Video: Ask a Podiatrist with Dr. Charles Hastings
Ask a Podiatrist with Dr. Hastings
Ever wondered about the things people ask Podiatrists on the Internet? Join Balance Foot & Ankle specialist, Dr. Charles Hastings DPM, FACFAS, FFPM RCPS (Glasg) on an expedition to answer the Internet’s burning questions about all things foot and ankle health!
Let us restore your balance.
If you notice the discomfort in your heels persisting, our trusted team of podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle can work with you to alleviate the pain by customizing a treatment plan to your lifestyle.
All About Sports Foot & Ankle Injuries in Kids with Dr. Carissa Sharpe
All About Sports Foot & Ankle Injuries in Kids with Dr. Carissa Sharpe
The prevention of sports-related foot & ankle injuries is always important, especially for young athletes. However, if an injury does occur it can be helpful to understand the treatment options for your child. Join us as Dr. Carissa Sharpe explains a few common sports injuries and what our team at Balance can do to help!
Video: All About Arthritis of the Foot & Ankle With Dr. Jon Sharpe
Video: All About Arthritis of the Foot & Ankle With Dr. Jon Sharpe
As you get older, you have a higher risk of arthritis. The joint damage from this condition can cause swelling, pain, and physical changes in your feet and ankles. Learn more about this condition, possible treatment options, and when to visit a doctor with Balance podiatric surgeon Dr. Jon Sharpe!
Video: Stretches to Prevent Common Running Injuries
Video: Stretches to Prevent Common Running Injuries
Although running is a great way to stay active, many runners will deal with an injury at some point. The repetitive impact of this type of exercise can take a toll on your body, which can result in various injuries.
Let us restore your balance.
Thankfully, Balance Foot & Ankle’s Dr. Hunstman is here to give you some insight into common running injuries and how you can prevent them. In the case that professional intervention is required, our trusted team of podiatrists can help get you back on your feet with a personalized treatment plan that emphasizes a holistic approach to total wellbeing.
Video: Plantar Fasciitis
Video: Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the thick piece of tissue that runs under your foot. This tissue, called the plantar fascia, can become inflamed if you have high or low arches, are wearing the wrong shoes for you, or from injury or overuse. Over time, continuing physical activities, like running and dancing, or constant standing and movement can lead to plantar fasciitis. This inflammation is one of the most common orthopedic foot complaints that can also lead to chronic plantar fasciitis. Prevention through stretching and proper shoe gear is important to keep up your everyday activities without pain.
Let us restore your balance.
If you notice the discomfort in your heels persisting, our trusted team of podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle can work with you to alleviate the pain by customizing a treatment plan to your lifestyle.
Video: Bunions
Video: Bunions
Bunions are bony bumps that develop on the joint of the big toe. Because they progress slowly over time, bunions may only cause occasional or mild discomfort initially. As they progress, they can begin to affect your daily routine, making it challenging to do normal tasks. The pain is usually made worse by pressure from footwear and can cause stiffness in your big toe. In more advanced cases, bunions can even cause your big toe to cross over the second toe.
Let us restore your balance.
While bunions cannot be reversed, there are many ways to ease bunion pain and slow the progression. Our trusted team of podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle can help get you back on your feet with a personalized treatment plan that emphasizes a holistic approach to total wellbeing.
Video: Ankle Sprains
Video: Ankle Sprains
Life can be challenging when you have ankle pain. It can slow you down, or even bring you to a halt. It can make day-to-day activities, like grocery shopping or walking, an inconvenience. Find your balance and a convenient, efficient answer to alleviating ankle pain.
Let us restore your balance.
Recovery after an ankle sprain can be a long road. However, our trusted team of podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle can help get you back on your feet with a personalized treatment plan that emphasizes a holistic approach to total wellbeing.
Video: Achilles Tendon Strain - Road to Recovery
Video: Achilles Tendon Strain - Road to Recovery
Your Achilles tendon serves as the connection between your calf muscle and the bones in your foot, which means you use it every day, all day long. It is also the thickest and strongest tendon in your entire body, which makes injuries like an Achilles tendon strain so much worse.
Most people injure their Achilles tendon playing sports, especially those that involve running like soccer, basketball, and tennis. It’s also possible to strain this tendon by simply falling or tripping. That makes stretching before any physical activity even more important as these injuries can result in immobilization for months, even ending sports careers.
How do I recover from straining my Achilles tendon?
If you’ve strained your Achilles tendon, the recovery process is gradual, requiring patience and time. Making an appointment with your board-certified podiatrist at Balance Foot & Ankle is an important first step. Your injuries might require rest, ice, anti-inflammatories and immobilization, depending on the severity. Recovery will be closely monitored and standard recovery protocols typically include physical therapy and at-home stretches. In doing so, with proper restoration, you can expect to return to your normal physical activity in about six months.
Here are three tips to make sure your recovery goes as smooth as possible:
- Sleep: Muscles and tissues rejuvenate and repair during sleep. So, getting sufficient rest each night provides your body with time to heal.
- Ice and Elevate: After injuring your Achilles tendon, your ankle may be swollen and sore for the next few days. To reduce swelling and pain, use an ice pack for 10-20 minutes at a time every few hours and elevate your ankle above your heart while sitting or lying down.
- Exercise: Your physical therapy stretching exercises are an important component of your recovery. Follow all of the instructions given by your doctor, and be mindful of your pain levels. Taking it slow and steady is the best path to a healthy recovery.
Let us restore your balance.
Recovery after an Achilles tendon strain can be a long road. However, our trusted team of podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle can help get you back on your feet with a personalized treatment plan that emphasizes a holistic approach to total wellbeing.
Video: 5 Tips For A Balanced Shoe Fit
Video: 5 Tips For A Balanced Shoe Fit
Your feet are the window to your sole and the foundation of your entire body. On average Americans walk 4,000 steps a day, which is about 1.5 to 2 miles. At the forefront of each springing step are your feet and, often overlooked, your supportive shoes.
Poorly designed or ill-fitting shoes can cause pain and problems in your feet. These issues can ripple throughout your entire body, affecting your back, knees, joints and muscles.
On the contrary, as you walk to work or run for exercise, a quality pair of shoes can improve your daily health. Properly fitting shoes can help align your feet, ankles, hips, knees and back, enhancing your posture and the way you walk.
So, how should you go about selecting the perfect pair of shoes?
Below, we have five tips so that you can find your balanced shoe fit:
- Schedule a foot exam. Having a foot exam with a board-certified foot and ankle physician is the most important first step in foot and ankle wellness. During this, your physician will be able to identify your particular foot type and unique biomechanics. This should then be followed up with a visit to a reputable shoe vendor, where they can help select the right shoe with the right fit and shape to meet your needs.
- Measure your feet at the end of the day. The path to a pair of perfect fitting shoes begins with proper measurement. Your feet tend to change as you get older, so before purchasing a pair shoes, make sure to get a proper measurement of both of your feet. We recommend measuring your feet later in the evening so that you can account for any normal swelling that occurs in your feet throughout your daily routine.
- Trace your shape. Your feet are unique and so is your perfect shoe fit. As you select shoes, ensure your choice in footgear reflects the shape of your feet. To do so, use a sheet of paper and trace the outline of your feet, remaining as close to a standing position as possible. This will provide a true footprint, reflecting both the length and width of your feet. That way, when you’re shopping for a pair of shoes, you can simply place a shoe on top of your tracing to see if it will be a great match for your foot.
- Pay special attention to your arch. One of the most important factors in the perfect shoe fit is the arch length — the distance and curve from your heel to the ball of your foot. For the most comfortable fit, your arch length and curve should align with the bend in your shoes.
- Try before you buy. Don’t wait for your shoes to feel comfortable until you “break them in.” Instead, start with a comfortable pair of shoes by simply trying on a pair of shoes before purchasing. See how your body feels while you stand and walk on different surfaces. Try to notice any discomfort or irritation from the shoe itself including cushioning on the sole or a poorly placed seam. If your feet are happy, then you know you’ve found the perfect fit.
Find your balanced fit
Your particular foot type, unique biomechanics and their influences affect the type of shoe you should be selecting. At Balance Foot & Ankle, we offer the latest technology in prescribing custom foot orthotics, which can complement your perfect pair of shoes. They can optimize your mechanics, prevent injury and even slow the progression of some painful conditions.
From medical and surgical appointments to aesthetics and wellness, Balance Foot & Ankle’s well-rounded and comprehensive approach to foot and ankle treatment fosters an environment of excellence, hospitality and compassion within a contemporary yet warm setting.
Experience a balanced approach to total wellbeing. Schedule your appointment today!
Video: Tour Our Office in Lakewood
Video: Tour Our Office in Lakewood
Locally & Family Owned and Operated
- Nestled in the heart of Lakewood, Ohio just west of Cleveland.
- State of the art and modern facility within a warm and intimate environment creating a pleasurable patient experience.
- Nationally and internationally recognized leaders in the field of foot and ankle medicine and surgery with years of experience in the nation’s top-rated hospitals.
- Our neighborhood office allows for more individualized time with your provider, continuity of care, and better relationships with patients and the community.
State-of-the-Art Equipment
- On-site digital X-Ray unit uses cloud based software while using a fraction of the radiation put out by traditional equipment
- Our AAMI certified Autoclave sterilizes all instruments used in the clinic and spa with hospital grade steam sterilization while avoiding harmful chemicals
- Zero gravity chairs in patient treatment rooms and spa. The zero gravity position cradles your body to remove pressure from your spine and disperse stress evenly throughout your entire body. This is the most ideal position for your circulation, back muscles, spine, heart, lungs and blood oxygen levels
Specialty Products & Services
- Holistic medical spa managed by our surgeons
- Non-toxic products with certified organic options highlighting local brands chosen by our surgeons and licensed master esthetician
Accommodations
- Easy access to Interstate 90
- Ample off-street parking
- Telemedicine visits through Chiron Health
Local Partnerships
- The talented team at AoDK Architecture has transformed our building into the modern yet warm environment it is today
- Guests in our waiting room and spa are able to enjoy plants from Lakewood Plant Company that are proven air purifiers assisting in a variety of physical and mental health benefits
- Cleveland Coffee Company, a local small batch roaster, supplies us with fresh roasted coffee for our guests to enjoy before their appointments
- Our custom orthotics are made by the craftsmen at Earthwalk Orthotics combining high-tech digital software, high-quality materials, and decades of experience to create a premium medical device for our patients