CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS

 

If You Are Experiencing:

Ankle Injuries

Bunions

Diabetic Foot Aliments

Digital/Toe Fractures

Heel Pain

Ingrown Toenails

Numbness and/or Tingling

Sports Injuries

Sprains/Strains

Toenail Fungus

Warts

 

Our physicians are committed to helping you solve your issue and making your feet feel better. "When your feet hurt, you hurt all over."
(440) 946-5858



Understanding Diabetes and Footcare Book



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"Heel Pain...A Guide to
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SELF-ASSESSMENT QUIZ

Plantar fasciitis is the term commonly used to refer to heel and arch pain traced to an inflammation on the bottom of the foot. More specifically, plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the connective tissue, called plantar fascia, that stretches from the base of the toes, across the arch of the foot, to the point at which it inserts into the heel bone. Overpronation is the most common cause of plantar fasciitis. As the foot rolls inward excessively when walking, it flattens the foot, lengthens the arch, and puts added tension on the plantar fascia. Over time, this causes inflammation.

 

Also known as heel spur syndrome, the condition is often successfully treated with conservative measures, such as the use of anti-inflammatory medications, ice packs, stretching exercises, orthotic devices, and physical therapy. Note: Please consult your physician before taking any medications. In persistent cases, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment (ESWT) may be used to treat the heel pain.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is used to treat chronic heel pain (plantar fasciitis). "Extracorporeal" means "outside of the body." During this noninvasive procedure, sonic waves are directed at the area of pain using a device similar to that currently used in nonsurgical treatment of kidney stones.

 

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy is prescribed for patients who have experienced plantar fasciitis for an extended period of time -- six months or more -- and have not benefited from other conservative treatments. The brief procedure lasts about 30 minutes and is performed under local anesthesia and/or "twilight" anesthesia. Strong sound waves are directed at and penetrate the heel area to stimulate a healing response by the body. ESWT is performed on an outpatient basis. Although there are no bandages, someone will need to drive the patient home.

 

People who are not candidates for ESWT include pregnant women and individuals with neurological foot disease, vascular foot disease, pacemakers, or people taking medications that interfere with blood clotting (such as Coumadin).

 

This therapy is a safe and effective alternative treatment for heel pain and only requires a short recovery time. Clinical studies show a 70 percent success rate for treatment of plantar fasciitis using Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy.

 



The Foot Health Foundation of America offers this simple quiz to pinpoint any warning signs of foot and ankle problems: (See bottom for scoring.)

1.
 
How much time do you spend on your feet each day?
 
  a. less than 2 hours 0
  b. 2 - 4 hours 1
  c. 5 - 7 hours 2
  d. 8 hours or more 3
 
 
2.
 
How old are you?
 
  a. under 40 0
  b. between 40 and 59 1
  c. 60 and over 2
 
 
3. How would you describe your weight?  
  a. less than 20 pounds overweight or at ideal weight 0
  b. 20 - 39 pounds overweight 2
  c. 40 or more pounds overweights 3
 
 
4. Have problems with your feet or ankles ever prevented you from participating in:  
  - leisure/sports activities  
  a. yes 2
  b. no 0
  - work activities?  
  a. yes 3
  b. no 0
 
 
5. Have you ever received medical treatment for problems with your feet and/or ankles?  
  a. yes 3
  b. no 0
 
 
6. Do you regularly wear heels two inches or higher?  
  a. yes 2
  b. no 0
 
 
7. What types of exercise do you engage in or plan to engage in? (check all that apply)  
  a. walking 1
  b. field sports (e.g., softball, golf) 2
  c. winter sports (e.g., skiing, ice skating) 2
  d. court sports (e.g., tennis, basketball) 3
  e. aerobics 3
  f. running 3
  g. none (if you shose answer g, skip to question 11) 0
 
 
8. Do you have the appropriate shoes for your sport or sports?  
  a. yes 0
  b. no 3
 
 
9. Do you experience foot or ankle pain when walking or exercising?  
  a. rarely 1
  b. sometimes 2
  c. often 3
  d. never 0
 
 
10. Do you:  
  - exercise in footwear that is more than one year old or in hand-me-down footwear?  
  a. yes 3
  - stretch properly before and after exercising?  
  a. yes 0
  b. no 3
 
 
11. Do you:  
  - have diabetes?  
  a. yes 3
  b. no 0
  - experience numbness and/or burning in your feet?  
  a. yes 3
  b. no 0
  - have a family history of diabetes?  
  a. yes 2
  b. no 0
 
 
12. Do You: (Mark all that apply)  
  - sprain your ankles frequently (once a year or more) or are your ankles weak?  
  a. yes 2
  b. no 0
  - have flat feet or excessively high arches?  
  a. yes 2
  b. no 0
  - experience pain in the achilles tendon or heel or have shin splints
(pain in the front lower leg)?		  
  a. yes 2
  b. no 0
  - have corns, calluses, bunions or hammertoes?  
  a. yes 3
  b. no 0
  - have arthritis or joint pain in your feet?  
  a. yes 3
  b. no 0
  - have poor circulation or cramping in your legs?  
  a. yes 3
  b. no 0

 

Scoring

0-20 Points: Congratulations! Your feet and ankles are very healthy and you can maintain your active lifestyle and/or exercise regimen. With proper attention and care your feet and ankles should remain healthy; however, you may want to schedule an annual exam with a podiatric physician to ensure their long-term health. Furthermore, if you scored points for questions 4, 5, 9, 11 or 12 you should consider visiting a podiatric physician in the near future for a check-up.

21 - 40 Points: Pay Attention. Your feet and ankles are showing signs of wear, placing you in the moderate risk category. Although you can continue your normal activities, you should strongly consider visiting a podiatric physician for a check-up. If you participate in a rigorous exercise regimen on a regular basis or plan to - or if you scored points for questions 4, 5, 9, 11 or 12 - you should visit a podiatric physician soon to safeguard your foot and ankle health.

41 Points or Higher: Caution. Your feet and ankles are at high risk for long-term medical problems and you should contact our office as soon as possible. If you exercise, you should pay particular attention to your feet and ankles until you are seen by our practice. If you have not begun exercising, it is advisable to contact our office before undertaking any type of exercise.

Now that you've assessed the health of your feet and ankles, you are armed with knowledge that will enable you to maintain their health over a lifetime.

Please note: Even if you scored well, this self assessment is not a substitute for a physical exam.