Sheldon Fleishman, DPM

From Achilles tendonitis to a tear or rupture of the tendon, Our doctors offer personalized treatment plans to suit each patient’s needs. Treatment for Achilles tendon issues includes rest, icing the injury, over-the-counter medications, stretching, physical therapy, orthotic equipment, ESWT, and surgery. Most people return to normal activities within a few weeks or months with proper treatment. 

Ankle instability is characterized by a repeated “giving way” of the ankle. The unstable ankle often “gives way” while walking or during physical activities but can also occur while standing. Instances of chronic ankle instability often occur after an ankle sprain where the ligaments are torn or stretched and the proper care is not taken to rehabilitate the injury. Our doctors provide a number of treatment options, including physical therapy, bracing, medications or surgery in severe cases.

When you accidentally twist your ankle into an unnatural position, you end up stretching the ligaments until they tear. The result is a sprained ankle. While this is a fairly common injury, it’s important to treat it as soon as possible so it does not turn into a long-term injury that continues to hurt for years. If you suspect you have a sprained ankle, here’s what you need to know: 1. Common Causes and Symptoms. Anyone can sprain an ankle, even when simply walking or going up or down stairs. But it’s more common for people to sprain an ankle after falling down, running or participating in sports such as football, soccer or gymnastics. Regardless of how you sprained your ankle, you’ll find that the main symptoms of this injury are pain and swelling. Your ankle might also be bruised and tender to the touch, and, of course, you’ll find it difficult to walk since it likely hurts to put any weight on it. 2. Typical Treatments for Ankle Sprains. You can start treating your sprained ankle at home immediately after the injury occurs. First, be sure to rest your ankle, and then begin putting ice on it for at least 10 minutes at a time every hour. This should help ease the pain and inflammation. You can also wrap your ankle in a compression wrap for the first few days to further reduce the swelling. Take over-the-counter pain medication as needed. Naproxen and ibuprofen are especially helpful options since they reduce inflammation as well as pain. If the pain and swelling are severe and do not lessen within a few days after you start home treatment — or if you’re not sure if the ankle is sprained or broken — it’s important to see a doctor. It may turn out that you can benefit from stretching and strength exercises or even ankle surgery.

From sprains and strains to fractures and severe bruising, ankle trauma is a painful, debilitating issue that if left untreated can lead to more serious issues in the future. Depending on the severity of the ankle issue, our doctors will prescribe a number of treatment options to get you back on your feet, from medication and compression to surgery.

The foot has 28 bones and a greater number of joints. The chance of arthritis of the feet and ankles is high due to the number of joints holding the full weight of the body. Stiffness of the joints, swelling and pain are the primary symptoms of arthritis, and unfortunately, there is no single treatment to alleviate the discomfort. There are a number of tips to help reduce the symptoms, including proper shoe fitting, orthotic inserts, medications, steroid injections, physical therapy and weight control. Our doctors will recommend a specific treatment plan that works best for you.

Athlete’s foot is a fungal skin infection that causes a rash on the feet, especially between the toes. The infection occurs when the foot comes into contact with fungus. The fungus then spreads when the foot remains damp for long periods of time due to tight fitting or poorly ventilated shoes. Our doctors recommend various over-the-counter treatments, such as powders and ointments, but if the infection does not improve, contact our office for an appointment. We are able to prescribe stronger medications than OTC treatments can provide.

Bunions is a deformity at the base or side of the big toe caused by a deviated joint. The deviation causes the foot to be irritated by your shoes, causing friction and pressure. The constant friction and pressure pushes the big toe toward the other toes, which can lead to deformities such as hammertoes. The leading cause of bunions is congenital anatomical predisposition and wearing shoes that are too tight for your feet. As bunions form and the area continues to rub against the shoe, the bunion continues to grow and enlarge with each step. If left untreated, arthritis of the joint may occur, leading to chronic pain over time. Bunions do not simply heal, but require proper treatment from a foot and ankle specialist. The goal is to relieve the pressure that causes pain and to stop the progressive enlargement of the joint. Correct fitting shoes, protective padding in the shoes, removal of corns and calluses, exercises to maintain joint mobility and surgery are commons treatments for bunions. Our doctors perform 3D surgical procedures to correct the deformities – Lapiplasty/Lapifuse.

A callus is formed when a thick layer of excessive skin cells covers an area of the foot in defense of excess friction and pressure. Normally located on the ball of the foot, the heel or the big toes, calluses often crack and become infected when not properly controlled through treatment. Our doctors offer treatment options for calluses, including oral antibiotics for those that have become infected, creams to soften and reduce the cracking and dry skin and even surgery in extreme cases.

Similar to calluses, corns are formed by thick layers of excessive skin cells. Corns often form between the toes, whereas calluses primarily occur on the outside of the foot. Corns can result in infection if left untreated. They are a result of excessive pressure to a digital deformity which we regularly offer surgical correction.

Crush injuries occur when a heavy object falls on the foot, the foot is crushed between two objects or an object, such as a car, rolls over the foot. Extensive damage often occurs to soft tissue, such as lacerations, bruising, fractures, bleeding and nerve damage. Damage from crush injuries is often difficult to assess and manage since the injuries are usual complex. Immediate care should be administered to the injury to decrease the chances of permanent damage of the foot, such as disability. Our doctors offer diagnosis, treatment and surgical options for crush injuries. Keep in mind that immediate care is vital for crush injuries.

If you have diabetes, it is vital to take care of your feet daily to prevent complications, such as ulcers. Ulcers can lead to infection, which can lead to the amputation of toes, feet and even legs if left untreated. Daily examinations of your feet are vital to maintaining proper foot health. Contact your podiatrist if you notice any changes in temperature, foot color, sensitivity or swelling, and note any loss of sensation. Annual examinations with your podiatrist are also important to maintaining foot health and preventing diabetic-related complication. To keep your feet healthy, wash your feet regularly and allow them to dry thoroughly before putting on socks and shoes. Be sure to moisturize your feet with a non-irritating lotion to prevent any cracks in your feet. Other ways of preventing diabetic foot complications include: avoid smoking, buy comfortable, properly-fitted shoes, wear clean, dry socks and change them daily, never walk barefoot to prevent your feet from cuts or scrapes that could lead to ulcers.

Flat feet is a condition where the arch on the inside of the foot flattens out and touches the floor when standing. Flat feet often form in infancy when the arch does not develop normally. Flat feet usually cause no additional symptoms or issues of the feet or ankles, but pain is sometimes associated with the condition. If you experience pain due to flat feet, you should schedule an evaluation with our doctors, foot and ankle specialists in Blue Springs and Overland Park Missouri. If pain due to flat feet progresses, the inflammation of the surrounding tendons may lead to tibialis posterior tendonitis or adult-acquired flatfoot. Treatment for flat feet includes anti-inflammatory medication, icing, physical therapy, supportive taping, bracing and orthotics.

Sprains, strains and fractures are common to the toes, feet and ankles.

Pain, swelling, bruising and difficulty walking are the most common symptoms when you injury the foot or ankle. 

Fractures are simply a break in the bone.

 The treatment will depend on the injury, but resetting the bone or surgery may be required in severe fractures or sprains.

Infections of the feet can be caused by a number of issues, including athlete’s foot, ringworm, yeast infections and staph infections, among others. Infections usually take the form of cellulitis, deep-skin and soft-tissue infections, acute osteomyelitis or chronic osteomyelitis. Cellulitis results in tender, non-raised skin inflammation that is caused by the staph infection. Deep skin and soft-tissue infections often yield an extremely painful hardening and tenderness of the infected area. Fluid-filled sacs and discharge can be present in severe cases. Acute Osteomyelitis causes pain near the area of the involved bone. Swollen lymph nodes and fever are a common symptom. Chronic Osteomyelitis is accompanied by fever, discharge, pain and deep penetrating ulcers and sinus tracks. If you’ve show signs of infection, contact your doctor immediately before the problem worsens. Antibiotics, surgery or amputation are the most common treatments of foot infection, depending on the degree of the problems.

Sprains, strains and fractures are common to the toes, feet and ankles. Pain, swelling, bruising and difficulty walking are the most common symptoms when you injury the foot or ankle. 

Sprains and strains occur when a tendon or ligament is pulled, stretched or torn away from the bone. 

Fractures are simply a break in the bone. 

Most minor sprains and strains can be treated with rest, ice, compression and elevation until to decrease swelling and minimize pain. For more acute sprains and fractures, visiting a foot and ankle specialist for a full foot examination is vital to regaining your mobility to 100%. The treatment will depend on the injury, but resetting the bone or surgery may be required in severe fractures or sprains.

Sprains, strains and fractures are common to the toes, feet and ankles. 

Pain, swelling, bruising and difficulty walking are the most common symptoms when you injury the foot or ankle. 

Sprains and strains occur when a tendon or ligament is pulled, stretched or torn away from the bone. 

Most minor sprains and strains can be treated with rest, ice, compression and elevation until to decrease swelling and minimize pain. 

For more acute sprains and fractures, visiting a foot and ankle specialist for a full foot examination is vital to regaining your mobility to 100%. 

The treatment will depend on the injury, but resetting the bone or surgery may be required in severe fractures or sprains.

Fungal infection of the toenails are often treated with topical or anti-fungal medications to rid the nails of the fungus and keep the fungus from re-infecting the nails. Dry, clean feet are vital to keeping your toenails fungus free. Applying over-the-counter medications is the first step to ridding your toenails of fungus. If OTC treatments are ineffective, consult a podiatrist for alternative treatment methods. To prevent fungus of the toenails, follow these tips and practice basic foot care techniques daily:

Never share nail clippers or nail files

Don’t share socks or shoes

Don’t cut your nails too short, as trauma to the nail can lead to infection

Wear dry, cotton socks and change them often to keep your feet dry

Wear dry shoes that allow air to circulate around your feet

Wear shower shoes or sandals when visiting a public pool or shower

Maintaining an active lifestyle is dependent on good foot health, especially for senior citizens. The four principles to proper foot care are as follow:

Proper Foot Hygiene: Keep your feet clean and dry by washing and moisturizing them daily. Purchase shoes that allow your feet to breathe to avoid foot fungus and infection.

Regular Foot Inspection: Even with proper foot hygiene, foot issues can still arise. Calluses and blisters can lead to wounds that can become infected if left untreated. By visually inspecting your feet regularly, you will be aware of any changes in your feet, such as small cuts, irregular coloration of the feet or any other changes with the look for feel of the feet.

Toenail Care: Properly caring for your nails is vital to foot health. Keep your nails trimmed properly and regularly to prevent ingrown toenails and infection. Always cut toenails straight across and file away sharp edges.

Proper Footwear: Proper, supportive shoes are important to your foot health. Shoes that protect and support your feet and ankles, such as walking shoes, helps to keep your feet safe from blisters and heel and arch pain.

Hammertoes are caused by hereditary factors and muscle imbalance that result in toe deformity. Shoes irritate the deformed toes, causing pain. The joints of these toes are bent in the middle, causing the toes to look like a hammer. Hammertoes can lead to corns, calluses, chronic pain and inflexible joints if left untreated. Treatment of hammertoes includes wearing appropriate shoes, toes stretches and strengthening exercises. In severe cases, hammertoes can be remedied through surgery.

Heel spurs, also known as plantar fasciitis, is a chronic pain of the heel and arch due to inflammation on the bottom of the foot. The plantar fascia is the connective tissue that stretches from the base of the toes across the arch of the foot back to the heel. Heel spurs are commonly caused by overpronation, or an excessive inward rolling of the foot when walking. When additional tension is added to the plantar fascia, it becomes inflamed and leads to chronic pain when walking or standing. Treatment for heel spurs and plantar fasciitis include the use of anti-inflammatory medication, icing the affected area, stretching exercises, orthotic devices and physical therapy. ESWT is a treatment for recalcitrant plantar fasciitis.

Ingrown toenails primarily occur on the sides of the big toenails when the nail matrix cells cause a nail plate deformity. Pressure from your shoes cause the nail to dig into the skin, often causing an infection. Ingrown toenails often become hard and swollen and are tender to the touch. If left untreated, skin can begin to grow over the nail, causing pain, redness, swelling and infection of the foot. Most cases of ingrown toenails can be remedied at home with a simple soak of the foot in warm water a few times each day. Wear appropriate shoes and socks and trim your toenails regularly and in a straight line. Other treatments include surgical removal of the ingrown toenail.

Lapiplasty is a patented, minimally invasive, 3D bunion correction procedure that treats the root cause of bunions by realigning the metatarsal bone in the foot.

To watch an animated video on the Lapiplasty procedure - Click Here

Patients with diabetes are at a high risk of amputation due to infection of the feet. Diabetic neuropathy leads to non-healing ulcers that can easily become infected to the point of requiring amputation. Peripheral vascular disease is another cause of limb loss. With proper education, daily foot care and regular visits to a podiatrist, infection of the feet and amputation can be avoided.

Lymphedema is swelling in the subcutaneous tissue due to accumulation of lymph fluid, with co existing valvular incompetence in the lymph vessels.

Metatarsalgia is the painful inflammation of the metatarsal joints, or the ball of the foot. Metatarsalgia often causes abnormal weight distribution due to overpronation. Arthritis, foot injuries or improper shoes are major causes of metatarsalgia. Changing shoes or using custom orthotics, such as custom-fitted insoles, can help to alleviate the pain and prevent overpronation.

Neuromas are large, benign growths of nerves that commonly develop between the third and fourth toe of the foot. Neuromas are usually caused by ill-fitting shoes or abnormal bone structure that causes the tissue of the foot to rub against and irritate the nerves. Neuromas can be remedied through cortisone injections, orthotics, properly fitting shoes or surgical removal of the growth in severe cases.

Peripheral neuropathy is a degenerative condition, which manifests as burning, tingling, pain, or numbness in the legs and feet. Peripheral neuropathy can result from systemic conditions such as endocrine abnormalities, diabetes mellitus, chemotherapy, and traumatic injuries. When peripheral neuropathy is caused by diabetes, the nerve damage occurs partly as a result of small vessel disease called ”microangiopathy”. Contributors to diabetic microangiopathy are elevated blood glucose, elevated blood homocysteine, and low levels of various vitamins, particularly B1 and B12. A persistent decrease in blood flow to nerve fibers can eventually starve the nerve of necessary oxygen and nutrients. Peripheral neuropathy can be diagnosed with a test called Epidermal Nerve Density Biopsy.

Orthotic therapy utilizes orthotic devices such as custom-made shoes, inserts or braces to correct the irregular walking pattern or gait that cause foot or ankle issues. Consisting of rigid, soft or semi-rigid materials, orthotic devices are composed of materials from carbon fiber and plaster casts for support to foam and gels for cushioning. Rigid orthotics are designed to control the primary movements associated with walking. Soft orthotics are used as a cushion to absorb shock, increase balance and to take pressure off sore spots. Semi-rigid orthotics are usually composed of layers of soft material and help mitigate pain or provide balance for walking or participating in sports.

Palliative foot care covers a range of services to keep the feet healthy and free of pain or other ailments. Our palliative services include the removal of corns and calluses, cleaning and soaking of feet, nail trimming, application of topical foot creams and lotions and other preventative maintenance care.

 Baby’s feet change quickly during their first few weeks and months. As the bones form, the feet are extremely flexible, so too much pressure or strain can affect the shape of their feet. It’s important to allow your baby’s feet and legs to kick and stretch freely, and to have shoes and socks that don’t squeeze the toes too tightly.

When toddlers begin to walk, they begin to develop their gait. Many toddlers walk pigeon-toed or land primarily on their heels or toes. Most children grow out of this habit, but pay close attention as they begin to walk to determine if there are any problems

Heel spurs, also known as plantar fasciitis, is a chronic pain of the heel and arch due to inflammation on the bottom of the foot. The plantar fascia is the connective tissue that stretches from the base of the toes across the arch of the foot back to the heel. Heel spurs are commonly caused by overpronation, or an excessive inward rolling of the foot when walking. When additional tension is added to the plantar fascia, it becomes inflamed and leads to chronic pain when walking or standing. Treatment for heel spurs and plantar fasciitis include the use of anti-inflammatory medication, icing the affected area, stretching exercises, orthotic devices and physical therapy. ESWT is a treatment for recalcitrant plantar fasciitis.

Poor foot circulation, also known as peripheral vascular disease (PVD), is a result of blocked arteries that move blood to the feet. Symptoms of PVD include pain and cramping of the feet and legs, as well as weakness and numbness of the feet. Skin commonly looks red and shiny. Poor circulation is common among patients with diabetes, leading to slow-healing sores and possible infection. Other problems can lead to poor foot circulation, including those who smoke, those with high blood pressure, those with high cholesterol and those who are overweight. If left untreated, poor circulation can lead to infection, gangrene and amputation. Poor circulation to the feet can lead to unnoticed feet injuries. Following a daily foot regimen can help prevent injuries from becoming worse and can help to avoid infection. Check your feet for calluses or cuts and take appropriate action if needed. Clean and dry your feet daily and wear comfortable, properly-fitting shoes to avoid rubbing.

Most foot warts are harmless to your health, though they may cause your pain. Often mistaken as a corn or callus, warts are caused by a viral infection and appear as a raised bump on the toes or feet. If left untreated, warts can increase in size and can spread into clusters. Warts that develop on weight-bearing areas of the feet, such as the heel or ball of the foot, often cause a sharp, burning pain. As with any infectious lesion, warts spread by touching or scratching the affected area.

To prevent the spread of warts on your feet, follow these tips:

Avoid contact with the warts, both from your body and from other people

Avoid walking barefoot, especially on surfaces that can scratch or irritate your feet

Change your socks daily and keep your feet clean and dry

If you children show signs of warts, check their feet periodically

Proper wound care is vital to foot health, especially for those with diabetes. Wounds, if left untreated, can lead to infection, ulcer and amputation. Tips to prevent wounds: it is vital to check your feet daily for any issues with your feet, such as cuts, scrapes or discoloration. Wash your feet with soap and water and dry your feet well to keep your feet from retaining once you put on your socks and shoes. It’s also wise to use lotion or other moisturizer on your feet to prevent skin from drying and cracking. If foot or nail fungus is evident, use an antifungal cream to reduce the risk of infection. Wear shoes that fit properly, give your feet and ankles support and allow your feet to breathe properly. Finally, visit a podiatrist regularly for preventative treatment and care of your feet.