As pickleball becomes more popular, foot and ankle injuries are becoming more common. The sport’s quick movements, sudden stops, and fast pivots place added pressure on tendons, ligaments, and bones. One serious concern is injury to the Achilles tendon, which can occur without warning and is especially common among men. Other frequent problems include ankle sprains, heel pain, and overuse injuries like stress fractures. Playing on hard courts, skipping warm-ups, or wearing the wrong shoes can increase the risk of harm. Continuing to play through discomfort may worsen the injury and slow recovery. Whether you play pickleball for fitness or fun, it is important to protect your feet and ankles to avoid long-term problems. If you notice swelling, pain, or stiffness after playing, it is suggested you schedule a visit with a podiatrist for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment plan.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from North Eastern Ohio Podiatry Group LLC. our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Willoughby Hills, Euclid, and Beachwood, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Midfoot arthritis occurs when the joints in the middle of the foot become inflamed, leading to pain and stiffness. It often feels like a deep ache or sharp discomfort during walking or standing, especially after periods of rest. Causes include aging, previous injuries, or conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Symptoms can involve swelling, limited motion, and tenderness in the arch. Risk factors include repetitive stress, high-impact activities, and joint instability. A podiatrist can diagnose midfoot arthritis through physical exams and imaging. Treatment options include custom orthotics, supportive footwear, and pain management strategies. If midfoot pain is affecting your mobility, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for expert care and long-term relief.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from North Eastern Ohio Podiatry Group LLC. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Willoughby Hills, Euclid, and Beachwood, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Foot pain can be more than just a local issue. It may be the first signal of an underlying health condition. Stiffness in the feet can indicate systemic inflammation, such as arthritis, while toe pain may result from gout or bunions. Tingling or numbness in the feet may point to peripheral neuropathy, which is often linked to diabetes or nerve damage. Heel pain is commonly associated with plantar fasciitis, a condition triggered by strained fascia along the bottom of the foot. Swelling in the feet and ankles can reflect fluid retention or poor circulation, and may be associated with heart, liver, or kidney concerns. Persistent skin issues like warts or fungal infections may signal immune dysfunction, or, in some cases, thyroid problems. A podiatrist can evaluate symptoms, identify the root cause of your foot pain. If you have foot pain that persists or worsens, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact one of our podiatrists from North Eastern Ohio Podiatry Group LLC. our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Willoughby Hills, Euclid, and Beachwood, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Peripheral neuropathy can significantly impact the health of the feet, making them vulnerable to serious complications. When sensory nerves in the lower extremities are damaged, it can result in the loss of the ability to feel pain, temperature, or pressure, especially in the toes and soles. This loss of sensation in the feet, termed peripheral neuropathy, can lead to unnoticed injuries, such as cuts, blisters, or pressure points from shoes, which may worsen over time. Motor nerve damage can cause muscle weakness or foot drop, which affects walking and balance, increasing the risk of falls or sprains. In more severe cases, muscle wasting in the feet may lead to deformities. A podiatrist can evaluate nerve function, identify pressure areas, and recommend proper footwear or orthotic support to prevent further injury. In advanced cases, a podiatrist may suggest surgery to relieve nerve compression or correct deformities caused by neuropathy. If you have any of these symptoms, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for guidance in managing this condition.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from North Eastern Ohio Podiatry Group LLC. our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Willoughby Hills, Euclid, and Beachwood, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.