Warts that develop on the bottom of the foot are called plantar warts. They are caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, which infects the top layer of the skin and causes it to thicken. Plantar warts usually appear on weight-bearing areas, like the heel or the ball of the foot. They often look like rough, callus-like patches of skin and may contain small black dots, which are tiny blood vessels within the wart. Some plantar warts cause little discomfort, while others can become painful when pressure is placed on them when walking or standing. The virus can enter the skin through small cuts or breaks in the skin and are contagious. A podiatrist can examine the growth, confirm the diagnosis, and provide medical treatment to remove the wart safely and reduce discomfort. If you notice a growth on the bottom of the foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from North Eastern Ohio Podiatry Group LLC. our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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.

Toenail fungus often begins with small changes that are easy to miss. A common early sign includes a white, yellow, or brown spot near the tip of the toenail. The nail may also look dull, become thicker, or start to feel brittle and weak. As the infection spreads, the nail can separate from the skin underneath, which may cause discomfort when walking or wearing shoes. In some cases, debris can build up under the nail, and the nail may develop an unpleasant odor. Toenail fungus is more likely to develop in warm, moist places and can happen after nail injuries or from wearing tight shoes . A podiatrist can examine the nail, confirm if fungus is present, and provide treatment that includes trimming damaged nail tissue and prescribing antifungal medicine to stop the infection from spreading. If you have symptoms of toenail fungus, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of North Eastern Ohio Podiatry Group LLC. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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.

Foot wounds can heal well with the right care and attention. Healing happens in stages. First is inflammation, when the body works to stop bleeding and prevent infection. Next is the rebuilding phase, where new tissue and blood vessels form. The final stage is remodeling, when the skin strengthens and returns closer to normal. Several factors can slow healing. Poor circulation, diabetes, infection, and pressure on the wound can all interfere. Smoking and poor nutrition may also delay progress. Keeping the wound clean, protected, and offloaded is important for recovery. Early care and checkups can help prevent complications and support healing. Watch for signs like increased redness, swelling, drainage, or pain. If healing seems slow or symptoms worsen, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, 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.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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.

Haglund’s deformity is a bony bump that forms on the back of the heel near where the Achilles tendon attaches. This prominence can rub against shoes, especially those with stiff backs, causing irritation, redness, and pain. Over time, it may also lead to inflammation in nearby tissues, making walking uncomfortable. Other conditions can feel very similar and are sometimes confused with this issue. These include irritation of the Achilles tendon, inflammation of the fluid-filled sac near the heel, or general overuse injuries. Because symptoms overlap, proper evaluation is important to confirm the cause of pain. Treatment often begins with simple changes like wearing softer shoes, using padding, adding heel lifts, and doing stretching exercises. If discomfort continues despite these efforts, a minor surgical procedure to remove the extra bone may be considered. If heel pain is limiting your daily activities, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of North Eastern Ohio Podiatry Group LLC. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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.