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.

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.

 

Introduction to Foot Cramps

Foot cramps are terrible; there’s no doubt about it. But it may be within a person’s power to decrease their frequency. At the Integrity Foot and Ankle Associates in Lorain, our podiatrists are specially trained in sports medicine, and foot cramps are the most common foot problem among athletes. Therefore, we wanted to pass along some guidance on getting through a cramp and what may cause one.

A foot cramp is a muscle spasm in which the muscle suddenly tightens. When one happens, a person may be able to relieve their pain by putting pressure on the foot and stretching it out, using their hands to massage the muscles, if necessary. The cramps may be occurring because a person is overexercising, in which case they would need to change to a more balanced work-out routine. Another common cause is overly tight shoes, which compress muscles and restrict circulation. Shoes shouldn’t chafe the heels or be too tight for someone to wiggle their toes.

Muscles are also prone to cramping when they aren’t getting enough nutrition. People who are dehydrated or lacking in potassium tend to get a lot of foot cramps, so they need to make sure they’re replenishing their electrolytes. It’s also important to keep in mind that some problems, such as nerve damage, may feel similar to foot cramps, so it may be necessary to seek a professional opinion if self-management of foot cramps is unsuccessful.

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.

What are Corns?

Like a callus, a corn is a bit of hardened skin. But it is common for corns to be painful, and many people dislike their appearance. Although corns may not cause serious problems, it may be dangerous for patients to remove them on their own. We can provide safe treatment for them at the Integrity Foot and Ankle Associates in Lorain and help patients to prevent them from recurring.

Corns and calluses develop in places where the skin is subjected to a lot of friction. What makes them different is that corns have hard centers and tend to be smaller, which is why they are said to resemble kernels of corn. They usually develop in locations that are often damp but don’t have to bear weight, such as in between toes. Corns can sometimes be reduced by rubbing them with a pumice stone, but attempting to cut them away is dangerous, particularly for people whose neuropathy may prevent them from feeling if they have cut too far or rubbed too much.

A person should seek medical help for a corn when it is painful or inflamed. Corns are particularly likely to develop when someone has an underlying problem such as a hammertoe or a bunion, which would cause their skin to chafe against their shoes as they walk. We can provide orthotics and corrections for these conditions, as well as instructions for using prescription-strength corn-dissolving liquids safely.

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.

Chronic Sprianed Ankle

Usually, sprained ankles are able to heal after a few weeks with physical therapy and the use of anti-inflammatory medication and bracing. But when ankle instability persists or a patient frequently suffers from new injuries, some additional attention is necessary. At the Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates in Lorain, our podiatrists are experts in care for sprained ankles, and will work with patients to help them return to activity and prevent relapses.

The ankle is a complex joint. The bones of the tibia and fibula connect to the talus bone in the foot, but many tendons and ligaments, including the Achilles tendon, stretch past the talus. When the ankle is twisted, the tendons and ligaments may not heal completely, causing the ankle to remain unstable and at risk for future injuries. Soft tissue injuries are not always apparent through x-rays, but may be detected through range of motion tests and with the aid of an arthroscope.

After each ankle injury, a patient should engage in RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression, elevation), and will need to do therapeutic stretches to rebuild their strength and flexibility. But when conservative treatments are insufficient, it may be necessary to surgically debride damaged cartilage and scar tissue. Patients may also be prescribed steroidal anti-inflammatory medication to prevent the development of new scar tissue, and we may surgically reconstruct tendons and ligaments that have been damaged too severely to heal on their own. Bone fractures may require the placement of a screw and the use of casting to heal fully.

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.

Friction Blisters

Blisters, pockets of pus that form on the skin, can be caused by all sorts of things. But the ones on the feet are most often caused by chafing. As specialists in sports medicine, the podiatrists at the Integrity Foot and Ankle Associates of Lorain are familiar with friction blisters and their treatment, and will work to help patients start moving again comfortably as soon as possible. But blisters are preventable, so it’s helpful to understand more about them.

When the skin is being chafed, it turns red and swells. As the chafing continues to break the skin, a bubble of liquid will form to protect the deeper tissues from mechanical damage and the spread of pathogens. Since the blister is helping the skin to heal, a patient should avoid bursting it unless it is extremely large and debilitating, and even then the skin should not be removed. Instead, patients may try padding the irritated area, which may include cutting a hole in the pad so it can fit around the blister. Usually, a blister will heal within a few weeks.

People are at increased risk of developing friction blisters when there is excessive moisture in their shoes. Runners may be able to prevent them by applying foot powder and by wearing moisture-wicking socks. People with recurring blisters may want to try applying adhesive bandages and checking whether their shoes need to be replaced or their orthotics have slipped out of position. If a blister shows signs of infection or the patient suffers from neuropathy, we can provide antibacterial treatments in our office.

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.

Foot Safety at Home

Although most of us are spending more time at home, that does not mean our feet are completely safe from harm. One in four seniors suffers a serious fall every year, and since accidents are often related to their footwear or walkways, we at the Integrity Foot and Ankle Associates in Lorain wanted to say a bit about fall-proofing houses.

When at home, it’s a good idea to wear shoes or slippers with slip-resistant soles. Footwear needs to be replaced when it becomes too loose or otherwise changes shape, which often happens after a few years of use. Although some people may choose to go barefoot, the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons recommends that people never walk while only wearing stockings, and people with neuropathy need to be especially attentive to always wearing shoes with arch and ankle support.

Even a partial trip could result in a twisted ankle, so it’s important to keep walkways clear and brightly lit. Motion-activated lights can be a great help, as can double-sided carpet tape on throw rugs. It’s also important to consume adequate calcium and Vitamin D to limit the progression of osteoporosis and to maintain a workout routine that keeps the lower limbs as well as the core muscles strong and flexible.

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.

Xerosis

Dry skin is common, especially with old age and during the cold months. No matter how common, though, steps should still be taken to replenish moisture in your skin. Skin that is left severely dry can become itchy and scaly, which are signs that your xerosis has progressed into pruritus. We at Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates in Lorain, OH, take pride in educating our patients about proper foot care. We want all of our patients feeling the best they can!

While xerosis is a minor and temporary problem that does not normally require medical attention, if severe enough, it causes significant discomfort. Some symptoms include skin that is dry, itchy, scaly, tight (especially after a shower), white, flakey, irritated, or finely cracked. You should immediately see your doctor if you find that your skin is oozing or peeling, or if your skin worsens or develops a ring-shaped rash.

Preventing xerosis is quite simple, though sometimes inevitable for those over sixty-five. At that point, you can reduce the severity of your xerosis by changing up your routine:

-Use cleansers without fragrances, dyes, or alcohol

-Bathe for a shorter period of time

-Bathe in lukewarm water (never hot water)

-Place a humidifier in your home

-Drink plenty of water

-Always apply sunscreen before going outdoors

-Use oil-based lotions daily (especially after bathing)

-Do not scratch your xerosis!

-Pat your skin dry after bathing (no vigorous towel drying)

-Use body soap with added oils for hydration

-Avoid extended periods of time in pools and hot tubs

Do you have xerosis? 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.