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.
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Saturday, August 17, 2019
Thursday, August 8, 2019
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.
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.
Friday, August 2, 2019
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.
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.
Saturday, July 27, 2019
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.
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.
Thursday, July 18, 2019
Hammertoes
Hammertoes are a common podiatric issue in which toes other than the big one bend in one or both of their joints. Hammertoes will bend upwards and can get worse if not treated.
Hammertoes are usually easy to notice visually. Pain in your toes is common when you try to put your shoes on because your toes are not in the proper position. Other symptoms include corns between or on top of your toes and calluses.
Some treatment options for hammertoes include changing your footwear, trimming the corns and calluses, orthotics, medications, and splinting the affected toe.
We advise any of our patients at Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates to give us a call if they are experiencing hammertoes. The sooner you get treatment the better because they will not heal without treatment.
To schedule an appointment with us and to learn more about all of the services provided at our practice, please visit our website at https://www.integrityfootandankle.com/ or contact us at 440-282-1221. Our office is located at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road in Lorain Ohio.
Hammertoes are usually easy to notice visually. Pain in your toes is common when you try to put your shoes on because your toes are not in the proper position. Other symptoms include corns between or on top of your toes and calluses.
Some treatment options for hammertoes include changing your footwear, trimming the corns and calluses, orthotics, medications, and splinting the affected toe.
We advise any of our patients at Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates to give us a call if they are experiencing hammertoes. The sooner you get treatment the better because they will not heal without treatment.
To schedule an appointment with us and to learn more about all of the services provided at our practice, please visit our website at https://www.integrityfootandankle.com/ or contact us at 440-282-1221. Our office is located at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road in Lorain Ohio.
Thursday, July 11, 2019
Custom Foot Orthotics
Orthotics are designed to help people who have foot, knee, and lower back pain. Foot orthotics can help to realign the bones in your feet and ankles, which takes stress off of the rest of your body. Since your feet are responsible for balancing 98% of your body, it is important to have the right support for your feet while being comfortable.
Custom foot orthotics are offered at most podiatrists offices including our at Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates. Our orthotics match the contours of your feet and fit perfectly inside most shoes. The best part about orthotics is that you can wear them for everyday activities, including working out.
While sporting goods stores do sell generic orthotics, they are not designed specifically for your feet's issues. We encourage all of our patients with chronic conditions to wear custom foot orthotics to prevent injuries, correct misalignments, and relieve pain.
To schedule an appointment with us and to learn more about all of the services provided at our practice, please visit our website at https://www.integrityfootandankle.com/ or contact us at 440-282-1221. Our office is located at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road in Lorain Ohio.
Custom foot orthotics are offered at most podiatrists offices including our at Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates. Our orthotics match the contours of your feet and fit perfectly inside most shoes. The best part about orthotics is that you can wear them for everyday activities, including working out.
While sporting goods stores do sell generic orthotics, they are not designed specifically for your feet's issues. We encourage all of our patients with chronic conditions to wear custom foot orthotics to prevent injuries, correct misalignments, and relieve pain.
To schedule an appointment with us and to learn more about all of the services provided at our practice, please visit our website at https://www.integrityfootandankle.com/ or contact us at 440-282-1221. Our office is located at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road in Lorain Ohio.
Friday, July 5, 2019
Shin Splints
If your shins ache after running, jogging, or any other physical activity, you may have shin splints. Shin splints occur when there is acute pain in the shin and lower leg caused by prolonged running, usually on hard surfaces. When the soft tissues of your shins become inflamed, it becomes extremely painful to put any pressure on your feet.
Shin splints can occur if you have flat feet, weak ankle muscles, are not stretching before workouts, or have shoes that don’t offer support. Our doctors at Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates encourage our patients to rest and ice their feet for recovery. Using insoles or our customized orthotics in your shoes can also help to prevent shin splints.
Don’t forget to let your shin splints heal before returning to physical activity and sports. If you return too early, you have a greater chance of injuring yourself permanently.
To schedule an appointment with us and to learn more about all of the services provided at our practice, please visit our website at https://www.integrityfootandankle.com/ or contact us at 440-282-1221. Our office is located at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road in Lorain Ohio.
Shin splints can occur if you have flat feet, weak ankle muscles, are not stretching before workouts, or have shoes that don’t offer support. Our doctors at Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates encourage our patients to rest and ice their feet for recovery. Using insoles or our customized orthotics in your shoes can also help to prevent shin splints.
Don’t forget to let your shin splints heal before returning to physical activity and sports. If you return too early, you have a greater chance of injuring yourself permanently.
To schedule an appointment with us and to learn more about all of the services provided at our practice, please visit our website at https://www.integrityfootandankle.com/ or contact us at 440-282-1221. Our office is located at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road in Lorain Ohio.
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