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Blood Pressure

Lowering Your Blood Pressure Improves Heart Health

Posted on January 30, 2023
This February is American Heart Month, and we’re putting the focus on high blood pressure as it relates to heart health. There’s nothing fake about this news: high blood pressure puts you at risk for all kinds of life-threatening issues such as strokes, kidney disease, loss of vision, heart attacks, heart failure, and more. You…
Categories Blog, Heart Health
Tagsblood circulation, blood pressure, cardiovascular system, diet, exercise, Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland, foot health, heart, heart health, high blood pressure, peripheral arterial disease
Winter

Winter Walking Tips That Can Save Your Feet from Harm

Posted on January 23, 2023
If there’s anything we’ve all learned in the sum of our years, it’s that winter weather can be perilous. Sidewalks and roadways may look safe, but we find out the hard way that they’re really coated in a thin layer of ice. If we’re not careful, we can slip and fall on that ice, causing…
Categories Walking, Winter Foot Care
TagsFoot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland, foot and ankle injuries, foot care, foot health, Icy Falls, Slip and Fall, walking, winter, Winter Exercising, Winter Foot Care, winter injuries, Winter Walking
Care

Let’s Talk About Infant and Children’s Foot Care

Posted on January 17, 2023
Congratulations – you’re a new mom or dad! You may be wondering if your child’s feet need any particular care. Let’s take a peek at what to expect at various ages. Our experienced podiatric surgeons, Dr. Craig B. Frey, Dr. Megan L. Oltmann, Dr. Jim Swienconek, Dr. Rachel Robinson, and Dr. Courtney Yoder are experts at diagnosing specific foot or…
Categories Blog, Child Foot Care
Tagsflat feet, Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland, foot arch, foot care, foot health, in-toeing, Infants, Pediatric Foot care, Pediatric Foot Problems, toe-walking, walking
Foot

5 Ways to Avoid Foot Problems in the New Year

Posted on January 10, 2023
Are you ready to dive into an exciting new year? Foot pain can derail your plans in a hurry. However, there are preventative measures to ensure good foot health throughout 2023. Here are our top five suggestions: “Should old acquaintance be forgot?” Not if foot problems crop up in this new year. Re-acquaint yourselves with…
Categories Blog, Foot Conditions
Tags2023, Blog Sugar, Diabetic Foot Problems, exercise, Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland, foot health, Foot Hygiene, foot pain, foot problems, footwear
Ankle

“Just Walk it Off” – and Other Bad Advice Friends Give You About Ankle Sprains

Posted on January 3, 2023
Countless people come to our podiatry office year-round for help with a sprained ankle. However, wintertime does the outdoor walker or runner no special favors! Black ice and snowy sidewalks will likely cause unintended falls, increasing the number of sprains we’ll treat over the winter. Also called a twisted or turned ankle, a sprained ankle…
Categories Ankle sprain, Blog, Injuries
Tagsankle injury, Ankle Instability, ankle sprains, bruising, Falls, Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland, injury, sprained ankle, swelling, winter injuries
Diabetes

The ADA’s Newest Diabetes Recommendations are Good News for Your Feet

Posted on December 27, 2022
Managing diabetes can sometimes seem like a full-time job. Keeping track of your blood sugar is only the beginning. Knowing your blood sugar levels is vital, yes, but so is staying on top of your mental health, cardiovascular health, weight, food choices, and foot-related diabetes issues. The American Diabetes Association aims to help people with…
Categories Blog, Diabetes, Diabetic Foot Care, Feet
TagsADA, American Diabetes Association, blood sugar, diabetes, diabetes concerns, Diabetes Management, diabetic, diabetic foot care, Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland
Cold

5 Tips for Exercising Safely in Cold Weather

Posted on December 19, 2022
Does the prospect of another frigid Ohio winter make you want to make like a bear and hibernate until spring? We say, don’t shun the cold! Stay active by getting outside, even when temperatures drop. Breathing in the winter air, going for a walk or a run, and building up some sweat when it’s cold,…
Categories Winter Foot Care, Winter Safety
TagsCold Weather, exercise, feet, Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland, foot health, hydration, vitamin D, Warmup, Winter Foot Care, Winter Foot Safety
Slippers

How to Purchase Slippers Their Feet Will Love

Posted on December 12, 2022
‘Tis the season, as they say! If you’re firmly entrenched in shopping for your loved ones, consider that staple of holiday gift-giving: a pair of slippers. Slippers are well-known as Hanukkah or Christmas gifts, and the stores are currently full of them. How do you pick a pair their feet will love? To choose a…
Categories Blog, Footwear, Slippers
TagsComfort, Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland, foot conditions, foot-friendly gifts, footwear, Holiday Gifts, Slippers, support
Sports Injuries

3 Outstanding Ways to Avoid Sports Injuries of the Feet and Ankles

Posted on December 5, 2022
Sports injuries are simply unavoidable when you’re rapidly chasing balls, wielding long sticks, traversing uneven terrain, purposely falling onto the ground, and repeatedly crashing into other humans. Playing sports pushes your body to its limits – sometimes beyond its limits. That’s when injuries occur. And the feet and ankles are no strangers to limit-pushing sports…
Categories Blog, Foot Injuries, Sports Injuries
Tagsankle injuries, exercise, Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland, foot injuries, footwear, fractures, injuries, Plantar Fasciitis, sports, sports injuries, sprains, Winter Sports
Feet

3 Areas of the Feet that Fail as You Age

Posted on November 28, 2022
The human body is like a machine – and as much as we hate to admit it, our body parts can erode over time, like so many wheel bearings or brake pads. The parts of the feet that begin to buck and shudder, as it were, include joints, fat pads, and soft tissues. Bone spurs,…
Categories Aging, Blog, Foot Health
TagsAging, diabetes, Fat pad atrophy, feet, flat feet, Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland, foot pain, foot problems, joint erosion, Soft tissue damage

How Often Should You Replace Your Shoes?

Posted on November 21, 2022
If your shoes are visibly falling apart, no doubt you need new ones. But we don’t advise waiting until the soles are flapping in the wind to replace your shoes. It’s impossible to say that all shoes should be replaced “after six months,” “every two years,” or any other interval. Experts say you should replace…
Categories Foot Health, Footwear
Tagsfoot care, foot pain, foot size, proper fitting footwear, replacing footwear, shoes

5 Actions that Help Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

Posted on November 16, 2022
November is Diabetes Awareness Month. It’s a fantastic opportunity to think about preventing a disease that strikes 463 million people worldwide and complicates their health.
Categories Diabetes, Diabetes Awareness, Diabetic Foot Care
Tagsdiabetes awareness month, Diabetes prevention, diabetes stats, prediabetes, Type 2 Diabetes
The Great American Smokeout

Your Feet Want You to Know About the Great American Smokeout

Posted on November 8, 2022
We U.S. citizens know what to expect on the fourth Thursday of November. We look forward to Thanksgiving Day! It’s a day for family, football, and turkey – or perhaps a less traditional food that fits your vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. Okay, that’s the fourth Thursday. Do you know what to expect on the third…
Categories Blog, Foot Health, Smoking
TagsAmerican Cancer Society, Burger’s disease, cigarettes, Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland, foot health, PAD, Smoker, smoking, The Great American Smokeout
Foot Ulcers

Prevent Foot Ulcers by Controlling Blood Sugar

Posted on October 31, 2022
If you had to guess the most important discovery in medicine in the last century, what would your guess be? Many scientists and researchers argue that it was the discovery of insulin as a treatment for diabetes.  Injections of insulin became a viable treatment to control blood sugar in 1912. The 100th birthday of insulin…
Categories Blog, Foot Ulcers
Tagsblood sugar, Deformities, diabetes, diabetic foot care, Diabetic Foot Ulcers, Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland, Foot Ulcers, numbness, Poor circulation, World Diabetes Day
Solution

Solutions for Toenail Fungus

Posted on October 24, 2022
Toenail fungus is common and contagious but isn’t easy to get rid of. Because fungal infections of the toenails can be so pervasive, you’ve got to take a sensible approach to find a treatment solution that works. What causes toenail fungus? Fungi are everywhere, including in the air and on human skin. They can infect…
Categories Blog, Toenail Fungus
TagsFoot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland, fungal infections, fungal nail infection, fungus, Over-the-counter remedies, podiatrist, toenail fungus, toenail health, toenails
Raynaud's Disease

What is Raynaud’s Disease?

Posted on October 18, 2022
This Raynaud’s Awareness Month, we want to shed some light on an unusual disease that affects tens of millions of Americans and their toes. Raynaud’s disease, sometimes called Raynaud’s phenomenon, is a problem with the small blood vessels in your fingers and toes. For reasons that aren’t entirely clear, some people experience vasoconstriction. That is,…
Categories Blog, Raynaud’s disease
TagsBlood Flowing, cold feet, cold temperatures, Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland, foot conditions, Raynaud’s, Raynaud’s Awareness Month, Raynaud’s Disease, spasm
Arthritis

Understanding Foot & Ankle Arthritis

Posted on October 12, 2022
“Arthritis” is a general term for joint pain. It can affect any joint in the body, causing pain in your feet, knees, wrists, hips, shoulders, fingers, ankles…. you get the idea. While there are many types of arthritis, the most common type is the one associated with aging. It’s called osteoarthritis. Why do your joints…
Categories Arthritis, Blog
Tagsankle health, arthritis, cartilage, Foot & Ankle Arthritis, Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland, foot health, gout, joints, osteoarthritis, pain, podiatrist

Flat Feet: Everything You Need to Know

Posted on October 3, 2022
Flatfoot is a condition where the foot lacks a normal arch. Instead of the midfoot having a slight rise, the entire foot rests on the ground. How to test for flat feet If you’re wondering if you have flat feet, you can perform this simple at-home test: dip your foot in some water, then step…
Categories Blog, Flat Foot
Tagsarches, feet, flat feet, flatfoot, flatfoot complications, Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland, foot pain, Plantar Fasciitis

Are Ballet Flats Good or Bad for Your Feet?

Posted on September 27, 2022
If you’ve been reading anything about fashion these days, you may have heard that ballet flats are making a comeback. Unfortunately, this fashion staple of the 1990s has been called “one of the least foot-friendly” styles of shoes a person could wear. Here’s why: It’s right there in the name: they’re flat. They’re also thin-soled,…
Categories Foot Health, Foot wear
Tagsarch support, Ballet Flats, feet, Flat, Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland, foot health, Foot-Friendly, footwear

How Bad is a Ruptured Achilles Tendon?

Posted on September 13, 2022
If you look in a dictionary, you’ll find this sensible definition of a rupture:               “rup·​ture | \ ˈrəp(t)-shər — a breaking apart or the state of being broken apart; the tearing           apart of a tissue.” It all sounds very medical and rational on paper. “Ah, yes,” we muse, “hmmm, the tissue being torn apart.” However, at…
Categories Achilles Tendon, Injuries
TagsAchilles tendon, Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland, injury, pain, rupture, Ruptured Achilles Tendon

3 Common Foot & Ankle Injuries to Look Out for This Football Season

Posted on September 13, 2022
With the official NFL season underway, our thoughts have turned to the kinds of football injuries players sustain to their feet and ankles. To be sure, the pros aren’t the only ones on the field – high schoolers and even middle schoolers are hard at play, too. Anyone who plays football at any age should…
Categories Ankle Injuries, Foot Injuries, Sports Injuries
TagsAchilles tendon, Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland, Foot & Ankle Injuries, football injuries, fracture, Lisfranc, sprain, turf toe

What You Know about Aging and Muscle Loss Can Help Prevent Falls

Posted on September 6, 2022
Millions of people over the age of 65 fall every year. Twenty percent will suffer serious injuries, including head trauma and broken bones. 800,000 of them will need hospitalization – 300,000 of them for hip fractures. What causes so many seniors to fall? There are many reasons, including: medications that cause dizziness homes that are…
Categories Blog, Fall Prevention, Injuries
TagsAging, broken bones, exercise, fall, fall risk, Falls, Falls Prevention Awareness Month, foot pain, frailty, head trauma, hip fractures, injuries, Muscle Loss, muscles, podiatrist, risk of falling, rugs, sarcopenia, seniors

3 Clues That Your Orthotics Need Replacing

Posted on August 29, 2022
Our podiatrists turn to orthotics to treat various foot and ankle problems. Orthotic shoe inserts are custom-fitted to support your exact foot anatomy (we take molds of your feet here in our office) and are used to treat plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, flat feet, bursitis, ankle pain, and many other conditions. Custom orthotics are versatile and…
Categories Blog, Foot Conditions, orthotics
Tagsbursitis, corns and calluses, custom orthotics, flat feet, foot anatomy, foot and ankle pain, friction, orthotics, Plantar Fasciitis, shoe inserts, tendonitis, wear and tear

3 Ways a Dog Improves the Life and Health of Humans

Posted on August 23, 2022
August 26 is National Dog Day, which encourages our podiatrists to reflect on the myriad health benefits that “man’s best friend” has to offer: Dogs have a positive impact on their owner’s mental health. Bona fide scientific studies have demonstrated that dogs can increase feelings of self-esteem while also decreasing symptoms of depression and anxiety….
Categories Blog, Foot Health, Healthy lifestyle
TagsAmerican Heart Association, blood pressure, diabetes, Dogs, exercise, Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland, foot health, Healthy Lifestyle, mental health, National Dog Day, physical health, podiatrist, Walks

The Truth About Foot Fractures

Posted on August 16, 2022
There are many ways to describe a broken bone. Any bone in your foot can break, crack, or fracture – these words all mean the same thing. But there are many different ways a bone can break. How and where it breaks determines how long your recovery will be. The least severe break is a…
Categories Blog, Foot Injuries, Fractures
Tagsbone, bone fragments, bone health, broken bone, bruising, complete fracture, Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland, foot fracture, fracture, hairline fracture, healthy bomes, Jones fracture, metatarsal, pain, stress fracture

3 Essential Lessons for Back-to-School Shoe Shopping Success

Posted on August 8, 2022
What kid in our part of Ohio will wake up on Wednesday, August 17, and forget that it’s the first day of school? We can’t imagine there are many – it’s such an exciting time for the little ones! Those of us in the podiatry field are excited about August 17 for another reason as…
Categories Back-to-School, Blog, Foot wear
Tagsback-to-school shopping, Children’s shoes, child’s feet, Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland, National I Love My Feet Day, Pediatric Foot care, podiatrist, shoe shopping, support, the right shoes

At-Home Exercises that Help Cure Heel Pain

Posted on August 3, 2022
Hardly a day goes by without a patient hobbling through our doors with debilitating heel pain, also called plantar fasciitis. It’s extremely common, especially in people ages 40-60. Heel pain occurs with repeated pressure on the plantar fascia – a thick band of tissue on the bottom of your foot that absorbs many impacts when…
Categories Blog, Exercise, Foot Pain, Heel Pain
TagsAt-Home Exercises, calf stretch, exercises for plantar fasciitis, feet, Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland, Heel, heel pain, inflammation, pain, plantar fascia, Plantar Fasciitis, podiatrist, repetitive stress, stretches

5 Foot Care Essentials to Pack for a Day at the Beach

Posted on July 25, 2022
There’s a lot to look forward to when planning a trip to the beach! First order of business: fill a beach bag with these five sun and foot care essentials:   Sunscreen. You’ve probably thought of this already and have some on hand. But for maximum protection, be sure it has an SPF of 30…
Categories Blog, Foot Care, Foot Health, Summer Foot Care
Tagsathletic shoes, beach bag, beach day, beach footwear, burns, first aid kit, flip flops, foot care essentials, fungal infections, punctures, spf, sunburn, sunscreen, Water

Our Podiatrists are Experts at Diagnosing and Treating Sports Injuries

Posted on July 18, 2022
You wouldn’t go to a voice teacher who wasn’t a singer himself. You wouldn’t call in a plumber who hadn’t yet learned to use a hacksaw or pipe wrench. So why would you choose a podiatrist with little sports experience to heal your sports injury? You don’t have to. Our three podiatrists have extensive experience diagnosing…
Categories Ankle Injuries, Blog, chronic conditions, foot and ankle injuries, Foot Injuries, forefoot, fracture care, micro nerve surgery, Podiatrist, Sports Injuries
Tagspodiatry, rearfoot, reconstructive ankle surgery, sports injury, surgery, total ankle replacement, traumatic injuries

Caring for Calluses: When to Treat Them at Home and When to See a Podiatrist

Posted on July 11, 2022
What happens when someone irritates the heck out of you? You might ignore them – in other words, put up a protective wall so that person can’t get under your skin. Oddly enough, that’s exactly what your skin does when it creates a callus!  – although the irritation doesn’t come from a person, of course….
Categories Blog, Calluses, Foot Conditions, Foot Health, Podiatrist
Tagsbone spur, callus treatment, corns and calluses, foot care, high heels

Check for Skin Cancer Using the Alphabet

Posted on July 5, 2022
This UV Safety Awareness Month, we want to remind you to lather your feet with SPF 30+ lotion when exposed to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. We also recommend regular body checks at home, including the skin on your feet. Checking your body for signs of skin cancer is as easy as ABC. Keep…
Categories Foot Care, Skin Cancer, Summer Foot Care
Tagsfoot skin cancer, mole, podiatrist, skin cancer on the foot, skin lesion, UV Safety Awareness Month

Flip-Flops: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Posted on June 28, 2022
Ah, summer! Now that it’s officially here, we can get out and enjoy the sun and surf, slipping our feet into flip-flops to our heart’s content. Right? Well, there’s a lot to love about flip-flops. But along with the good, there’s also some danger. The Good – flip-flops protect you from diseases like athlete’s foot and other…
Categories Foot wear, Summer Foot Care
Tagsarch pain, athlete’s foot, flip flops, Plantar Fasciitis, strained tendons, Summer Footwear

Celebrate National Men’s Health Month

Posted on June 22, 2022
Men’s health is such an important issue that the U.S. Congress recognizes it. Every state in the Union – and many cities, too – has issued a proclamation identifying why we should set aside an entire month, June, for awareness of men’s health. Here are some of the startling facts included in these proclamations: Women are…
Categories Healthy lifestyle, Men’s health, Podiatrist
TagsMen’s Health Month, Mens Health Awareness, neuromas, Plantar Fasciitis, sports injuries, stress fractures, wounds

Considering Foot Problems in Today’s Superstars of Tennis

Posted on June 14, 2022
No matter how proficient you are at a sport, foot and ankle injuries can still happen. Look at what happened to German tennis star Alexander Zverev at the French Open in Paris earlier this month. He worked his way to a semifinal match with Rafael Nadal but had to withdraw from the match when he…
Categories Ankle Injuries, Foot Injuries, Sports Injuries
Tagsankle rolls, foot and ankle injuries, fractures, sports, sprains

Do You Need a Podiatrist?

Posted on June 6, 2022
When you’ve got a health issue, it’s good to call your primary care provider for help. From there, your PCP might refer you to a specialist. A cardiologist (heart doctor) for a heart arrhythmia. A dermatologist (skin doctor) for a suspicious-looking mole on your back. A gastroenterologist (stomach and intestinal specialist) if you’re overdue for that…
Categories foot doctor, Foot Injuries, Podiatrist
Tagsarthritis, foot and ankle care, heel spur, hyperhidrosis, ingrown toenails, Plantar Fasciitis, sprains, tendonitis

5 Tips for Summer Feet that Look and Feel Great

Posted on June 1, 2022
Start with an overhaul. Your feet have been locked up in boots and had hot air blown on them all winter. We’d be surprised if they’re not a bit dry and callused. Freshen them up with a pedicure at home or at a reputable salon. Develop a healthy relationship with your flip-flops. Do wear them…
Categories Foot Care, Summer Foot Care
Tagsflip flops, fungal infections, healthy feet, summer foot care tips

“Foot Pain is Inevitable” – and Other Myths, Misunderstandings, and Falsehoods About Feet

Posted on May 26, 2022
With the rise of social media, came the startling idea that the truth is not always apparent. Anybody can post to Twitter or Facebook, but what they say isn’t necessarily true. And even though myths and falsehoods have always been with us, social media has helped them flourish. Today, we’d like to quash some common…
Categories Foot Facts, Foot Health, Foot Pain
Tagsbunions, custom orthotics, feet, flat feet, flip flops, foot myths, foot pain, physical therapy

How to Prevent Brittle Bones

Posted on May 16, 2022
“Brittle Bones” would make a pretty good name for a country-rock band, wouldn’t it? In the medical world, though, if someone starts talking to you about brittle bones, they’ll probably want to test you for osteoporosis. Osteoporosis, whose Awareness Month comes around every year in May, is a chronic disease marked by thinning of the…
Categories Bone Health, Foot Health
Tagsbrittle bones, exercise, foot fracture, healthy bones, osteoporosis, running, vitamin D, walking

It Matters How You Trim Your Toenails – Here’s Why

Posted on May 10, 2022
There’s an art to trimming your toenails. But it’s not particularly artistic—no curves, no creative consideration of line, form, or angle. Just trim them straight and not too short. Anything else puts you at risk of getting an ingrown toenail. What’s an ingrown toenail?An infected, ingrown toenail can be very, very painful. Toenails typically grow straight…
Categories Foot Care, Ingrown Toenail
Tagsdancing, diabetes, improper trimming, ingrown toenail, shoes, toe conditions, toe pain, toenails

Arthritis Awareness Month: What to Know About Osteoarthritis of the Feet and Ankles

Posted on May 4, 2022
When you use something for a long time, it will eventually wear out: A car engine. Your favorite pair of jeans. Various joints in your feet and ankles. Yes – after many years of use, the cartilage that protects your joints can break down, even disappear. When that happens, you’ve got bones touching bones. Without…
Categories Arthritis, Foot Pain
Tagsarthritis awareness month, foot pain, hallux limitus, Hallux rigidus, osteoarthritis

See a Podiatrist for Sports Injuries of the Feet and Ankles

Posted on April 21, 2022
Professional sports are always fraught with injured players. Many of those injuries are to the feet and ankles. Here’s a sampling of some recent foot and ankle sports injuries that a podiatrist can treat: During spring training with the Detroit Tigers, rookie Riley Greene fouled a ball off his foot and fractured a bone (April…
Categories Sports Injuries
Tagsfoot and ankle injuries, fractures, sports injuries

4 Easy Tasks to Improve Your Foot Health

Posted on April 11, 2022
In April, here’s something unique to put on your to-do list: Celebrate Foot Health Awareness Month! It’s not a huge commitment, and we promise you’ll be happy in the long run – and so will your feet. Pick any four days this month and tackle these easy foot health awareness tasks: Day 1: Examine your feet. Does…
Categories Foot Health
Tagsdiabetes, flat feet, foot care tips, foot health

Celebrate National Walking Day: It’s Good for Your Feet

Posted on April 7, 2022
On the first Wednesday of every April, National Walking Day, we celebrate walking as an easy, safe way to stay in shape. We encourage our patients to embrace walking as a form of weekly exercise starting today. Why? First of all, it’s easy on your joints. Furthermore, consider these other advantages to walking: It’s inexpensive…
Categories Exercise, Foot Health
Tagsathletic shoes, exercise, feet or ankle problems, foot health, osteoporosis, walking

Learn to Read a Nutrition Label and Your Feet and Ankles Will Say “Thanks”

Posted on March 29, 2022
Just about every packaged food item in any grocery store sports a label with “Nutrition Facts.” Learning how to interpret all the different numbers and percentages is an important skill. When you know what to look for, you can avoid unhealthy foods, lower your sodium intake, and work toward keeping your blood sugar levels steady….
Categories Foot Health, Nutrition
Tagsblood sugar, diabetes, foot and ankle health, National Nutrition Month

Medical Conditions That Can Cause Foot Pain

Posted on March 22, 2022
Are your feet killing you, but you’re not sure why? If you haven’t expressly injured or overworked your feet, the cause of your foot pain may seem mysterious. The answer to the mystery may be this: you’ve got an underlying medical condition that’s causing your feet to swell, tingle, or hurt. DiabetesDiabetes is, of course,…
Categories Foot Pain
Tagsdiabetes, foot pain, osteoarthritis, peripheral arteries, Plantar Fasciitis, pregnancy

What is Capsulitis?

Posted on March 14, 2022
In podiatry, we can attribute many foot problems to the same few causes: shoes that don’t fit well or don’t support your feet, too much exercise, traumatic injury, and faulty biomechanics. Capsulitis is no exception. It’s a curious-sounding condition that can result from any of these causes. The suffix “-itis” means “inflammation.” Think of plantar…
Categories Capsulitis, Foot Conditions
Tagsarthritis, capsulitis, inflammation, overlapping toes, Plantar Fasciitis

How Heredity and Heels Affect Women’s Feet

Posted on March 8, 2022
International Women’s Day (March 8) is a day to recognize women all over the world for their achievements. We join the global community in celebrating women. And we hope to make it easier for them to excel by providing them with excellent foot and ankle care. Good health helps you accomplish your goals. Good foot…
Categories Foot Health, Women’s Feet
Tagsbunions, foot and ankle care, foot health, hammertoes, high heels, Plantar Fasciitis, women’s feet

Is it Okay to Pop a Blister?

Posted on March 2, 2022
Did you ever wonder why you don’t get blisters on your elbows? Your forearms? How about your back or your stomach? Not happening – because those body parts don’t usually rub against anything. Feet, on the other hand, tend to get blisters because they’re subject to a lot of friction. There are two primary causes…
Categories blisters
Tagsblisters, foot health

Look Out for These Symptoms of Diabetes

Posted on February 24, 2022
Do you know when something’s going wrong in your body? Sure – you usually have symptoms such as pain, swelling, coughing, or fever. And you fix them, perhaps after a visit to the doctor. However, the human body isn’t always so direct. Some symptoms can be elusive, and you may not recognize them as problematic….
Categories Diabetes, Diabetes Awareness
Tagsdiabetes, diabetes symptoms, foot health

It’s American Heart Month: Check Your Feet to Learn about Your Heart

Posted on February 17, 2022
Could you interview a group of people and figure out which ones are likely candidates for heart disease? You might ask them about the signs and symptoms that are pretty well-known – for example, chronic fatigue, chest pain, and shortness of breath. You might also remember to ask them about their blood pressure – is…
Categories Foot Health, General Health
TagsAmerican Heart Month, feet, foot health, heart health

Understanding Morton’s Toe and Morton’s Neuroma

Posted on February 9, 2022
How do you know if you’re royalty? Look at your toes, according to some. If your second toe is longer than your big toe, you’re among the approximately 20% of people with “Morton’s toe.” Legend says it’s a sign of nobility. But hold on – before they place their Amazon order for golden crowns and…
Categories Morton’s Neuroma, Toe Conditions
Tagscalluses, morton’s neuroma, morton’s toe, neuroma, neuroma surgery, Plantar Fasciitis, toe conditions

Safety Tips for Kids Who Ice Skate

Posted on February 2, 2022
The Winter Olympics are about to begin. Soon, little kids everywhere will shout excitedly to their parents, “Can I take figure skating lessons, please?!” The cautious Mom or Dad will cock their head and think: “She wants to wear thin blades on her feet and spin around on an expanse of cold, hard ice? I…
Categories Foot Injuries, Pediatric Foot Care, Sports Injuries
Tagsfoot care tips, foot health, foot injuries, frostbite, safety tips, sports injuries, stress fractures, tendonitis

5 Tips to Help You Hold onto Your Health and Fitness Resolutions

Posted on January 26, 2022
What happens about three weeks after the New Year holiday? Quitting happens, according to the fitness website strava.com. “Quitters Day,” January 19, is when many people abandon their fitness-related New Year’s resolutions. By some other accounts, 80% of us will last a little bit longer, giving up exercising and eating healthier around the first week of February. Quitter’s Day…
Categories Exercise, General Health
Tagsexercise, fitness, foot and ankle injuries, health

What Can You Do About Overly Sweaty Feet?

Posted on January 20, 2022
You may think it’s unusual to talk about sweaty feet in the dead of winter. But people with overly sweaty feet know the cold, hard truth: feet can drip with sweat, whether it’s 68 degrees inside in January or 95 degrees outside in August. They sweat even if you’re not doing much in the way of physical…
Categories Foot Conditions, Foot Health
Tagsfoot conditions, foot health, iontophoresis, sweaty feet

5 Running Tips for Beginners that Save Your Feet from Stress

Posted on January 11, 2022
If you’re a beginning runner, there’s something you should know: foot discomfort, stress, and injuries are common among runners of all shapes, sizes, and levels of experience. Foot problems can stop a new runner in their tracks soon after they begin, foiling their plans to lose weight or get in better shape through running. Here are five ways…
Categories Foot Health, Runners Tips
Tagsfoot and ankle injuries, Plantar Fasciitis, proper footwear, runner, running tips

Neuromas Have Got Some Nerve!

Posted on December 29, 2021
You’ve got a sudden stabbing pain at the bottom of your foot, up near the toes. The burning and cramping get worse with every step you take. You want to reach down and tear the pebble out of your shoe, straighten out your bunched-up sock. But there’s no pebble. The problem isn’t your socks, and…
Categories Foot Health, neuromas
Tagsfoot pain, inflamed nerve, neuroma, orthotics

Plantar Fasciitis: Separating Fact from Fiction

Posted on December 21, 2021
FICTION: The plantar fascia is a muscle on the bottom of the foot.FACT: It’s not a muscle – although it is, indeed, located on the bottom of the foot. It’s actually a ligament – a thick, fibrous band of tissue that supports and stabilizes your arch. FICTION: You get plantar fasciitis only if you have flat feet.FACT: People with flat…
Categories Plantar Fasciitis
TagsAchilles tendonitis, arthritis, heel pain, heel spurs, orthotics, Plantar Fasciitis

Understanding Gout

Posted on December 15, 2021
You’ve got to start by knowing a little something about purines to understand gout. You eat purines every day because they’re in many foods. You eat them, and they break down into a waste product called uric acid, which you then excrete through your urine. So far, so good. The problem is that some people…
Categories Foot Health, Gout
Tagsbig toe pain, foot conditions, foot health, foot pain, gout, gouty arthritis

Holiday Gifts That Give Comfort and Joy to Feet

Posted on December 6, 2021
Giving thoughtful gifts, presented with heart and soul, is a wonderful part of the holiday season. This year, consider offering your loved ones gifts that pamper their feet. In the hustle and bustle of life, people can overlook their feet all year long. You have an opportunity to remind them of the importance of good foot…
Categories Foot Care, Foot Health
Tagsat home pedicure, corns, feet, foot health, gift ideas, socks

Celebrate National Sock Day

Posted on December 2, 2021
Socks have come a long way since the basic dress blacks and thick tubes of mid-century modern life. Socks have become a fashion statement for kids and adults alike, allowing us to show off our personalities. Video game characters, bananas, a master painting by Pablo Picasso, and pretty much any other image can be knit together…
Categories Foot Facts, Foot Health
Tagsarch support, athlete’s foot, blisters, national sock day, socks

Tips to Avoid Holiday Pitfalls

Posted on November 24, 2021
Our podiatrists focus on our patient’s feet and ankles, but we’re happy when you’re in good health overall. Unfortunately, Thanksgiving’s fast approaching and it can jumpstart you into several weeks of unhealthy holiday behaviors. With just a bit of mindfulness, however, you can stop them from becoming long-term habits. Here are some typical pitfalls and what you…
Categories Foot Health, General Health, Healthy lifestyle
Tagsfoot and ankle health, foot problems, health, health tips

Proper Healing Takes Time

Posted on November 16, 2021
Foot and ankle injuries don’t always heal quickly. And yet, modern society expects everything to happen fast! Your internet search is taking more than a few seconds to load? Ugh – cause for annoyance. Traffic jam on the interstate? – permission to feel impatient and anxious. On TV, the hero wraps up a crisis neatly and…
Categories Ankle sprain, Foot Injuries
Tagsankle surgery, foot and ankle health, foot and ankle injuries, fracture

5 Diabetes Complications of the Feet

Posted on November 10, 2021
Let’s dive more deeply into some of the effects of diabetes on the feet that we touched upon in last week’s blog. We mentioned five effects: wounds that won’t heal, fungal infections, numbness, cracked heels, and weakened bones: Wounds that won’t heal. For the non-diabetic, a cut or scrape is usually no big deal and will heal quickly. That’s not…
Categories Diabetes, Diabetes Awareness, Diabetic Foot Care
Tagsathlete’s foot, diabetes, diabetes awareness month, diabetic foot care, fungal infections

6 Powerful Reasons to Avoid Type 2 Diabetes

Posted on November 3, 2021
Thirty-four million people in the United States have Type 2 diabetes. Sadly, all of them are at a higher risk of health complications in ways that might surprise you. In observance of Diabetes Awareness Month, let’s look into six of these complications: Legs and feet can develop problems with circulation and nerve function. Our patients with diabetes…
Categories Diabetes, Diabetes Awareness
Tagsdiabetes, diabetes awareness month, diabetic retinopathy, Type 2 Diabetes

There’s Help for Skin Problems on Your Feet

Posted on October 27, 2021
Are your feet smooth and unblemished? Free from bumps and lumps of all kinds? We’d be surprised if they were. The skin on your feet can itch like crazy, turn angry red, break out into tiny bumps, form big lumps, or turn as flaky and scaly as a lizard’s. Patients who come to us with complaints about…
Categories Foot Conditions, Foot Health
Tagsathlete’s foot, blisters, corns, fungal toenails, skin cancer, skin problems, warts

The Cold Truth About Raynaud’s

Posted on October 20, 2021
Having cold feet can be more than just a nuisance. Cold feet or toes can signal damaged nerves, blocked arteries, and Raynaud’s disease. If you’ve never heard of Raynaud’s, you’re not alone. Raynaud’s Awareness Month, celebrated every October, aims to improve public information about this relatively common, often misunderstood disease. Raynaud’s disease is sometimes called Raynaud’s phenomenon or Raynaud’s…
Categories General Health, Raynaud’s disease
Tagscold feet, Raynaud’s Awareness Month, Raynaud’s disease, vasospasms

Make an Easy Transition from Summer to Fall/Winter Shoes

Posted on October 13, 2021
It’s coming. Perhaps it’s already here: the day you say “so long” to your open-toed shoes until the ice melts along Lake Erie’s shores and the trees push out green leaves once again. Believe it or not, the transition from summer sandals and bare feet to autumn shoes, boots, and socks can be rough on…
Categories Foot Health, Proper Footwear
Tagsfoot and ankle health, footwear, high heels, shoes

Fix Your Feet and Get Back to Living!

Posted on October 5, 2021
International Podiatry Day comes around every October 8, and it’s our chance to emphasize the importance of foot health. Most people take their feet for granted – until something in that vast network of bones, muscles, nerves, ligaments, tendons, blood vessels, sweat glands, toenails, and skin goes wrong. Bones break, muscles pull, nerves tingle uncontrollably,…
Categories Foot Health, Podiatrist
Tagsball-of-foot pain, foot conditions, foot health, international podiatry day, joint pain, podiatrists, smelly feet, sprained ankles

Foot and Ankle Conditioning Exercises for Everyone

Posted on September 28, 2021
If our podiatrists recommend physical therapy for foot or ankle pain, it’s for a good reason. Exercises targeted specifically for the feet and ankles speed up recovery from an injury and help you gain back your strength. But here’s a tidbit you may not have thought about: the kinds of exercises we prescribe post-injury are…
Categories Ankle Pain, Exercise, Foot Health, Foot Pain
Tagsbunions, exercises, foot and ankle health, foot or ankle pain, hammertoes, Plantar Fasciitis, prevent falling

Senior Citizens: Fix These 4 Things to Reduce Your Risk of Falling

Posted on September 23, 2021
One-quarter of all Americans age 65+ fall down every year. And many of those who fall sustain injuries such as a traumatic brain injury or a hip fracture. Devastating injuries like these can start a downward spiral for senior citizens, from losing their independence to having to enter a nursing home to, sadly, premature death. Falls Prevention Awareness…
Categories Fall Prevention, Senior Foot Care Tips
Tagsfall prevention, foot and ankle injuries, fracture, senior feet, senior foot care

4 Ways to Avoid Fungal Infections of the Feet

Posted on September 14, 2021
There’s good news and bad news about foot fungus. Let’s start with the bad news: there are millions of different species of fungi. Even though you can’t see them, they’re out there living on plants and in your garden soil. It may surprise you to learn that some types of fungi usually inhabit the human…
Categories Athlete’s Foot, Fungal Infections
Tagsathlete’s foot, foot fungus, fungal disease awareness week, fungal infections

Achilles Tendon Ruptures are Painful and Serious

Posted on September 7, 2021
One of the most painful injuries of the feet and ankles is a ruptured Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon is thick and long. On one end, it attaches to your heel bone; on the other end, the tendon is embedded in your calf muscle. Ruptures, or tears, in the Achilles tendon can be partial or…
Categories Achilles Tendon, Ankle Pain
TagsAchilles tendon, ankle injuries, foot pain, Ruptured Achilles

How Neuropathy Affects Your Feet

Posted on August 31, 2021
Tingling, burning, or weakness in your feet are signs you may have peripheral neuropathy. What is neuropathy?Neuropathy means “disease of the nervous system.” So right away, you know that it’s a problem with your nerves. Which nerves? That’s where the term “peripheral” comes in. It refers to all nerves not located in the brain or…
Categories Diabetes, Neuropathy
Tagsdiabetes, foot health, neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy

How to Choose a Good Pair of Running Shoes

Posted on August 24, 2021
If you want to talk about putting pressure on your feet, talk about running! Your feet absorb most of the impact when you run – up to four times the amount you weigh. That’s a lot of force. And that’s why it’s vitally important to wear the right shoes when you run. Good running shoes…
Categories Athletic Shoes, Proper Footwear, Runners Tips
Tagsfoot health, overpronation, proper footwear, running, running shoes

Dos and Don’ts of Back-to-School Shoe Shopping

Posted on August 16, 2021
Kids’ feet can grow at an alarming rate! What used to fit them in May is likely too small for their back-to-school feet (or too worn-out). Back-to-school shopping should always involve a trip to the shoe store. Here are some tips to make shoe shopping fun and successful for both you and your kids: Don’t…
Categories Pediatric Foot Care, Proper Footwear
Tagsback to school, foot health, Pediatric Foot care, pediatric shoes, shoe shopping

6 Ways to Celebrate Your Feet

Posted on August 11, 2021
There are so many ways to celebrate your feet – those two marvels of engineering that support you and make it easy to get around every day. We think feet should have their own national appreciation day – and they do! National I Love My Feet Day is coming up on Tuesday, August 17, so…
Categories Foot Care, Foot Health
Tagscalluses, corns, diabetic foot check, feet, foot and toe stretching exercise, foot care

4 Foot and Ankle Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Posted on August 4, 2021
If your feet and ankles are the furthest things from your mind, that’s a good thing. It means they’re working just fine. The minute something feels off, though, worries begin. Lower limb problems have a way of interfering with your daily life, making it difficult to walk around or play sports. Problems can get worse…
Categories Foot Health
Tagsankle sprain, foot and ankle health, foot conditions, fungal infection, neuroma, stress fracture

Warts Don’t Have to Be Permanent Fixtures on Your Feet

Posted on July 27, 2021
If you’ve ever had a wart on your foot, you know this one thing: they’re tough to beat. Warts are annoying, unattractive, and sometimes painful skin growths. They pop up on your soles, heels, or toes when a virus invades through a break in the skin. Also known as plantar warts, they appear as flesh-colored,…
Categories Foot Health, Plantar Warts
Tagsbenign lesions, foot warts, plantar warts, warts

Protect Your Feet and Ankles When Taking up a New Sport

Posted on July 21, 2021
Can you name all 46 sports that make up the 2020 Summer Olympics? The Games provide plenty of excitement for the athletes who’ve dreamed of participating in them for years. Unfortunately, they also offer plenty of opportunities for sports injuries. Many young kids who’ll watch the Olympics from July 23-August 8 will get excited to…
Categories Foot Health, Sports Injuries
Tagsathletes, athletic shoes, foot and ankle injuries, sports, sports injuries

What To Do About Heel Pain

Posted on July 13, 2021
If you’ve got nagging heel pain, don’t wait to see our podiatrists. It could be plantar fasciitis, one of the most common causes of heel pain and a condition that will probably get worse unless you take some steps to rein it in. What is plantar fasciitis?It’s inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick ligament…
Categories Foot Pain, Heel Pain, Plantar Fasciitis
Tagsflat feet, foot health, heel pain, heel pain treatment, orthotic shoe inserts, Plantar Fasciitis

Do You Have Weak Ankles?

Posted on July 7, 2021
If you frequently feel unstable when you walk, you may be suffering from weak ankles or what our podiatrists call chronic lateral ankle pain. In addition to feeling unstable or off balance, you may experience. soreness, stiffness, or tenderness in your ankles or your feet ankles that regularly twist inward or outward frequent ankle sprains…
Categories Ankle Pain, Ankle sprain, Foot Health
Tagsankle health, ankle injuries, Ankle Instability, ankle treatments, chronic lateral ankle pain, physical therapy, weak ankles

Questions and Answers About Ingrown Toenails

Posted on June 29, 2021
What’s an ingrown toenail?With a normal toenail, the nail plate grows up and out beyond the end of the toe. In contrast, an ingrown toenail grows downward and the nail fold, or the frame of the nail, digs into the surrounding soft tissue of the toe. Who gets ingrown toenails?For some, the tendency to have…
Categories Foot Facts, Foot Health, Ingrown Toenail
Tagsbunion, diabetes, ingrown toenails, toe conditions, toe pain
13149442 A Pair Of Flip Flops On The Sand Of A Beach

Foot Essentials To Pack for Your Summer Vacation

Posted on June 23, 2021
Are you planning a vacation to the beach, the mountains, or visiting family you’ve missed during these months of quarantine? Wherever you’re headed, pack a few things with your foot health in mind. Adding just these few things to your luggage will help you remember to treat your feet, keeping them comfortable and safe during…
Categories Foot Health, Summer Foot Care
Tagsfoot essentials, foot health, hydration, skin cancer, summer foot care, summer vacation
31299756 S Diabetes Healthcare Medicare Treatment Hands

Let’s Talk About Men and Diabetes

Posted on June 15, 2021
June is International Men’s Health Month. Why do we dedicate an entire month to men’s health? For one thing, it’s common knowledge that men are more hesitant to see a doctor than women are. They’re afraid of hearing bad news. They don’t want to take time off from work. They push through the pain. But…
Categories Diabetes Awareness, Men’s health
Tagscharcot foot, diabetes, feet, men’s health, wounds
child's feet

4 Hidden Signs of Foot Problems in Children

Posted on June 7, 2021
It’s easy to overlook a problem your child may be having with their feet. For one thing, a child may not realize it himself. Also, he or she may be too young to come up with the right words to tell you that something hurts. However, as a parent, you can play a vital role in…
Categories Child Foot Care, Pediatric Foot Care
Tagschild foot care, children’s feet, flat feet, foot health, sever’s disease
running

Stay Active and Healthy Through Running

Posted on June 2, 2021
If you’ve ever thought about running, Global Running Day may be just the inspiration you need to lace up some good, solid athletic shoes and get started. On June 2, 2021, people worldwide are pledging to embrace the sport of running and all the benefits it offers: Improved cardiovascular health Lower cholesterol levels Lower blood…
Categories Runner’s Injuries, Runners Tips
TagsAchilles tendinitis, global running day, heel spurs, osteoporosis, Plantar Fasciitis, running, shin splints, stress fractures
smoking vape pen

Smoking, Vaping, and Your Foot Health

Posted on May 24, 2021
Smoking is at an all-time low in the United States. That’s not a huge surprise since we’re taught cigarettes cause breathing problems, heart disease, and lung cancer at a very early age. Gone are those “Mad Men” days of the 1960s when everyone was constantly lighting up a cigarette at home, at the office, sitting at…
Categories Foot Health, General Health
Tagse-cigarettes, foot health, peripheral arterial disease, smoking, vaping, venous stasis, world no tobacco day
lawnmower safety

Mow the Lawn, Lose a Limb: It’s More Common Than You Think

Posted on May 17, 2021
It happens every spring and summer without fail: we hear on the news about a child somewhere who lost a foot or a toe in a lawnmower accident. People with the best intentions – smart people – can cause an injury because they just haven’t thought enough about the dangers. However, when you’re operating a…
Categories Foot Injuries, foot safety, Lawnmower Safety
Tagsfoot injuries, lawnmower, mower safety, summer foot care
Peripheral Arterial Disease

Understanding PAD (Peripheral Arterial Disease)

Posted on May 10, 2021
If you’ve ever had a clogged sink in your home, you’ve got an idea of what’s it like to have peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Something in your sink drain prevents the water from emptying down the sink – maybe some clumps of hair. Water trickles around the hair, and it eventually makes it down the…
Categories Foot Conditions, Foot Health, Peripheral Arterial Disease
Tagsartery disease, foot health, foot pain, peripheral arterial disease, smokers
arthritis foot pain

Learn to Recognize Osteoarthritis in Your Feet and Ankles

Posted on May 6, 2021
What happens when you rub two things together? You get friction. That’s what’s going on with the disease we call osteoarthritis. To understand osteoarthritis, it helps to know a little bit about joints and cartilage. A joint is where two or more bones meet. Cartilage provides a slick surface that allows every joint in the body…
Categories Arthritis, Foot Pain
Tagsarthritis, arthritis treatment, bone spurs, foot and ankle health, foot pain, joint pain, osteoarthritis
child flat foot

When to Worry About Your Child’s Flat Feet

Posted on April 28, 2021
It’s very common for young children to have flat feet. In fact, from birth until age 3 or 4, almost all children’s feet have no visible arch. By the time most kids are about 5 years old, their feet will have lost their cute, pudgy, fat pads and developed arches that last into adulthood. Most…
Categories Child Foot Care, Common Foot Conditions, Flat Foot
Tagschild foot care, child foot pain, custom orthotics, flat feet, flatfoot, foot health, Pediatric Foot care
foot cyst - podiatrist

How to Treat Cysts on Your Feet

Posted on April 21, 2021
Cysts are fluid-filled lumps that form under the skin or arise out of a joint. They can appear anywhere on the body, with some common places being the fingers, wrists, knees, and feet. Toe joints commonly get cysts, but you may also spot a jelly-like bump on the top of your foot. When you touch…
Categories Foot Care, Foot Conditions, Foot Health
Tagsbump, cysts, foot care, foot cyst, foot health, ganglion cyst
hiking

These 4 Hiking Basics Can Save You from Foot and Ankle Injuries

Posted on April 14, 2021
Wear the right shoes. Hiking boots offer the best protection for your feet and ankles. They should be sturdy but comfortable, with great arch support. Consider boots that provide above-ankle stability, especially if you’re planning to hike over rough terrain. Above all, don’t hit the trail in regular sneakers or, even worse, flip-flops. Don’t take…
Categories Foot Care, Foot Injuries, Hiking
Tagsblackened toenails, blisters, foot care tips, heel pain, hiking, hiking tips, Plantar Fasciitis, proper footwear, stress fracture, tendonitis
20183914 L Running Sneakers Workout 1536x1022

6 Ways to Prevent Foot Problems

Posted on April 6, 2021
Every April, Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland joins expert podiatrists everywhere in observing Foot Health Awareness Month. Here’s one important thing we’d like you to be aware of: there’s a lot you can do to prevent foot problems from cropping up. Avoid bunions, nerve pain, heel pain, flat feet, and many other common foot…
Categories Foot Care, Foot Conditions, Foot Health, Foot Pain
Tagsdiabetic foot care, foot disorders, foot health, foot problems, fungal infections, nerve pain
107509143 S Woman Runner Heel Pain

What’s Causing Your Lower Leg, Ankle, or Foot Pain?

Posted on March 29, 2021
Now that we’ve seen some serious hints of spring weather here in Cuyahoga, Portage, Summit, and Geauga Counties, people are bursting out of their homes to walk, run, and play outside.
Categories Ankle Pain, Arthritis, Foot Pain, Lower Leg Pain
Tagsankle pain, arthritis, custom orthotics, foot pain, lower leg pain, Plantar Fasciitis, stress fractures, tendinitis
Woman Exercising In Park

4 Ways to Boost Your Energy

Posted on March 23, 2021
If you’re feeling zapped of energy, you’re not alone. We’ve been enduring the global pandemic for over a year now, and it’s tiring, both physically and mentally. And the recent switch to Daylight Savings Time might have thrown your biological clock out of whack. So, it seems a good time to talk about various ways…
Categories Exercise, General Health, Healthy lifestyle, Nutrition
Tagsankle pain, bunions, exercise, foot pain, heel pain, nerve pain
Dr. Megan L. Oltmann Profile

Are You Looking for a Female Podiatrist?

Posted on March 15, 2021
Women throughout history have made astounding achievements in medicine, law, education, and social justice – to name a few areas! As a nation, we celebrate women’s accomplishments during Women’s History Month every year in March. We’re fortunate here at Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland that one of our doctors is a female podiatrist who…
Categories foot doctor, Foot Health, Podiatrist
Tagsbunions, diabetic foot care, female podiatrist, gout, Plantar Fasciitis, podiatrist
48070183 Healthy Food In Heart And Cholesterol Diet Concept On Vintage Boards

Nourish Yourself, Nourish Your Feet

Posted on March 9, 2021
March is National Nutrition Month, and Dr. Craig B. Frey and Dr. Megan L. Oltmann of Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland ask important health questions about nutrition. What does adequately nourished mean? Is it all just about the food you eat? What does proper nutrition have to do with your feet and ankles? Let’s take those questions one at a…
Categories Foot Health, Healthy lifestyle, Nutrition, Uncategorized
Tagsfitness, fractures, nutrition, osteoporosis
3883331 S Tennis Man Injury Racket Court Kneel Ball

Common Tennis Injuries and How to Prevent Them

Posted on March 2, 2021
Foot and ankle injuries happen all the time in tennis. It comes with the territory. Players are continually running up and back, jumping, and stopping, and starting on hard surfaces. These actions set the scene perfectly for frequent injuries. Here are the 5 most common foot and ankle injuries that affect both amateur and professional…
Categories Ankle sprain, Plantar Fasciitis, Sports Injuries
TagsAchilles tendonitis, ankle sprains, hematoma, Plantar Fasciitis, tennis
Socks Hiking Boots 80931 S 150x150

Dos and Don’ts for Healthy Winter Feet

Posted on February 24, 2021
Maintaining healthy feet during the winter is a matter of keeping them warm and dry. Also, it’s about keeping them safe from injury, frostbite, the pain of Raynaud’s disease, and the effects of diabetes. Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind as we count the days until spring. Do update your sock…
Categories Foot Health, Frostbite, Winter Feet care
Tagscracked heels, diabetes, fractures, frostbite, healthy feet, ice, injuries, Raynaud’s disease
514650669 S Blood Pressure Cuff Doctor Patient 150x150

Lower Your Blood Pressure to Improve Cardiovascular Health

Posted on February 16, 2021
February is American Heart Month. All of us at Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland want to take this opportunity to talk about blood pressure, cardiovascular health, and how they relate to your feet.  What is cardiovascular health? “Cardio” means “heart.” “Vascular” refers to the blood vessels that carry blood to every part of your…
Categories Foot Health, General Health, Uncategorized
Tagscardiovascular health, cold feet, foot swelling, foot wounds, high blood pressure, hypertension
8709293 S Valentine Footprint Heart 150x150

10 Ways to Show Your Feet Some Love

Posted on February 9, 2021
This Valentine’s Day blow a couple of kisses to the body parts that serve you well every day: your feet! It is important to show your feet some love this month and every month. Here are ten ways to show them how much you appreciate their constant support: Move your body. Regular exercise helps maintain…
Categories Foot Care, Foot Health
Tagsflat feet, foot care, nerve pain, toe deformities
Diabetes Complications

The ABCs of Managing Diabetes

Posted on February 1, 2021
It’s hard work to keep diabetes under control. Managing diabetes by regulating your blood sugar can be difficult and time-consuming. Worrying about all the complications of diabetes can be emotionally taxing. So, what if you could break down diabetes self-care into simple terms? The American Diabetes Association reminds us to break it down to our…
Categories Diabetes Awareness, General Health, Uncategorized
Tagscholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure
66207869 S Laser Surgery Toenail Fungus Doctor Foot Toe 150x150

What’s the Best Cure for Toenail Fungus?

Posted on January 25, 2021
Finding the best cure for toenail fungus or  fungal infection isn’t always easy. If you ask around, you might get some unusual advice. People will sometimes recommend you put tea tree oil on your infected nails. Another favorite folk remedy: apply a cold and cough ointment directly to your toes. These over-the-counter remedies may help but…
Categories Foot Care, Foot Conditions
Tagsfungal infection, podiatrist, toenail fungus
78779574 Checking Shoe Size

Add “Measure Your Feet” to Your To-Do List

Posted on January 18, 2021
One of the best ways you can take care of your feet is to buy shoes that fit well. To do that, start by measuring your feet. Try it on January 23 – National Measure Your Feet Day! Who should have their feet measured? Children need to have their feet measured often. A child’s foot…
Categories Foot Care, Foot Health
TagsBrannock device, foot health, properly fitted footwear
8736511 S Feet Walking

Changes in Your Feet May Be Telling You Something

Posted on January 12, 2021
“There is nothing permanent except change,” a wise Greek philosopher once said. Life throws change at us all the time – including physical changes in our body. However, you shouldn’t accept all changes in your feet as normal. Changes in how your feet look, feel, or move can be signs of trouble not only in…
Categories Foot Conditions, Foot Health
Tagsbunion, diabetes, gout, nerve damage, osteoarthritis, PAD, Raynaud’s disease, wounds

5 Winter Foot Care Tips for Diabetic Feet

Posted on January 7, 2021
What have you been doing to prepare for the cold weather? Filling up the oil tank? Calling the snowplow guy? What about preparations for your own precious human body? If you’ve got diabetes, this is a crucial question. Diabetes, as our patients know well, can affect the feet in several ways: Peripheral arterial disease stops blood from…
Categories Diabetes, Diabetic Foot Care, Winter Foot Care
TagsChilblains, diabetes, diabetes foot care tips, fissures, foot care tips, frostbite, peripheral arterial disease, Winter Foot Care
Full Male Runs On A Treadmill In A Gym. Concept Of Weight Loss And Sport. Back View.

5 Simple Ways to Change Your Exercise Routine for the Better

Posted on January 5, 2021
If you’re someone who gets regular exercise, all of us at Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland applaud you. Regular exercise helps keep your weight from creeping upward, allows blood to flow freely, and strengthens muscles and bones, all of which help keep your feet and ankles in tip-top shape. However, even if you already…
Categories Foot Health, General Health
Tagsexercise, foot health
61481209 S Moisturize Foot Cream Calluses Lotion

How to Stop Heel Cracks in Their Tracks

Posted on December 29, 2020
For so many of us in northeastern Ohio, Old Man Winter hands out the same gift year after year: cracked heels. It’s not all the Old Man’s fault, however. We can take most of the credit for setting up the ideal circumstances for dry skin. Heel cracks can happen due to: Heat – once the…
Categories Foot Conditions, Winter Feet care
Tagscalluses, cracked heels, diabetes, diabetic ulcer, heel fissures, psoriasis
14530099 Doctor Bandaging Foot Patient In Hospital.

Don’t Let COVID-19 Stand in the Way of Proper Diabetic Foot Care

Posted on December 22, 2020
Amputation has always been an awful possibility for anyone with diabetes. Proper diabetic foot care is crucial. Now, Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland warns our diabetic patients the possibility of amputation has increased because of the COVID-19 pandemic. There’s been an increase in the number of lower limb amputations throughout the world. One reason…
Categories Diabetic Foot Care, Foot Health
Tagsamputation, calluses, covid, diabetes, ingrown toenails, skin lesion
80369848 Specialist Watching Woman Walk On Tread Mill

The Surprising Solution for Knee and Hip Pain: Fix Your Feet

Posted on December 15, 2020
If you’ve been suffering from pain in your knees or hips, the problem may not be your knees or hips at all. It could be your feet. Understanding what gait is Everyone walks with a particular gait. Gait describes: the way your heels hit the ground what happens when you shift your weight entirely onto…
Categories Foot Conditions, Foot Facts
Tagsflat feet, gait, hip pain, knee pain, pronation
42560268 Digital Composite Of Highlighted Bones Of Man On Treadmill

When Should You Go to the Doctor for a Foot Injury?

Posted on December 8, 2020
You expect professional athletes – runners, gymnasts, dancers – to get foot injuries. But the truth is that everyone who uses their feet can sustain a foot or ankle injury in a split second. Just ask Joe Biden, who recently cracked a couple of bones in his midfoot – the area just below the ankle….
Categories Foot Health, Foot Injuries
Tagsfoot injuries, fracture, hairline fracture, podiatrist
Feet Of Little Children On Wood Floor

Great Gift Ideas for the Athletes on Your List

Posted on December 1, 2020
The expert podiatrists here at Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland echo this one thing all doctors will tell you: exercise is right for you! Regular exercise chases away the blues and keeps your heart pumping efficiently. Working out helps control diabetes, builds lean muscle mass, and enables you to keep off unwanted pounds. It…
Categories Foot Care, Foot Injuries
Tagsathletic shoes, exercise, Holiday Gifts
514650669 S Blood Pressure Cuff Doctor Patient

Are You at Risk for Diabetes?

Posted on November 24, 2020
Let’s approach the end of American Diabetes Awareness Month with some vital questions: will you get diabetes? Is there any reason to be worried? Are there steps you should be taking to reduce your risk? These are some great questions to bring to your doctor at your next physical. But even before that, you can…
Categories Diabetes Awareness, Podiatrist
Tagsdiabetes, foot numbness, podiatrist, tingling feet
39948535 Blond Woman Smoking

Here’s What Happens When You Quit Smoking

Posted on November 17, 2020
If you’re a smoker, we’re talking to you today. The nation observes The Great American Smokeout on November 19, 2020.  In honor of this day, we want to point out the benefits of quitting smoking over time. Quitting smoking quickly sets off a chain of positive effects to your health that are pretty astounding. What…
Categories Foot Health, Healthy lifestyle
Tagsdiabetes, peripheral arterial disease, smoking
72605946 S Shoes Shoe Lace Heart Diabetes Check Strips

Let’s Talk about Diabetic Foot Care

Posted on November 10, 2020
American Diabetes Month (November) raises awareness of a disease that affects 34 million of our citizens. Even those who live with diabetes struggle with the staggering amount of information to know and understand. For patients and friends of Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland, we’re offering this list of words associated with diabetes and diabetic…
Categories Diabetes Awareness, Diabetic Foot Care
Tagsamputation, diabetes, foot ulcer, fungal toenail infections, peripheral arterial disease
46737615 Diabetes Text, 3d Medicical Concept

Don’t Fall for These Diabetes Myths

Posted on November 3, 2020
Let’s do a little math: currently, there are 334,884,221 people in the United States. About 34,200,000 of them have diabetes. 34,200,000÷334,884,221 = 10% 10% of us have diabetes. That’s huge! And you’d think that we’d all be pretty conversant about something that affects one person in every 10. Sadly, we’re not. Diabetes continues to be…
Categories Diabetes Awareness, Diabetic Foot Care
Tagsdiabetes, exercise, podiatrist
Leather Orthopedic Insoles With Boot. Blue Background.

Custom Orthotics: A Simple, Effective Way to Treat a Wide Range of Foot Problems

Posted on October 28, 2020
There are hundreds of reasons why your feet might hurt. But the one simple solution to your foot pain could be custom orthotics. Orthotics are shoe inserts that correct various foot problems such as bunions, high or low arches, ankles that turn in when you walk or run, arthritis, toe deformities, and nerve pain. These…
Categories Foot Care, Foot Pain
Tagsarthritis, bunions, custom orthotics, diabetes, toe deformities
88971925 Podiatry Doctor Curing An Elderly Patient Foot

3 Compelling Reasons to Check Your Feet Right Now

Posted on October 19, 2020
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 quarantine, people have been putting off getting medical care for many issues. Foot problems are no exception. As a result, issues not fixed early have likely gotten worse.  It’s neither safe nor wise to put off certain types of care. So, check your feet right now if any of…
Categories Foot Care, Podiatrist
Tagscracked heels, diabetes, foot pain, fungal infections, peripheral arterial disease, peripheral neuropathy
12609946 Man Tends To His Aching Arch

Fast Facts about Foot and Ankle Arthritis

Posted on October 14, 2020
In recognition of World Arthritis Day, the staff of Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland offers this easy-to-digest list of facts about foot and ankle arthritis and how to ease the pain. Facts About Foot and Ankle Arthritis The most common form of arthritis to affect the feet is called osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the physical…
Categories Foot Facts, Foot Pain
Tagsankle pain, arthritis, bone spurs, custom orthotics, foot pain, osteoarthritis
Happy Feet

We Could Talk All Day about Toe Problems

Posted on October 6, 2020
If we at Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland ran a radio station, we might call it WTOE. It would feature talk shows since we can’t think of a lot of songs about toe problems. We wouldn’t have to worry about attracting an audience because 75% of people, including those in our listening area of…
Categories Foot Conditions, Podiatrist
Tagsbunions, hammertoes, toe problems, toenail fungus
Socks Hiking Boots 80931 S 150x150

Hiking Can Lead to Foot Injuries

Posted on September 29, 2020
Fall is a fantastic season to go hiking. There is endless beauty in nature, which you can easily discover on numerous trails throughout Portage, Geauga, Cuyahoga, and Summit Counties. If you’re not careful, however, there’s endless danger as well. Slippery stones, uneven paths, and roots that grab at your feet can send you sprawling, causing…
Categories Foot Injuries, Foot Pain
TagsAchilles tendinitis, ankle sprains, blisters, foot injury
50161251 An Older Man With Prominent Veins On His Foot

Care and Feeding of the Aging Foot

Posted on September 22, 2020
One of the most challenging things about growing old is our body parts don’t last as long as we might like them to. Life expectancy is high, but we still expect our eyesight to go bad, our memory to fade, and our aging feet to show the effects of all those miles. A lifetime of…
Categories Senior Foot Care Tips
Tagsaging feet, foot care tips, foot conditions
11986494 M Roller Coaster Accident Fall Injury Amusement Park Theme Park Ride

Get Off the Plantar Fasciitis Rollercoaster

Posted on September 14, 2020
Imagine getting out of bed every morning, planting your feet on the floor, standing up, and immediately regretting your decision to start the day. Why? – Because your foot is on fire. The pain of plantar fasciitis begins in your heel and travels into your arch. You can barely stand without crying, let alone walk….
Categories Plantar Fasciitis
TagsPlantar Fasciitis Pain, Plantar Fasciitis Treatments
36042159 S Senior Woman Balance Therapy

Secure Two Body Areas to Help Prevent Falling

Posted on September 9, 2020
Senior citizens: when it comes to preventing falls, it’s not enough for you simply to say, “I’m cautious.” Falling is the number one cause of injury and deaths from injury in older Americans, says the Centers for Disease Control. Sure, you can say you’re cautious. You can move around slowly. But if your vision’s impaired…
Categories Senior Foot Care Tips
TagsFalls Prevention, Senior Foot Health
32505827 Arthritis At Ankle Joint (gout , Rheumatoid Arthritis)

Don’t Let a Bone Spur Hold You Back

Posted on August 31, 2020
To “spur someone on” is to get someone to act. Nudge a horse in the side with your boot, and he’ll begin walking. A few bucks can spur your tween into cleaning the bathroom speedy-quick. But with your feet, a painful bone spur can have the opposite effect: you can’t be spurred on to do…
Categories Blog, Foot Conditions
Tagsbone spur, foot pain, repetitive stress injury
38075936 Basketball Player Holding Ball, On Dark Background

How Bad is Your Ankle Sprain?

Posted on August 24, 2020
The NBA is living and competing in a bubble to protect its players from contracting COVID-19. But it doesn’t mean they’re safe from injuries on the court. Gordon Hayward’s awkward fall and severe ankle injury earlier this month is a reminder where there is a basketball game; there will always be ankle sprains. The Celtics…
Categories Ankle Pain, Ankle sprain
Tagsankle injury, Ankle Instability, ankle sprain
heel pain

Win the War Against Foot and Ankle Pain

Posted on August 18, 2020
Who hasn’t uttered the words “my feet are killing me!” at one time or another? It’s just one example of how we talk about our health. We seem to use a lot of words associated with confrontation. “She’s battling pain.” “He’s going to beat this.” We can have a gall bladder or gout attack. Early…
Categories Ankle Pain, Foot Pain
Tagsankle pain, foot care, foot pain

August is National Immunization Awareness Month

Posted on August 12, 2020
The world is waiting as patiently as possible for an event that will, we hope, return our lives to normal: the creation of a safe vaccine for COVID-19. We hope that the vaccine arrives quickly. We hope it’s easily and fairly distributed. Above all, we hope it works well to protect us from this frustrating…
Categories Blog
Tagsimmunization, Immunization Awareness Month, vaccine
Feet On The Beach In The Waves. Albania

Should You Wear Shoes at the Beach?

Posted on August 3, 2020
Self-isolation is getting really old. You’re thinking about escaping to the beach. In your mind’s eye, you see the sun warming your bare skin as you twirl your ankles in the cooling water. A fresh breeze blows off the water, flipping your hair in all directions. Emitting a contented sigh, you stroll back to your…
Categories Blog, foot safety, Foot wear
Tagsbeach footwear, foot health, foot protection
14238529 Man Mowing The Lawn In The Yard Of A Country House

Do’s and Don’ts of Mowing the Lawn

Posted on July 27, 2020
Hospital emergency rooms care for thousands of lawn mower-related injuries every year in the United States. A great number of those injuries involve the lower limbs. And, sadly, children make up a large amount of those injured. Keeping yourself and your family safe while mowing the lawn begins with awareness of the dangers. Then, commit…
Categories Blog, Foot Injuries
Tagslawn mower safety, limb safety
82090154 Woman With Athlete Foot In The Room

Athlete’s Foot: When Fungus Finds a Comfy Home in Your Feet

Posted on July 21, 2020
Dermatophytes are fungi that like to take up residence in people’s feet and toes, causing athlete’s foot. The fungi enter through the front door – a cut or scrape on the foot. They sit down in a comfy chair – like the space between your toes.  These ‘guests’ open the fridge and find stuff they…
Categories Athlete’s Foot, Foot Conditions
Tagsfoot fungus, Foot Fungus Treatment, toenail fungus
13904812 M Patient Waiting Room Tablet

COVID-19 and People with Underlying Conditions

Posted on July 13, 2020
Recently, the Centers for Disease Control expanded its list of underlying health conditions that put people at an increased risk of severe complications from COVID-19. The list now includes those who suffer from the following health conditions: coronary artery disease COPD obesity chronic kidney disease high blood pressure moderate to severe asthma liver disease pregnancy…
Categories Blog, Diabetes Awareness
Tagsdiabetic foot care, Patient Health and Safety
Mother And Baby In Autumn. Fall Outdoor Family Fun.

How to Keep Your Children Safe at the Park

Posted on July 7, 2020
Wondering how to keep your children safe while enjoying summer activities like visiting a park? The novel coronavirus hasn’t been magically eradicated. It’s still around. We should all take precautions to stay well. You may be wondering, is it safe to take your children to a state park? Public parks in Ohio reopened several weeks…
Categories Blog, Children’s Activities
TagsChildrens Summer Activities, Family Park Visits, Maintain Social Distance
Shutterstock M 1631951077 Face Mask Mall Socila Distance Walking Empty 1

Overcoming 4 Objections to Wearing a Face Mask

Posted on June 29, 2020
Information about how COVID-19 spreads have changed rapidly over the past few months. The WHO and CDC have examined new data, their recommendations have evolved. Both now advise face masks for anyone out in public. The state of Ohio also recommends the wearing of face masks to help prevent the spread of the virus. All…
Categories Blog, Healthy lifestyle
TagsFace Masks, Health Guidelines, Protect Your Health, Social Distancing
47923217 Man's Hand Being Massaged A Foot

6 Ways Men Can Take Better Care of Their Feet

Posted on June 22, 2020
At Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland, we’re putting the focus on men in June – it’s Men’s Health Month! So there’s no better time to encourage men to take better care of their feet. Here are six great ways to accomplish this: Get a pedicure. Guys, you may not have been aching for Ohio…
Categories Foot Care
Tagsfoot health, Mens Foot Care, Mens Health Awareness
67394440 Male Feet In White Slippers Stand On Brown Carpet In Bathroom

“Stay Home-Stay Safe” Hasn’t Necessarily Worked for Feet

Posted on June 15, 2020
Podiatrists all over the globe have noted a marked increase in the number of patients with shoe-related foot pain over the last several weeks. From San Francisco to London, Johannesburg to Sydney, and even in our corner of the world serving Portage, Geauga, Cuyahoga, and Summit Counties – feet have been the unsuspecting victim of…
Categories Blog, Common Foot Conditions, Foot wear
Tagsfoot pain, quarantine feet, slipper feet
43672457 Close Up Of A Wart On A Person's Heel

Can You Get Skin Cancer on Your Feet?

Posted on June 8, 2020
Let’s say you’re not especially concerned about skin cancer, because you’re careful, right?  You wear long pants, long sleeves, and a hat when you’re out in the sun. You haul a big umbrella to the beach and sit in the shade. Whenever your face, chest, arms, and legs are exposed, you slather them with suntan…
Categories Skin Cancer
Tagsfoot skin cancer, spf, uv exposure
34214207 Mix Nuts Seeds And Dry Fruits, On A Wooden Table

Vary Your Diet to Get the Best Nutrition

Posted on June 1, 2020
In many ways, social distancing has changed how we eat. We’re off-schedule, routines out of whack. We don’t go to the grocery store as often. We’re at home, reaching for food that’s convenient, not necessarily maintaining a balanced diet. But of course, ask just about anybody, and they’ll tell you that a diet rich in…
Categories Blog, Nutrition
Tagsbetter health, optimal nutrition, varied diet
8903748 Senior Man Massaging His Aching Feet With His Hands

Can You Visit a Podiatrist During the Pandemic?

Posted on May 26, 2020
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland has been open for our patients who need urgent care. Emergency podiatric conditions pose an immediate threat to your health and include Broken bones Sudden changes, such as swelling or numbness Wounds that aren’t healing – especially important for our patients with diabetes Constant pain…
Categories Blog, Foot Care, Foot Conditions, foot doctor
Tagsbroken foot bones, painful feet, swollen feet
89084736 S Woman Computer Upset Harassment

Tips to Improve your Physical and Mental Health While Working From Home

Posted on May 18, 2020
Working from home isn’t going away as long as the global pandemic persists. CNN.com recently reported that even when offices open back up, many corporate leaders will choose to keep at least some of their employees working from home. So, if you’re working from home and you’ve resisted making upgrades to your workspace because you…
Categories Uncategorized
Tagsmental well being, physical well being, work from home
31600640 S Herbs Gardening Soil

Now’s the Time to Plant an Outdoor Container Garden

Posted on May 11, 2020
Is there anything more delicious than a fresh tomato still warm from the sun, plucked off the vine, sliced into a salad, and tossed with some great olive oil and fresh herbs? A home garden yields delicious, healthy foods like these. But not everyone has the space for a garden. Thumbs aren’t always green. If…
Categories Blog, Nutrition
Tagscontainer garden, grow your own foodfood, healthy
89358841 S Dry Feet Scaly Woman File

Pamper Your Feet with an At-Home Pedicure

Posted on May 4, 2020
At Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland, we think that people all over our patient area of Cuyahoga, Summit, Portage, and Geauga Counties fall into one of these two categories: 1). The last thing on their mind throughout the coronavirus pandemic has been their feet, or 2). They’re keenly aware that they’re in desperate need…
Categories Blog, Foot Care
Tagsat home pedicure, moisturize, trim nails
19260710 S Feet Pain Massaging Hands Toes2

New Symptom of COVID-19 Visible on Feet and Toes

Posted on April 27, 2020
More than two months into this pandemic, we’re all quite familiar with the most common symptoms of a COVID-19 infection: fever, dry cough, and difficulty breathing. However, doctors worldwide have recently announced a new symptom of the disease: skin lesions on feet and toes. This skin condition is called “COVID toes.” What are COVID toes?…
Categories Foot Conditions
TagsCovid Toes, Foot Lesions, toe pain
48679730 S List Checklist 1

25 Things to Do When You’re Stuck at Home

Posted on April 20, 2020
The spring of 2020 has felt pretty cloudy even when the sun’s been out. But all of us at Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland want to help you part the clouds and find meaningful ways to pass this time spent within your own four walls. Here are some ideas for getting through the coronavirus…
Categories Blog
Tagsquarantine activities, time at home, to do ideas
Family Of Three Using Laptop Video Call Camera

5 Ways to Keep Kids Happy and Productive at Home

Posted on April 13, 2020
It’s been several weeks since “home” turned into “work-from-home” and “school-at-home,” but families are still adjusting. They’re still trying to find that delicate balance between social distancing and, well, sanity. Our podiatrists, Dr. Megan L. Oltmann and Dr. Craig B. Frey have a lot of compassion for anyone trying to attend work conferences from home, while…
Categories Children’s Activities
Tagsactivity, schedule, stay positive
39993245 S Exercise Workout Grass Trees

4 Ways to Jump-Start an Exercise Routine

Posted on April 6, 2020
It’s probably safe to say that if you had a routine before the current COVID-19 crisis, it’s become difficult to carry it out now. However, your exercise routine doesn’t have to disappear. Dr. Craig B. Frey and Dr. Megan L. Oltmann strongly recommend that you find the motivation to keep working out or use this…
Categories Exercise
Tagsexercise at home, fitness plan
29470486 Female Leg

What’s Causing Your Heel Pain?

Posted on March 30, 2020
Several conditions contribute to heel pain, plantar fasciitis being chief among them. Heel pain that’s strongest at the beginning of the day, eases up once you begin moving around, and comes back at the end of the day, is probably due to plantar fasciitis. But today, the expert podiatrists at Foot & Ankle Associates of…
Categories Heel Pain
Tagsheel pain, heel spur, stress fracture, tarsal tunnel syndrome
15962296 Groceries In The Basket

Make Good Nutrition a Family Affair

Posted on March 23, 2020
Life seems to be changing rapidly as the United States responds to the threat of the new coronavirus. We’ve been asked to hunker down at home as much as possible. And with schools in Cuyahoga, Summit, Portage, and Geauga counties closed for the foreseeable future, kids are home and parents are looking for ways to…
Categories Nutrition
Tagsfamily health, foot health, nutritious food
47542744 Prevent Diabetes Against Indicators Of Healthy Lifestyle

What’s Your Risk of Developing Diabetes?

Posted on March 16, 2020
Would you be surprised to learn that diabetes is extremely damaging to your feet? High blood sugar damages nerves and blood vessels, which makes the feet especially vulnerable to two things: numbness and slow healing. When your feet are numb, it’s much harder for you to detect a problem such as a cut or a…
Categories Diabetes Awareness, Diabetic Foot Care
Tagsdiabetic foot care, high blood pressure, numbness
35378761 Callus Or Plantar Wart Under Foot, Rear View

Viruses That Infect Your Feet

Posted on March 10, 2020
Coronavirus is in the news – a lot. You can’t turn on the radio or television for even a few minutes without hearing something about it. Viruses are constantly changing, a fact reinforced by the global spread of Covid-19, a novel strain of coronavirus. Viruses are responsible for many diseases, including the ones we often…
Categories Viruses
TagsFoot Viruses, HFM, HPV
22245507 M Diabetes Bunion Doctor Patient Feet

The Pros and Cons of Treating a Bunion

Posted on March 3, 2020
If you’ve got a bunion, chances are you’ve known it for a while. You’ve been watching it over time. Maybe it’s gotten worse, jutting out a little further from the base of your big toe. It didn’t hurt before, but now it’s starting to. You’ve had to make some changes, take something for the pain…
Categories Foot Conditions
Tagsbunion, bunion treatment, podiatrist
107509143 S Woman Runner Heel Pain

Common Running Injuries and How to Prevent Them

Posted on February 24, 2020
Seasoned runners, rejoice! One of the first competitions in Cuyahoga County – the Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day 5K – is less than two weeks away. If the prospect of getting outside and running gets you pumped, then this message from Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland is for you: there’s nothing worse than having your…
Categories Runner’s Injuries, Runners Tips
Tagsblack toenails, Plantar Fasciitis, shin splints, stress fractures, tendonitis
February Is American Heart Month. Template For Background, Banner, Card, Poster With Text Inscription. Vector Eps10 Illustration.

A Healthy Weight Promotes Heart and Foot Health

Posted on February 17, 2020
Look around you in the month of February – do you see red? If so, it may be because it’s National Heart Month! People wear red to encourage themselves and others to take good care of their hearts. Keeping your weight in a healthy range is one of the best ways to celebrate heart health….
Categories Healthy lifestyle
Tagsfoot health, heart health
Shutterstock M 1007637550 Pediatric Children Shoes Walking

Do’s and Don’ts of Children’s Foot Care

Posted on February 10, 2020
Many foot problems that develop later in life have actually been brewing for many years. So it pays to take care of one’s feet starting at a young age. Craig B. Frey, DPM and Megan L. Oltmann, DPM, the expert podiatrists at Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland, advise our patients to take good care…
Categories Child Foot Care
Tagsbaby foot care, child foot health
2589262 1920 Snow Snow Boot Male Man Female Women Feet Shoes Frostbite Cold Weather 1536x1152

Protect Your Feet from Frostbite

Posted on January 31, 2020
Frostbite can strike your ears, nose, fingers, and toes when you’re outside in the cold for a long time, or if your skin isn’t well protected against freezing temperatures. And while the winter of 2020 may not go down in history as the coldest ever in northeastern Ohio, temperatures are still hovering around the freezing…
Categories Frostbite
Tagsfrostbite, Winter Foot Care
8903748 Senior Man Massaging His Aching Feet With His Hands

How NOT to Treat Your Feet

Posted on January 29, 2020
January 25 was National Opposite Day, which got us to thinking: what would happen if we completely turned around the advice we give our patients? To be clear, Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland would never actually do that! But today in this blog, we’re going to play around with telling you the opposite of…
Categories Foot Care, Foot Conditions
Tagsfoot care, foot pain, podiatrist
89358841 S Dry Feet Scaly Woman File

6 Ways to Take Better Care of Your Feet

Posted on January 15, 2020
We podiatrists have a suggestion for you: consider the passing of another year as an opportunity to take better care of your feet! No surprise there, right? Dr. Craig B. Frey and Dr. Megan L. Oltmann are passionate about taking care of our patients’ feet. And, we want to give you the tools you need…
Categories Foot Care
Tagsdaily foot check, footcare tips
47076551 Hand Of The Man That Connects The Shoe Laces

Not All Athletic Shoes are Created Equal

Posted on January 8, 2020
Expert podiatrists Dr. Craig B. Frey and Dr. Megan L. Oltmann have some advice that we hope you’ll use especially if you’re starting a new exercise plan in the New Year: pay attention to the athletic shoes you’re wearing. It’s not enough to pick a pair that looks nice and hope that it gets you…
Categories Athletic Shoes
Tagsathlectic shoe, sneakers
107212945 Woman's Leg Hurts, Pain In The Heel, Massage Of Female Feet At Home

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Posted on December 30, 2019
Plantar fasciitis is the number one cause of heel pain among our patients here at Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, the long, flat ligament that stretches across the bottom of your foot, becomes inflamed. There are several ways you can irritate your plantar fascia: Wearing unsupportive shoes….
Categories Plantar Fasciitis
Tagsheel pain, Plantar Fasciitis
54524965 S Gout Toe Pain Big Man Pillow Foot

Questions and Answers about Gout

Posted on December 23, 2019
Sudden pain and swelling in your big toe may be a gout attack. Especially for our patients in Geauga, Cuyahoga, Summit, and Portage counties who may not know much about gout, expert podiatrists Dr. Megan L. Oltmann and Dr. Craig B. Frey want to walk you through some questions and answers about this condition that…
Categories Gout
Tagsgout attack, gout pain
12609946 Man Tends To His Aching Arch

Foot Care for Senior Citizens

Posted on December 17, 2019
It’s been said that “Age is an issue of mind over matter; if you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” Dr. Craig B. Frey and Dr. Megan L. Oltmann of Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland appreciate the humor in this popular quote. But we also like to point out to our senior patients that you…
Categories Foot Care, Senior Foot Care Tips
Tagsageing feet, senior foot care tips
6643030 S Pedicure Flower Nail Polish Feet

What if Kim Kardashian Really Does Have 6 Toes?

Posted on December 10, 2019
Social media was ablaze a few months ago with speculation about Kim Kardashian’s toes, and it’s happening again this month. Photos of the socialite and media personality, including close-ups of her sandaled feet, reveal the possibility of a sixth toe on each foot. Or do they? Well, unless Ms. Kardashian were to visit us here…
Categories polydactyly
Tagsinherited trait, polydactyly
9650036 S Sprained Ankle Male Ice Pack Foot Bruise

What to Do if You’ve Sprained Your Ankle

Posted on December 3, 2019
A twisted ankle is an incredibly common injury – and not just for athletes. According to one study, 23,000 people a day seek medical care for a sprained ankle. You can imagine how many more people get injured but don’t go to the emergency room or visit their doctor. What about those people who brave…
Categories Blog, sprained ankle
Tagsbone fracture, foot swelling, twisted ankle
32505827 Arthritis At Ankle Joint (gout , Rheumatoid Arthritis)

The Lisfranc Injury: It’s Complicated

Posted on November 26, 2019
Jacques Lisfranc de St. Martin was a well-known 18th-century surgeon. These days, at least among podiatry specialists like us at Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland, his name only comes up when we’re talking about a specific area of the midfoot: the Lisfranc joint complex. An injury to the foot in the Lisfranc complex is,…
Categories Blog, Diabetes Awareness
Tagsbone injury, Lisfranc Injury, sports injury
48070183 Healthy Food In Heart And Cholesterol Diet Concept On Vintage Boards

Strategies to Stick to a Healthy Diabetes Diet on Thanksgiving

Posted on November 21, 2019
November is Thanksgiving month, of course, and many of us look forward to time spent with our families, sharing a bountiful table. But it’s also American Diabetes Month, an opportunity for diabetics to recommit to keeping their disease under control. What a tough juxtaposition of November observances! The possibility of soaring blood sugar levels lurks…
Categories Blog, Diabetes Awareness
Tagsblood sugar, diabetes, foot care, foot exam
8108546 L Family Happy Smiling Children

Your Family Can Play an Important Role in Diabetes Management

Posted on November 12, 2019
Do you have to handle the stress of diabetes alone? Dr. Craig B. Frey and Dr. Megan L. Oltmann, the two expert foot doctors at Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland, hope that the answer is no. So who’s around to help you get through a life with diabetes? Well, certain members of your team…
Categories Blog, Diabetic Foot Care
Tagsdiabetes, foot care, foot exams
106546227 S Diabetes Glucometer Patient Doctor Sugar Level

Do You Need a Podiatrist if You’ve Got Diabetes?

Posted on November 6, 2019
We’re just going to jump in and answer this blog’s title question right away: YES! Anyone with diabetes should have their feet checked at least once a year by a qualified foot specialist. And once-yearly checkups are not always enough. That’s because diabetics are prone to two types of problems that podiatrists are uniquely qualified…
Categories Blog, Diabetes Awareness, Podiatrist
TagsDiabetic Feet Care, fungal infections, loss of feeling, wound care
48644927 Close Up Of Person's Hand Applying Cream On Feet

No Need to Fear These Scary-Sounding Foot Problems

Posted on October 31, 2019
What’s scarier than a black spider dropping out of nowhere into your lap? What’s more frightening than the hero of the movie you’re watching stepping into an obvious trap that he just doesn’t see? Well, many people are likely to scream in those scenarios. They’re not half as scary, however, as that feeling you get…
Categories Blog, Common Foot Conditions
Tagsfoot disease, foot issues, foot pain
Doctor Examines A Sore Toe Infected With Fungal Infection, Close Up, Onychomycosis, Medical

Healing from Turf Toe Can Take Time

Posted on October 24, 2019
Key player Davante Adams of the Green Bay Packers has a toe problem. It’s hard to tell from reading articles in the press how long he’s going to be sidelined. But from what we know about turf toe here at Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland, it could be quite a long time before the…
Categories Blog, Common Foot Conditions
Tagstoe problems, toe surgery, turf toe
47923217 Man's Hand Being Massaged A Foot

October 20 is World Osteoporosis Day

Posted on October 18, 2019
Podiatrists Megan L. Oltmann, DPM and Craig B. Frey, DPM want to call attention to a bone disease that affects 1 in 4 women and 1 in 8 men. Osteoporosis means “porous bone.” People with this disease have weak bones that are easily broken. It’s often called the “silent disease,” because it can be difficult…
Categories Blog, Osteoporosis
Tagsfoot fracture, healthy diet, osteoporosis
14805063 Injured Ankle With Bandage On A White Background

Some Ankle Sprains are Worse than Others

Posted on October 8, 2019
Raise your hand if you’ve ever sprained your ankle. How about knowing someone else who’s sprained theirs? We perceive lots of hands in the air. That’s because every single day in the United States, thousands of people will experience an ankle sprain. It’s no wonder: the ankle is a complex joint made up of bones…
Categories Ankle Pain, Ankle sprain, chronic instability, Physical Therapy
Tagsankle injury, ankle sprain
47971637 S Nurse Doctor Patient Hospital Injury Foot Man Woman Bandage Wound Hurt Hopital Office Ulcer

Need Foot or Ankle Surgery? Choose a Well-Qualified Surgeon

Posted on October 3, 2019
Sometimes, you can’t avoid foot or ankle surgery. It may be your only option to piece together broken bones. Surgery can finally eliminate the pain of bunions, hammertoes, or arthritis that you’ve been living with for months or even years. Residents of northern Ohio – Cuyahoga, Summit, Portage, and Geauga Counties – can turn with…
Categories Blog, Foot Surgery
Tagsankle pain, Diabetic Feet Care, foot pain, foot surgery, fractured ankle
Female With An Electronic Cigarette

Vaping Sets Up Teenagers for Serious Illnesses

Posted on September 25, 2019
The effect of vaping on teenagers’ lungs is in the news. And the news is pretty shocking. Colorado, Utah, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Oregon are just some of the states that have reported teens hospitalized with serious respiratory illnesses. At least four other states have reported vaping-related deaths. Lung disease that threatens a young person’s life…
Categories Blog, Healthy lifestyle
Tagse-cigs, smoking, vaping
71919070 S Senior Stairs Man Carpet Step

8 Ways for Seniors to Create a Safer Living Space

Posted on September 17, 2019
Every 11 seconds in the United States, a senior citizen is treated in the hospital after experiencing a fall. Many of these falls result in a traumatic injury, such as a broken hip or brain damage. They can trigger a downward spiral into poor health. They can rob older adults of their independence. What’s a…
Categories Blog, Diabetes Awareness, foot safety
Tagsaging feet, foot awareness, keeping balance, senior foot care
33033803 A Man Has Soreness In His Arch.

Plantar Fasciitis Can Be a Big Deal

Posted on September 9, 2019
Here’s what Dallas football player Amari Cooper had to say about his pre-season troubles with heel pain: “Yeah, so, plantar fasciitis, you just got to do a lot of stretching, a lot of treatment, but it’s not a big deal.” Not so fast, cowboy. Plantar fasciitis can be a big deal. Let’s take a closer…
Categories Blog, Foot Pain, Podiatrist
Tagsfoot care, foot pain, heel pain
13367392 Studio Shot Of A Young Woman Massaging Her Right Foot

Back to School: Time to Take Care of Yourself

Posted on September 3, 2019
“Moooooooom!” “Daaaaaaaad!” These are common refrains all year round – even more frequent when the kids are home for the summer. But once school’s back in session, hopefully, you’ve got more time in the day that you can call your own. Use that time to take care of you. And don’t forget to include good…
Categories Blog, Foot Pain
Tagsdry feet, foot care, fractures, stress fractures
99780730 Orthopedic Insoles And Little Boy Legs On White Background

Questions & Answers about Orthotics

Posted on August 27, 2019
Podiatrists Craig B. Frey, DPM and Megan L. Oltmann, DPM of Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland rely on orthotics to help treat many problems of the feet and ankles. Here are some common questions and answers about these valuable podiatric aids. Q: What exactly is an orthotic? A: Orthotics are shoe inserts that adjust…
Categories Blog, Foot Care, orthotics
Tagsankle pain, arch support, foot pain, orthotics
Relaxing Barefoot

Psoriasis and Other Skin Problems of the Feet

Posted on August 21, 2019
August is Psoriasis Awareness Month. Psoriasis is an immune disorder characterized by itchy, raised, red patches found anywhere on the skin. A flare-up of psoriasis on your feet is likely to show up on the soles, but can also affect the tops, including your toes. The skin on your feet may swell, redden, thicken, crack,…
Categories Blog, Foot Pain
Tagscalluses, corns, fungal infections, skin issues
465366 L Feet Bottom Of Feet Toes777

Memorize These 3 Facts about Back-to-School Foot Care

Posted on August 12, 2019
If we were to remove our Doctor of Podiatric Medicine coats and exchange them for schoolteacher hats, we’d be tempted to create a lesson plan to teach kids about back-to-school foot care. It might look something like this: Foot Care Lesson Plan Date: various first days of school in Cuyahoga, Summit, Portage, and Geauga Counties,…
Categories Blog, foot doctor, Podiatrist
Tagsfoot care, foot tips, proper footwear
45734629 S Swollen Feet

Oh, Your Swollen Feet!

Posted on August 5, 2019
The Washington Post recently featured a series of articles revealing this interesting fact: not everybody loves summer. Apparently, some people dislike longer days. They find that the neighborhood won’t quiet down in time to get the kids to sleep. Or, sunlight blazes into their bedroom and wakes them up with the birds. Furthermore, anxiety and…
Categories Blog, foot doctor, Podiatrist
Tagsankle sprain, foot sprain, fractured bone, swollen feet
29470486 Female Leg

8 Ways a Podiatrist Can Send Your Foot Pain Packing

Posted on July 29, 2019
Of all the parts of the human body, we tend to ignore our feet the most. That is until something happens to make them hurt. But it’s really hard to ignore a heel that screams out in pain when you walk. And just what are you supposed to do with a big toe that suddenly…
Categories Blog, Foot Pain
Tagsfoot pain, orthotics, sprained ankle, wound care
52400058 Elderly Woman Driving

Travel Tips for People with Diabetes

Posted on July 23, 2019
If you’ve got diabetes, you do your best every day to monitor what you eat and drink. You know when it’s time to pull out the test strips and check your blood sugar levels. Managing diabetes takes time, effort, and organization – all of which can get very tricky when you go on vacation. But…
Categories Blog, Diabetes Awareness, Diabetic Foot Care
Tagsblood sugar, diabetic foot care, senior foot care, travel tips
14238529 Man Mowing The Lawn In The Yard Of A Country House

Lawn Mowing Tips to Keep Your Family Safe from Injury

Posted on July 17, 2019
Before you fire up the lawnmower and get cutting, consider this: every year, thousands of people go to the emergency room with grave injuries from lawnmowers. Many of the injured are children who were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Toe, foot, or entire lower leg amputations are not uncommon. Expert podiatrists Megan…
Categories Blog, foot safety
Tagsfoot care, lawn mower safety, limb safety
60531471 Closeup Of Woman's Foot With Adhesive Plaster, Women's Problems

The Athlete’s Guide to Preventing Blisters

Posted on July 8, 2019
Blisters are the skin’s response to irritation. When something repeatedly rubs against your foot, the skin will first get hot and red. Then, in an attempt to protect itself from further assault, it forms a bubble. This isn’t an injury that happens slowly over time. Irritated or burned skin puts up a fight in a…
Categories blisters, Blog
Tagsathletic shoes, blisters, heel bumps
32055108 S Achilles Pain Man Fit Runner Sneakers Grass Heel

What’s Causing Your Ankle Pain?

Posted on July 2, 2019
Patients from all over Cuyahoga, Geauga, Summit and Portage Counties regularly limp into Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland with ankle pain of some sort. It’s no surprise to our podiatrists Dr. Megan L. Oltmann and Dr. Craig B. Frey that ankles are injured so much. There’s a lot going on in your ankle, structurally…
Categories Ankle Pain, Blog, Foot Care
Tagsankle pain, foot fracture, foot pain
67060020 Ankle Pain In Men. Pain Concept

Injuries of the Achilles Tendon

Posted on June 25, 2019
We’re not sure this headline could be any more brutally honest: “Say Goodbye to Kevin Durant as you Knew Him” proclaims bleacherreport.com, a website that serves the sports world and its fans. Kevin Durant is a forward for the Golden State Warriors basketball team. The multiple MVP is highly regarded as one of basketball’s greatest…
Categories Ankle Pain, Blog, Foot Care
Tagsachillies tendinitis, ankle injury, ankle pain, ankle rupture
95082683 Elderly Woman Bare Swollen Feet On Grass With Walker

4 Fundamental Things to Know About Diabetes

Posted on June 19, 2019
Dr. Megan L. Oltmann and Dr. Craig B. Frey of Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland are very dedicated to caring for our diabetic patients. We also hope to minimize the number of patients who develop diabetes in the future. Diabetes – a disease characterized by uncontrolled blood sugar – is on the rise. It…
Categories Blog, Diabetic Foot Care
Tagsdiabetes, foot care, foot infections, ulcers
22247478 Female Nurse Holding Her Nose From The Smell Of Male Feet.

4 Strategies to Conquer Smelly Feet

Posted on June 11, 2019
Smelly feet can be normal, or they can signal an underlying medical problem. Most people will find relief from embarrassing foot odor by using some or all of these 4 strategies: Make some changes First, change your socks every day – more than once a day if you’ve been exercising. Re-wearing your socks means you’re…
Categories Blog, Foot Care, foot doctor
Tagsfoot fungus, foot odor, Proper foot care, smelly feet
43889818 S Dancers Ballet Toe Shoes Feet

Dancers Need a Foot Doctor They Can Trust

Posted on June 4, 2019
Dancers have some of the most overworked lower limbs you can find. Foot and ankle problems like tendinitis, stress fractures, and sesamoiditis just come with the territory. Dancers regularly twist tendons and stretch ligaments beyond their normal reach. Their feet are often in pain. They need to know that when foot problems keep them from…
Categories Blog, Foot Care, Foot Injuries
Tagsankle injuries, dancers feet, foot injury, stress fractures
30980543 Child Rubbed Leg After Wearing Unsuitable Shoes.

Keep an Eye Out for These 3 Kinds of Pediatric Foot Problems

Posted on May 28, 2019
If your child had foot pain, would they tell you about it? In our experience as podiatrists here at Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland, the answer to that question is an emphatic “maybe.” A child may be too young to express what’s wrong. She may notice something’s not quite right but keep forgetting to…
Categories Blog, Child Foot Care, Podiatrist
Tagsbone fractures, flat feet, Pediatric Foot care, Pediatric Foot Problems
34515493 Man With Painful And Swollen Right Foot Due To Gout Inflammation

Is There a Difference Between Arthritis and Gout?

Posted on May 21, 2019
May is Arthritis Awareness Month. Dr. Craig B. Frey and Dr. Megan L. Oltmann want to focus on how we can help our Cuyahoga, Portage, Geauga, and Summit county patients ease the pain of a unique form of arthritis called gout. What makes gout unusual is how it differs from other forms of arthritis. Arthritis…
Categories Blog, Foot Conditions, foot doctor
Tagsarthritis, gout, joint inflammation, toe joint
52008741 S Sneaker Running Walking Jogging Exercise

14 Ways to Walk More

Posted on May 14, 2019
If you’re interested in staying fit and even losing a few pounds, podiatrists Craig B. Frey, DPM and Megan L. Oltmann, DPM give you a round of applause. Here’s one suggestion for an easy way to stay fit: get walking. There are countless ways to fit more steps into your day. Here are some ideas:…
Categories Blog, Foot Conditions
Tagsathletic shoes, corns and calluses, foot health, toe deformities, walking
69011226 S Callus Foot Sketch

How to Treat Corns and Calluses

Posted on May 6, 2019
Have you ever stopped to think about why your feet develop corns and calluses? Both corns and calluses are areas of thickened skin. They form when something repeatedly irritates one area of your foot. Calluses are flat and may cover a large area. We commonly see them on heels and the balls of the feet….
Categories Blog, Foot Conditions, Foot Pain
Tagscallus, corns, foot conditions treatment, foot fungus, foot pain
55114416 Hallux Valgus, Bunion In Foot, Pain In Legs, On A Wooden Background

Questions and Answers about Bunions

Posted on April 30, 2019
A bunion is just one of many toe deformities that we treat here at Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland. Here are some of the most common questions our patients have and some helpful answers from our expert podiatrists Dr. Craig B. Frey and Dr. Megan L. Oltmann. Q: What causes bunions? A: Many people…
Categories Blog, Foot Conditions
Tagsbunions, foot conditions, foot deformities
43763052 Doctor Holding An Old Woman's Hand

The Risk of Limb Loss is Real for Diabetics

Posted on April 23, 2019
The state of Ohio has officially declared April to be Limb Loss Awareness Month. This is important to us at Foot and Ankle Associates of Cleveland. We want to help our patients learn about the risks of losing a toe or a foot. Who’s most at risk for limb loss? Our patients who are most…
Categories Blog, Foot Surgery
Tagscalluses, corns, diabetics, limb loss, surgery, ulcer
47923217 Man's Hand Being Massaged A Foot

8 Ways to Treat Your Feet

Posted on April 15, 2019
April is Foot Health Awareness Month! So it’s a great time to “step” back and think about all the ways you can be nice to your feet. Here are 8 suggestions from all of us at Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland. Get a pedicure. If you’ve never had one, we encourage both men and…
Categories Common Foot Conditions, foot doctor
Tagsfoot, heel pain, Proper foot care, proper footwear
26421119 L High Heel Ankle Pain Black Shoes Feet

Pregnancy, Foot Health, and High Heels

Posted on April 9, 2019
You may have heard that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, better known as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, are expecting their first baby sometime in the next few weeks. Meghan has largely stepped down from her public duties, but when she does make an appearance, she’s still wearing the shoes she prefers: super high…
Categories Foot Care, Foot Conditions, foot doctor
Tagsfoot pain, hormones, neuromas, posture, pregnancy changes, toe deformities
33033803 A Man Has Soreness In His Arch.

World Health Day 2019: Health Care for All

Posted on April 3, 2019
The World Health Organization has designated World Health Day 2019 (April 7) as a time to advocate for equal access to health care. Here in the United States, the debate over universal health care is fraught with strong opinions. Depending on which side of the political aisle you’re standing, a single-payer health plan might cost…
Categories Ankle Pain, Common Foot Conditions, foot doctor
Tagsankle pain, diabetes, foot wounds, Proper foot care, sprained ankle
32745571 S Heel Pain Feet Hand

Many Ways to Treat Heel Pain

Posted on March 26, 2019
Patients walk into Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland (it’s true, sometimes they’re hobbling) with all sorts of foot problems. However, one of their most common complaints is heel pain. It can seem to come on suddenly and fiercely or it can feel like a dull ache that just won’t go away. By the time…
Categories foot doctor, Foot Pain
Tagsfoot inflammation, heel pain, heel spurs, plantar fascia
41263246 S Woman Feet High Arches

Strengthen Your Bones with These 2 Nutrients

Posted on March 20, 2019
We all make choices about what to eat every day. Some days we make better choices than others! These days, we’re approaching the end of March – National Nutrition Month. Therefore, it’s a great time to focus on choosing foods that nourish our feet and ankles. Dr. Megan L. Oltmann and Dr. Craig B. Frey…
Categories Foot Care, Podiatrist
Tagsbone health, foot fractures, fractures, healthy diet
26018320 S Heel Pain Feet Hands Leg

Pain in Your Feet and Legs Could be Serious

Posted on March 12, 2019
Do you have pain or cramping in your lower limbs when you walk? Does the pain diminish as soon as you stop walking and rest for a bit? What about cold feet: is one foot always colder than the other? These are some of the symptoms of a condition podiatrists, Craig B. Frey, DPM, and…
Categories Foot Pain, Podiatrist
Tagsdiabetics, foot pain, high blood pressure
13973734 A Man Tends To His Sore Ankle

How to Deal With Achilles Tendon Pain

Posted on March 4, 2019
The Achilles tendon is the thickest, strongest tendon in the entire human body. This large band of tissue, which connects your heel bone to your calf, makes it possible for you to walk, run, and jump.  Such a responsibility comes with a price, though. Because we place such high demands on our Achilles tendon every…
Categories Ankle Pain, Foot Conditions, foot doctor
TagsAchilles Tendon Pain, foot pain, heel pain, Inflammation feet, swollen feet, tendinitis
14805063 Injured Ankle With Bandage On A White Background

Treat a Sprained Ankle Correctly the First Time

Posted on February 25, 2019
One minute all is going well and the next you’ve gone and twisted your ankle. It’s as quick as one false step off a curb, one crash landing on the football field, or one off-kilter bounce off a trampoline. Ankle injuries happen to the best of us. In fact, a sprained ankle sends almost 30,000…
Categories Ankle Pain, Foot Care, foot doctor
Tagsankle sprain, arthritis, athlete’s foot, blisters, heel pain
32505827 Arthritis At Ankle Joint (gout , Rheumatoid Arthritis)

See a Podiatrist for Stress Fractures of the Feet

Posted on February 18, 2019
You notice some soreness in your foot. It’s minor-league annoying. But it doesn’t go away. It begins to interfere with your workouts and daily activities. The pain gets worse, more persistent. The foot becomes bruised, swollen, and painful to walk on. When a patient comes to us with these symptoms here at Foot & Ankle…
Categories foot doctor, Foot Pain
Tagsfracture injury, stress fracture, ultra sound imaging
Feet Wearing White Socks With Red Heart Shape

Use “Life’s Simple 7” To Improve Your Health

Posted on February 11, 2019
“It’s the little things.” You’ve heard that phrase tossed around. We’re told to appreciate the little things that come our way: an unexpected compliment; someone holding the door open for you; the way a loving child might reach up and stroke your hair. When it comes to your health, it turns out that the little…
Categories Foot Care, Foot Facts
Tagshealth foot, health tips, healthy diet
86163282 Foot Injury First Aid, The Woman Checks The Baby's Foot

Foot Problems in Babies and Toddlers

Posted on February 5, 2019
Most babies are born without any foot problems whatsoever. They learn to walk in their own time somewhere around their first birthday. There are, however, a few feet issues parents might want to be aware of as their children are born and advance through their first few years of life. Clubfoot means that a newborn’s…
Categories Common Foot Conditions, toddler care
Tagsbaby foot care, problems baby feet, toddlers feet
38906006 L Shoes Lace Color Shoes Hand Pick A Shoe

Dos and Don’ts of Buying Shoes

Posted on January 31, 2019
You weren’t born yesterday. You know how to buy shoes. Or do you? Podiatrists Megan L. Oltmann, DPM and Craig B. Frey, DPM submit that most people could improve their foot health if they simply wore the right shoes. Many people wear shoes that don’t fit well, which can lead to bunions, hammertoes, tendinitis, and…
Categories foot doctor, Podiatrist
Tagsbunions, comfort shoes, foot care, hammertoes, proper shoes, shoes
94968129 Business Woman Hurt Ankle Inflammation.

Avoiding Foot Injuries at Work

Posted on January 22, 2019
Feet and ankles are susceptible to injury all the time. No matter where you are, an accident can happen that causes an acute injury – a sudden, one-time occurrence such as a fall that snaps a bone in your foot. Or, your repetitive activity leads to a chronic, overuse injury such as tendinitis or stress…
Categories foot doctor, Podiatrist
Tagsfeet pain, heel pain, work foot injury, work injury
44487387 S Boots Snow Woman Supportive Warm

3 Ways the Cold Can Affect Your Toes

Posted on January 14, 2019
Wintertime in Cuyahoga County can gift us with some truly beautiful scenes. The snow drifts down, kids rejoice in snow days off from school, and if we’re lucky, hot beverages in warm homes keep us safe and snug. But when you have to venture outside into the freezing temps, our advice from Foot & Ankle…
Categories foot doctor, Podiatrist
TagsChilblains, foot fungus, Winter Foot Care
45243124 Boy Sitting On Stairs Tying Shoelaces

What are Bone Spurs?

Posted on January 7, 2019
Spurs are small bits of bone that grow abnormally out of regular bone. They can form when surrounding soft tissues (like ligaments and tendons) and the places where they meet (in your joints) become inflamed. To illustrate what that means, here are two scenarios in which bone spurs can form in your feet: Let’s say…
Categories foot doctor, Podiatrist, Proper Footwear
Tagsarthritis, bone spurs, foot pain, sport injury
55645917 S Hiker Socks Changing Sneaker Runner Mountain Outside Jogger

Celebrate Your Health with This One-of-a-Kind Holiday

Posted on January 2, 2019
Here’s a unique holiday that probably hasn’t made it into your calendar: January 2 is National Personal Trainer Awareness Day. What is it? Personal Trainer Awareness Day is an attempt to publicize the many ways that personal trainers can help you reach your fitness goals. Why January 2? This is the time of year when…
Categories Foot Care, foot doctor
Tagsathlectic shoe, diabetes, heel pain, stress fractures
76173471 Woman Bandaging Her Injured Leg On Sofa At Home.

Dos and Dont’s of a Broken Toe

Posted on December 26, 2018
How do you know if you’ve broken your toe? Well, for starters, if you’ve dropped something heavy on it, be suspicious. If you trip and fall while bending your toe at an awkward angle, be on your guard. You’ve probably broken it if such an event is followed by: sensitivity to touch bruising swelling redness…
Categories foot doctor
Tagsbroken toe, sport injury
44487387 S Boots Snow Woman Supportive Warm

5 Cold-Weather Truths for Diabetic Feet

Posted on December 17, 2018
Baby, it’s cold outside! Cold temps can pose a challenge to anyone’s feet. But the cold, hard truth is that diabetics must pay special attention. At Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland, we’d like to remind our diabetic patients that protecting your feet is more urgent than it is for most people. And that includes…
Categories Diabetic Foot Care, Podiatrist
Tagsdiabetic foot care, foot care, Winter Foot Care
2557515 1920 Cold Workout Stretching Feet Weather Excerising Jacket

Holiday Gifts that Promote Great Foot Health

Posted on December 12, 2018
‘Tis the season for giving! At Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland, we think some of the best gifts are the ones that help keep our patients’ feet healthy. Life is just better when you’re not dealing with aching feet. So improve a loved one’s life by gifting them with products that’ll keep the bounce…
Categories Foot Care, Proper Footwear
TagsHoliday Gifts, Winter Foot Care
89289736 S Foot Arch Person Orthotic Doctor Custom

Fast Facts about Flat Feet

Posted on December 4, 2018
What does it mean to have flat feet? It’s all about the arch. First, you have to understand that feet normally have an arch. That’s the inside of the middle of your foot (the left side of your right foot; the right side of your left foot). Generally, that part of your foot curves upward,…
Categories Foot Care, Foot Facts
TagsFacts flat feet, flat feet, foot arches
33084893 Diabetic Foot Skining Neuropathy

The Devastating Foot Complication Diabetics Often Miss

Posted on November 28, 2018
If you’ve never heard of Charcot foot, you’re not alone. It’s a complication of the diabetic foot that’s becoming more prevalent as diabetes itself spreads throughout the world population. What’s Charcot foot? The first thing podiatrists Craig B. Frey, DPM and Megan L. Oltmann, DPM want you to know is that the name “Charcot foot”…
Categories Diabetic Foot Care
14210190 Mature Woman Practicing Yoga

Learn to Recognize the Warning Signs of Diabetes

Posted on November 21, 2018
Would it surprise you to know that some people walk around with symptom of diabetes for several years before they even realize something’s happening to them? It can happen. The warning signs can be subtle. They may not bring diabetes to mind as a possible cause. Dr. Craig B. Frey and Dr. Megan L. Oltmann…
Categories Diabetic Foot Care
33084893 Diabetic Foot Skining Neuropathy

Lifestyle Changes Can Prevent Diabetes

Posted on November 14, 2018
It’s National Diabetes Awareness Month, and all of us at Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland think it’s a good time to talk about diabetes prevention. Expert podiatrists Dr. Megan L. Oltmann and Dr. Craig B. Frey spend a lot of time treating feet with diabetes-related conditions like poor circulation (PAD) and nerve damage. These…