarsal tunnel is comprised of both bone and soft tissue, and when it is inflamed, the tibial nerve may be compressed. This will cause sharp pains, numbness, or tingling, especially when the patient has been active or standing for a long time. People who make repetitive motions with their legs are especially at risk, but so are people with flat feet, diabetes, or who have suffered injuries in that area before.

Testing for TTS involves imaging and tapping the nerve. Besides RICE, common treatments for TTS include anti-inflammatory injections and the use of a splint to immobilize the foot. Patients are also advised to wear customized orthotics to ensure their tibial nerve isn’t being stretched by fallen arches. In severe cases, we can surgically release the ligament binding the tarsal tunnel, taking pressure off the nerve.

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.

Ganglion Cysts

A lump on your ankle or foot is obviously concerning, but it might not be what you think. Sometimes, people develop pockets of liquid called ganglion cysts on the joints of their hands or feet. As podiatrists who offer a wide range of services, we at Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates want to help people understand why these cysts develop and what we can do to help.

Our joints and tendons are lubricated by gel that sometimes becomes displaced. Ganglion cysts usually occur when a joint suffers trauma or a degenerative condition and the tendon sheath has become frayed enough for lubricating gel to seep through and gather in a pocket. The cyst may be painful and it may be bulbous or take the form of a network of small bubbles. It may also interfere with the tendon’s function, causing weakness.

 We can conduct tests to determine whether a lump is a ganglion cyst or something more serious. We may advise that a cyst be aspirated, which means we will draw out the fluid with a syringe. Patients should not attempt to do this on their own, or they will risk injury. If the cyst returns repeatedly, we may suggest removing the cyst surgically or injecting it with anti-inflammatory steroids, but tendon sheaths are usually able to heal on their own.

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.

Discolored Toenails

Nobody wants their toenails to look discolored, especially not during the summer months, when other people can see. But discolored toenails can indicate a bigger problem than just a bruise. Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates in Lorain offers solutions for a wide variety of topical and internal problems, so if you have discolored toenails, we can help you figure out why and what to do.

The most common reason for discolored toenails is infection. Fungus commonly makes toenails thick and yellow-brown in color. They may be misshapen and hard to cut. In people with compromised immune systems, fungus can appear white. Bacteria may cause toenails to look green or bluish green.  Like infections of the skin, these ailments are likelier to happen if the feet are not kept dry and can become dangerous if they are able to enter the interior of the body through a lesion.

Black and brown toenails can be indicative of skin cancer. While they are likelier to be caused by blood pooling beneath the nail after an injury, patients should definitely seek a consultation with us if they don’t remember an injury that could cause discoloration. An injury may also cause white streaks on a nail, and while they can grow out, the patient might take toenail injuries as a sign they need to change shoes.

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.

Big Toe Sprains

Last season, Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love suffered a toe injury that prevented him from playing in several games. He reportedly underwent cartilage removal and drainage around the big toe on his left foot while slowly recovering. At Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates in Lorain, we take a special interest in helping athletes get back on their feet. We want our patients to understand why sprains in the big toe are a big deal and how patients can expect us to help.

Unlike the other toes, which have three joints, the big toe has two. The one at its base, the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP), is a complex structure that includes ligaments on either side to prevent it from dislocating collaterally, as well as tissue below it so it doesn’t bend too far. When the MTP joint does hyperextend and rupture its ligaments, we call that “turf toe.” The patient will experience swelling, bruising, and instability.

Surgery is often not necessary for toe sprains if they are caught early. After implementing RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression, elevation) at the scene of the accident, the next treatments may be anti-inflammatory injections and temporary immobilization. However, if the cartilage was damaged or a sliver of bone chipped off, surgical removal of the deformed tissue may be necessary. If the free-floating bones of the big toe are dislocated or fractured, they will have to be put back into place or the foot won’t heal properly. Injured toes are likelier to become permanently stiff without intervention, which is why patients should always see us if a big toe injury is still painful after three days.

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.