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Dr. Robert D. Weaver

Dr. Jennifer Zienkowski-Zubel

Blog
Tips to Keep Feet Happy this Holiday Season
"Trick or treat, smell my feet, give me something good to eat”
Taking a vacation? Make it easy on your feet
Step into spring on a healthy foot!
Foot and Ankle Health in the Winter Weather
3 top tips to find the perfect winter boot!

Tips to Keep Feet Happy this Holiday Season
November 2016

Foot care and the holidays

Holiday shopping, decorating, parties and traveling are all part of our holiday revelries. But while you’re making all that merriment, how happy are your feet?

You may be doing a lot of walking, dancing, standing and/or sitting in one position throughout the holiday season.

No one wants soreness or injuries to slow them down during the holidays, so it’s important to care for your feet so they can carry you through all the seasonal celebrations and chores.

Please follow the advice below to keep your feet healthy (and happy) this holiday season:

  • Moisturize – Dry winter air and cold temperatures can take a toll on skin. Moisturize feet daily to help avoid dry, cracked and irritated skin.
  • Exercise your feet – Stretching is a good way to avoid muscle cramps. Stave off toe cramps by raising, pointing and curling your toes for five seconds. Repeat 10 times. Rotating your ankles can also help relax feet. Cup your heel and turn each ankle slowly five times to loosen ankle joints.
  • Pedicure properly – Picture-perfect toes are part of a great holiday wardrobe for many women. Whether you do it yourself or go to a salon, be sure your pedicure is done properly. Never use a razor to remove dead skin – opt for a good pumice stone instead. Don’t cut cuticles; push them back gently. Use toenail clippers with a straight edge to cut nails straight across.
  • Raise your legs – Feet and ankles can swell from sitting too long in one position (taking a long flight to grandma’s house for the holidays, for example) or if you’ve been on your feet all day (shopping, baking or cooking). Elevate your legs to reduce swelling. Lay or sit and lift your legs above your heart.
  • Wear smart shoes – OK, so you’ll never give up your sparkly high heels when it’s time for that special soiree. But for other holiday activities such as shopping, traveling or cooking, ditch the high heels. When you know you’ll be on your feet all day, wear comfortable shoes with good arch support and a padded sole.
  • Get help – Feet shouldn’t hurt all the time. Persistent foot pain can be an indication of injury, irritation or illness, so please call our office, 440-442-3113. We are here to help!

*This information was provided by the APMA.


Taking a vacation? Make it easy on your feet
July 2016

Foot and Ankle Health in Spring

Although rest and relaxation are the goals for most vacations, they usually involve a lot of walking and a lot of walking usually involves sore feet.

Walking is great exercise and one of the most reliable forms of transportation, but if your feet aren’t in the best shape or you don’t have the right shoes, too much walking can cause foot problems.

Good foot care is essential if you plan to subject your feet to long periods of walking. Some simple foot care tips include:

  • Wear thick, absorbent socks (acrylic instead of cotton).
  • Dry feet thoroughly after bathing, making sure to dry between toes. Use powder before putting on shoes.
  • Nails should be cut regularly, straight across the toe.
  • Bunions, hammertoes or any other serious foot problems should be evaluated by a foot and ankle surgeon.

The right shoe is also important to healthy walking. The ideal walking shoe should be stable from side to side, and well-cushioned, and it should enable you to walk smoothly. Many running shoes will fit the bill. There are also shoes made especially for walking. Walking shoes tend to be slightly less cushioned, yet not as bulky, and lighter than running shoes. Whether a walking or running shoe, the shoes need to feel stable and comfortable.

Warming up exercises to help alleviate any muscle stiffness or pulled muscles are also advised before walking. Loosening up the heel cords (Achilles and calf) and thigh muscles before a walk is especially effective.

If you’re not accustomed to long walks, start slowly and rest if your feet start hurting. And above all, have fun!

If you have any further questions and/or concerns or went on vacation and have continued foot pain please contact our office for an appointment, 440-442-3113. We are here to help!


Step into spring on a healthy foot!
March 2016

Foot and Ankle Health in Spring

Spring is here and it’s time to get outside and enjoy activities like biking, walking, hiking and running. However, please be cautious! Sudden increased activity following a winter of inactivity can result in unwanted heel pain, also known as plantar fasciitis.This painful condition results from inflammation of the band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that extends from the heel to the toes. Starting repetitive activities such as a new exercise routine, even continuous standing or walking on a daily basis, can put a lot of stress and strain on the ligaments in the foot, resulting in the inflammation and pain. The good news is heel pain can be cured. The key to success is seeking early treatment. Early treatment consisting of:

  • stretching exercises
  • physical therapy
  • footwear modifications and wear of over the counter and/or custom inserts
  • activity limitations
  • anti-inflammatory medications

Approximately 85% of patients with plantar fasciitis respond to non-surgical treatment, however, if, after several months of non-surgical treatment, you continue to have heel pain, surgical options can be discussed and we would be happy to discuss these options with you.

Don’t let heel pain stop you from enjoying the beauty of spring. If you are suffering from heel pain, please give our office a call for a consultation, 440-442-3113. We are here to help. Step into spring on a healthy foot!


Foot and Ankle Health in the Winter Weather
February 2016

Foot and Ankle Health in Winter Weather

As winter is still present here in the Cleveland area we here at Dr Robert Weaver DPM would like you to enjoy all the winter outdoor activities, ice skating, hockey, sledding, skiing, snowboarding and other cold wintery activities, injury-free. Each of these activities keep you active during the colder months of the year, however, can be the culprit for many injuries.

Broken bones are amongst the most common injuries in the wintertime. In winter sports, there are a lot of slips and falls that can particularly target your foot and ankle.

The most commonly broken bone is the tibia, aka your shin bone. In your ankle there are 3 main bones that work together, the tibia, fibula, and talus. Most of the time your tibia is the bone that takes most of the impact when trauma or fall is sustained.

Physically active children and adults are used to getting bumps, bruises, and other minor injuries, however, there are common signs that you can check for to indicate a fracture. First, the inability to play or weight-bear following an acute or sudden injury. Secondly, decreased ability to play due to a chronic or long-term complication following a previous injury. Thirdly, physical deformity of the limb or joint, example bump and/or lump. Catching these injuries early is better for you or your child, it will help to prevent a minor injury from turning into a serious one.

There are many forms of treatment for ankle fractures, including cast and crutches, however more serious fractures may require surgery.

If you or someone you know might be interested in discussing more about your foot or ankle health, in the wintery weather and safety precautions don’t hesitate to give our office, 440-442-3113. We are here to help!


3 top tips to find the perfect winter boot!
January 2016

Since winter as finally arrived in Cleveland, winter boots have become a popular footwear choice. With so many boots to choose from, we’re here to help navigate to towards the best choice for your foot!

Winter Boots
  1. Heel Height
    Look at the gradient from the heel to the toes and ideally choose a boot which has less than a two inch heel.
  2. Innersole
    Check the innersole of the boot. Does it come out? Is it thick and cushioning? If so… PERFECT!! That is a good sign it will offer the foot great support.
  3. Comfortable upper
    Check the material of the boot. Is it firm? Does it hold well when under the pressure of your hand? You want to find a boot that is strong enough to support your foot and not flimsy or buckling under your weight and/or feet of snow.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office, 440-442-3113. We are here to help keep you feet warm and safe this winter!




Dr. Robert D. Weaver, DPM
Dr. Jennifer Zienkowski-Zubel, DPM

510 Fifth Avenue
Chardon, OH 44024
Tel: 440.286.4945
Fax: 440.279.1516
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6551 Wilson Mills Road
Suite 104
Mayfield Village, OH 44143
Tel: 440.442.3113
Fax: 440.442.5137
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26151 Euclid Avenue
Suite 105
Euclid, Ohio 44132
Tel: 440.442.3113
Fax: 440.442.5137
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