Parma, Rocky River, Independence, OH – Bunions – Joseph Ripepi, DPM

 

Bunions – Podiatrist in Parma, Rocky River, Independence, OH – Joseph Ripepi, DPM

Podiatrist Dr. Joseph Ripepi of Ripepi Foot & Ankle Clinics discusses the symptoms, causes and treatments for Bunions.

www.stopfootpaintoday.com

 

What is a Bunion?

Bunions are misaligned big toe joints that can become swollen and tender, causing the first joint of the big toe to slant outward, and the second joint to angle toward the other toes. Bunions tend to be hereditary, but can be aggravated by shoes that are narrow in the forefoot and toe. Surgery by a podiatric physician is frequently recommended to correct the problem.

Causes of Bunions:

Pointed shoes, such as high heels and cowboy boots, can contribute to the development of hallux valgus. Abnormal foot function comes into play in the development of almost all bunions, and the most common abnormality is over-pronation or excessive flattening of the foot, easily correctable with an orthotic. In addition, heredity can also be a factor for the cause of bunions.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of hallux valgus usually center around the bunion. The bunion can be painful. The severe hallux valgus deformity is also distressing, and becomes a cosmetic problem. Finding appropriate shoe wear can become difficult. Finally, increasing deformity begins to displace the second toe upward, and may create a situation where the second toe is constantly rubbing on the shoe.

Treatment with Conservative Treatment:

Treatment of hallux valgus nearly always starts with adapting the shoe wear to fit the foot. In the early stages of hallux valgus, converting from a pointed toe shoe to a wider box toe shoe may arrest the progression of the deformity. The pain that arises from the bunion is due to pressure from the shoe. Treatment focuses on removing the pressure that the shoe exerts on the deformity. Wider shoes reduce the pressure on the bunion. Bunion pads may reduce pressure and rubbing from the shoe. There are also numerous devices, such as toe spacers, that attempt to splint the big toe and reverse the deforming forces.

Treatment with Bunion Surgery:

In some very mild cases of bunion formation surgery may only be required to remove the bump that makes up the bunion. There are many negative stereotypes associated with bunion surgery. People have heard horror stories from grandmas and neighbors…well my friend, times have changed! It’s not the same bunion surgery your grandmother had; bunion surgery does not have to be painful. The recovery time for bunion can be very short depending on your situation.

Remember: The bunion is not going to go away…you need to treat it and the earlier you do; the less likely your bunion will require surgery!

 

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Parma, Rocky River, Independence, OH – Foot Injury – Ankle Injury – Joseph Ripepi, DPM

 

Foot Injury – Ankle Injury – Podiatrist in Parma, Rocky River, Independence, OH – Joseph Ripepi, DPM

Podiatrist Dr. Joseph Ripepi of Ripepi Foot & Ankle Clinics discusses the symptoms, causes and treatments for Foot Injury and Ankle Injury.

www.stopfootpaintoday.com

 

Nearly one-fourth of all the bones in your body are in your feet. A broken (fractured) bone in your forefoot or in one of your toes is often painful but rarely disabling. Most of the time, these injuries heal without operative treatment. Types of fractures include stress fractures and general bone fractures.

Stress fractures frequently occur in the bones of the forefoot extending from your toes to the middle of your foot. Stress fractures are like tiny cracks in the bone surface. They can occur with sudden increases in training (such as running or walking for longer distances or times), improper training techniques or changes in training surfaces.

Most other types of fractures extend through the bone. They may be stable, in which there is no shift in bone alignment, or displaced, in which the bone ends no longer line up properly. These fractures usually result from trauma, such as dropping a heavy object on your foot, or from twisting injury. If the fractured bone does not break through the skin, it is called a closed fracture. Several types of fractures occur to the forefoot bone on the side of the little toe (fifth metatarsal).

An ankle-twisting injury may tear the tendon that attaches to this bone and pull a small piece of the bone away. A more serious injury in the same area is a Jones fracture, which occurs near the base of the bone and disrupting the blood supply to the bone. This injury may take longer to heal or require surgery. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and sometimes bruising.

 

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Joseph Ripepi, DPM – Foot & Ankle Clinics – Parma, Rocky River, Independence, Ohio

Podiatrist in Parma, Rocky River, Independence, OH – Joseph Ripepi, DPM – Foot & Ankle Clinics

Meet Podiatrist Dr. Joseph Ripepi of Ripepi Foot & Ankle Clinics as he discusses the Foot Health and Foot Problems.

www.stopfootpaintoday.com

Welcome to Ripepi Foot & Ankle Clinics!

When you are experiencing problems with or pain in your feet, it affects your well being. These problems can make it difficult to manage all aspects of your life in a healthy and productive way and seeing a podiatrist could be the right answer. Our podiatry specialists understand this and take our commitment to your better health seriously.

 

Our staff is here to help you build a strong and healthy foundation by addressing any podiatric issues that may be keeping you from your best self.

 

Contact us today to learn how our experience podiatry professionals can help you!

 

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Parma, Rocky River, Independence, OH – Ingrown Toenail – Joseph Ripepi, DPM

Ingrown Toenail – Podiatrist in Parma, Rocky River, Independence, OH – Joseph Ripepi, DPM

Podiatrist Dr. Joseph Ripepi of Ripepi Foot & Ankle Clinics discusses the symptoms, causes and treatments for Ingrown Toenail.

www.stopfootpaintoday.com

What’s the problem?

An ingrown nail occurs when a portion of a toenail on either of the toe turns downward into the skin. Nails normally are nearly flat, with just a slight arching downward at the borders. When the border of the nail is turned downward, it begins to injure the skin.

How does it feel?

Patient’s usually feel pressure and eventually pain, as the hard and sharp nail edge creates further injury. Shoes that apply pressure to the toe increase the pain. If an infection develops, the pain becomes intolerable.

Let’s do a test?

An Ingrown Nail is identified by the doctor’s physical exam. If an infection has developed, the doctor may send a sample of the drainage to a lab, to identify what bacteria has caused the infection and which antibiotics will most easily cure the infection.

How did this happen?

A progression of events occurs. Routinely cutting the nails improperly, down at an angle instead of straight across, is the most common cause of Ingrown Nails. Wearing narrow or pointed shoes can apply enough pressure to a normal nail to turn the nail edge downward. Once the nail matrix, the tissue where the nail grows from, gets injured in this way, it continues to produce a nail edge that is more vertical than horizontal. From this abnormal nail growth, the nail edge apples mild pressure on the skin over a long period of time. The skin at the nail edge thickens and becomes hardened. You may begin to notice an enlargement of swelling of the skin around the nail edge. This can be accompanied by an increase in pain.

The condition can progress as a result of other factors. These factors include: pressure from a tight or pointed shoe, injury such as stubbing a toe, excessive wetness, either from perspiration or application of ointments or creams, or improper cutting of nails. If these factors come into play, the possibility increases that the nail edge can then penetrate the skin, just like a knife, and cause an infection. The skin at the nail edge becomes reddened and swollen. You may notice drainage or pus from the area and the pain becomes intolerable.

What can I do for it?

In mild cases, where no infection is present, pain relief can be obtained by applying a standard moisturizing cream to the nail edge and covering with a band-aid. This softens the hard skin and often provides temporary pain relief. In more advanced cases, where redness or obvious infection is present, seek the attention of a doctor.

What will my doctor do for it?

In the most minor cases, the podiatrist will simply cut the nail to shorten it, and show you how to cut the nail in the future, to prevent in growing of the nail again (See below for instructions on proper nail cutting). In more severe cases, but not those in which an infection hasn’t developed, the podiatrist may gently remove the ingrown portion of the nail. This affords considerable relief, but is temporary. After a few weeks, when the nail grows long again, it will again grow in. In cases where the nail has grown in repeatedly, or more critically, when the nail edge has penetrated the skin and caused an infection, the podiatrist will perform a minor procedure called an Ingrown Nail Correction or Matricectomy. The podiatrist will gently numb your toe, reshape the nail edge and finally, apply a medicine which will, in most cases, permanently prevent the nail edge from growing improperly again.

Can I prevent from it happening again? Cutting nails properly to prevent ingrown nails.

Cutting toe nails properly goes a long way toward the prevention of ingrown nails. Use a safety nail clipper, available at every drug store on the planet. Cut the nails STRAIGHT ACROSS, so that the nail corner is visible. If you cut the nail too short so that the nail corner is not visible, you are inviting the nail corner to grow into the skin. It is the natural tendency, when the edge of the nail starts to grow in, to cut down at an angle at the nail edge, to relieve the pain. This DOES relieve the pain TEMPORARILY, but it also starts the downward spiral, training the nail to become more and more ingrown. What happens is the cutting down at an angle creates a space at the nail edge. When the advancing nail edge reaches the space, it rolls downward, taking the course of least resistance. The edge becomes more and more ingrown, until it pierces the skin and makes an infection. So, cut the nails STRAIGHT ACROSS and never have an ingrown nail again.

If they become painful or infected, contact our office. We may remove the ingrown portion of the nail and if the condition reoccurs frequently, may permanently remove the nail.

 

 

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Parma, Rocky River, Independence, OH – Foot Warts (Plantar Warts) – Joseph Ripepi,Podiatrist

 

Foot Warts (Plantar Warts) – Podiatrist in Parma, Rocky River, Independence, OH – Joseph Ripepi, DPM

Podiatrist Dr. Joseph Ripepi of Ripepi Foot & Ankle Clinics discusses the symptoms, causes and treatments for Fungal Toenails.

www.stopfootpaintoday.com

What’s the problem?

A plantar wart is a small skin lesion that resembles a callus and is found on the bottom of the foot or toes. The term “plantar” doesn’t mean only farmers get them. “Plantar” means they occur on the bottom surface of the foot. It is usually under 1 cm in diameter, but can occur in clusters and be much larger. Sometimes a single larger wart is surrounded by many smaller warts. In this case, they are called mosaic warts.

How does it feel?

A plantar wart feels like a lump under the foot. They are only painful when squeezed or pinched from side to side, or if you bear direct weight on them. Warts on other parts of the body, such as the hands, grow elevated above the skin’s surface. We bear weight on warts on the bottom of the foot, so they get flattened and pushed into the skin. Most people contribute this to walking with a rock attached to the foot, as the thickened callous tissue becomes hard and painful as it gets bigger.

Let’s do a test!

A plantar wart can usually be diagnosed by your doctor based on a characteristic appearance alone. When the doctor trims the hard callus tissue from the surface of the wart, a pattern of small black dots that are actually small blood vessels that feed the wart, is usually seen. The doctor will also test the wart by pressing directly down on it, and then pinching it, squeezing it from side to side. Most warts won’t hurt when pressed directly down, but are very painful when pinched. If these findings are present, no further testing is necessary to identify a plantar wart.

How did this happen?

All warts are caused by the Papilloma virus, a slow growing virus which invades the skin. The viruses are common in all of our environments and they don’t readily grow on intact skin. But if there is a break in the skin, like a scratch or thorn penetration, this gives the virus the opportunity to get in and start growing. The virus only grows in the epidermis, the thick layer of the skin closest to the surface. It doesn’t invade the dermis, the deeper layer of the skin. However, the epidermis and the dermis are closely entwined, and the dermis under the wart grows extra blood vessels and nerves in response to the virus infected cells above it in the epidermis. It is because of these nerves in response to the virus infected cells above it in the epidermis. It is because of these nerves that the wart hurts when pinched and because of these blood vessels that it stays well nourished enough to grow. The virus particles can spread from the main wart, along the cutaneous (skin) nerves, to begin growing remote or satellite warts at a distance from the original site. If enough of this spread occurs, mosaic warts result.

The wart virus thrives in the dark, moist areas such as pool areas, bath tubs, and Jacuzzi areas. It is highly recommended to wear sandals in this area to prevent contamination. Warts are contagious! Keep your feet clean and dry. Inspect your feet frequently!

 

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Parma, Rocky River, Independence, OH – Heel Pain – Joseph Ripepi, Podiatrist

 

Heel Pain – Podiatrist in Parma, Rocky River, Independence, OH – Joseph Ripepi, DPM

Podiatrist Dr. Joseph Ripepi of Ripepi Foot & Ankle Clinics discusses the symptoms, causes and treatments for Heel Pain.

www.stopfootpaintoday.com

Plantar fasciitis (heel pain) is commonly traced to an inflammation on the bottom of the foot. It is caused by inflammation of the connective tissue 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.

What does heel pain feel like?

It feels like a dull ache most of the time, but when the patient first gets out of the bed in the morning, or when getting up after sitting for a period of time during the day, the pain in the heel is impressive. It almost feels like the heel has been bruised, like falling on a rock barefoot, but it is worse.

What caused the heel pain?

There is a tight ligament (band of fibrous tissue) that stretches across the arch, from the ball of the foot to the heel bone, called the Plantar Fascia. When we walk, our feet have a tendency to roll inward, toward each other, in a motion that we call pronation. When feet pronate, they flatten, stretch out and the arch elongates. This causes excessive pulling on the Plantar Fascia ligament and attachment of the ligament to the heel bone begins to separate. An injury occurs where the ligament progressively tears off the heel, fiber by fiber. Bleeding occurs next to the bone and inflammatory fluids accumulate between the ligament and the bone, forming a Bursitis, or fluid-filled sack.

Over time, the body lays down scar tissue, in an attempt to “glue” the detached ligament fibers back on to the bottom of the heel bone. Over the course of 3-5 years, the scar tissue calcifies, and this calcium deposit eventually becomes visible on X-ray as the Heel Spur. This inflammation of this plantar fascia ligament is called Plantar Fasciitis, and in addition to the Bursitis, is what causes the pain.

How did this happen?

There are several reasons that this chronic injury can occur. Recent weight gain and increased activity level often start an episode. A person who has been mostly sedentary, who walks a lot at Disney World for 3 days is a prime candidate. A change of shoes from well supporting walking or athletic shoes to floppy sandals can do it. When the arch of the foot collapses or flattens, the Plantar Fascia is stretched, causing the injury where it attaches to the heel bone. Finally, conditions which cause generalized increased inflammation, like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can cause this.

Treating heel pain?

There are many treatment options available for heel pain. In most cases conservative treatment is all that’s needed and recommended. Treatment such as heel pain stretches, orthotics, physical therapy, proper shoes or painless laser therapy may be enough to treat your heel pain. If you have a severe case, surgical intervention may be required.

Preventing heel pain

Recurrence is rare after treatment, if the patient continues to employ good mechanical foot control by continuing to wear orthotics and good supportive walking or athletic shoes. Recovery is rapid and the success rate is better than 90%.

Why do I have heel pain in the morning?

Heel pain in the morning is very common. The pain is more intense in the morning because your foot has been resting for an extended period of time and you wake up and put all of your weight on the foot. Over the night, the muscles, ligaments and tendons in your foot have become tight and rigid. Once you apply pressure by standing up, you are stretching them more than they can handle from being so inflexible.

Usually, the first steps out of bed are the worse and the pain slowly fades as you walk around. This is because you are allowing your foot to warm up and stretch out. The foot will become more flexible as you walk. There are few cases of morning heel pain as well as treatment.

Morning heel pain is usually caused by a condition called plantar fasciitis. When this ligament, the Plantar Fascia becomes over-stretched and tight it becomes inflamed.

Heel spurs may also cause morning heel pain. A heel spur is when a part of the heel bone grows out of the area causing the bone to stab into the tendons and ligaments in the heel. The pain is more intense in the morning because of the excess weight put on the foot after resting for a longer periods of time.

Treatment for morning heel pain includes:

1. Heel stretches

2. Orthotics

3. Never walking barefoot-give your feet extra support

4. Injections

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Foot Wart (Plantar Wart) – Saginaw, Bay City and Essexville, MI- Podiatrist Andrew Cohen

Foot Wart (Plantar Wart) –  Saginaw, Bay City and Essexville, MI– Podiatrist Andrew Cohen, DPM

 

http://www.mid-michiganfootandankle.com

Podiatrist Dr. Andrew Cohen of Mid-Michigan Foot and Ankle Center / Diabetic Foot Center discusses the symptoms, causes and treatments for Foot Warts (Plantar Warts).

 

 

Mid-Michigan Foot and Ankle Center / Diabetic Foot Center

 

Plantar warts, also known as verrucas, appear on the soles of the feet and are one of several soft tissue conditions that can be quite painful. Unlike other foot warts, plantar warts tend to be hard and flat, with a rough surface and well-defined boundaries. They are often gray or brown (but the color may vary), with a center that appears as one or more pinpoints of black. Plantar warts are often contracted by walking barefoot on dirty surfaces or littered ground. The virus that causes plantar warts thrives in warm, moist environments, making infection a common occurrence in public pools and locker rooms.

 

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Heel Pain – Saginaw, Bay City and Essexville, MI – Andrew Cohen Podiatrist

Heel Pain – Saginaw, Bay City and Essexville, MI– Podiatrist Andrew Cohen, DPM

 

http://www.mid-michiganfootandankle.com

Podiatrist Dr. Andrew Cohen of Mid-Michigan Foot and Ankle Center / Diabetic Foot Center discusses the symptoms, causes and treatments for Heel Pain.

 

Mid-Michigan Foot and Ankle Center / Diabetic Foot Center

 

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.

 

 

 

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Bunions – Saginaw, Bay City, Essexville, MI – Podiatrist Andrew Cohen,

Bunions – Podiatrist in Saginaw, Bay City and Essexville, MI– Andrew Cohen, DPM

– Mid-Michigan Foot and Ankle Center / Diabetic Foot Center

Podiatrist Dr. Andrew Cohen of Mid-Michigan Foot and Ankle Center / Diabetic Foot Center discusses the symptoms, causes and treatments for Bunions.

http://www.mid-michiganfootandankle.com

A bunion is a bone deformity caused by an enlargement of the joint at the base and side of the big toe (metatarsophalangeal joint). Bunions form when the toe moves out of place. The enlargement and its protuberance cause friction and pressure as they rub against footwear. Over time, the movement of the big toe angles in toward the other toes, sometimes overlapping a third toe (known as Hallux Valgus). The growing enlargement or protuberance then causes more irritation or inflammation. In some cases, the big toe moves toward the second toe and rotates or twists, which is known as Hallus Abducto Valgus. Bunions can also lead to other toe deformities, such as hammertoe.

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Child’s Foot Care – Podiatrist in Saginaw, Bay City, Essexville, MI – Andrew Cohen, DPM

 

Children’s Foot Care – Podiatrist in Saginaw, Bay City and Essexville, MI– Andrew Cohen, DPM – Mid-Michigan Foot and Ankle Center / Diabetic Foot Center

Podiatrist Dr. Andrew Cohen of Mid-Michigan Foot and Ankle Center / Diabetic Foot Center discusses the Children’s Foot Care and Children’s Foot Health.

http://www.mid-michiganfootandankle.com

Children with strong, healthy feet avoid many kinds of lower extremity problems later in life. That’s why it is important to inspect your children’s feet periodically.

To help with flatfeet, special shoes or orthotics may be prescribed. To correct mild in-toeing or out-toeing, your toddler may need to sit in a different position while playing or watching TV. If your child’s feet turn in or out a lot, corrective shoes, splints, or night braces may be prescribed.

The foot’s bone structure is well-formed by the time your child reaches age 7 or 8, but if a growth plate (the area where bone growth begins) is injured, the damaged plate may cause the bone to grow oddly. With a doctor’s care, however, the risk of future bone problems is reduced.

Remember to check your child’s shoe size often. Make sure there is space between the toes and the end of the shoe and that the shoes are roomy enough to allow the toes to move freely. Don’t let your child wear hand-me-down shoes.

Visit our website: http://www.mid-michiganfootandankle.com