Get Professional Care for a Broken Foot or Ankle

Constant care and regular evaluation are important for a foot or ankle fracture. If left untreated, foot or ankle fractures can worsen over time and create more serious problems.

Don't wait to be examined if you believe you've experienced a foot or ankle fracture.

Arthritis That Can Take a Toll on the Ankles

The ankle joint carries the body’s weight with every step, making it vulnerable when arthritis sets in. One common type is osteoarthritis, which develops gradually as cartilage wears down over time, leading to stiffness and pain. Rheumatoid arthritis is another, caused by the immune system attacking the joint lining, often affecting both ankles at once and causing swelling and deformity. Post-traumatic arthritis can appear years after an ankle injury, such as a fracture or severe sprain, as damaged cartilage breaks down earlier than normal. Less commonly, gout targets the ankle when uric acid crystals build up, triggering sudden, sharp pain and redness. Each form of arthritis may affect the ankle differently, but all can reduce mobility and interfere with daily life. If you have any kind of ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate care.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Illinois . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

  • Swelling
  • Pain
  • Stiffness
  • Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

  • Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
  • Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
  • Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
  • Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
  • Age – Risk increases with age
  • Gender –Most types are more common in women
  • Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Wheeling and Berwyn, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about How to Care for Your Arthritic Foot

How Ankle Sprains and Strains Differ

Ankle sprains and ankle strains are among the most frequent causes of ankle pain, yet they involve different tissues. A sprain affects the ligaments, which are the strong bands of tissue that hold the bones of the ankle together. These ligaments can stretch or tear if the ankle twists too far, such as when stepping off a curb or landing awkwardly during sports. A strain involves the muscles or tendons of the ankle, which can be overstretched or torn from overuse, sudden movements, or repetitive force, such as running long distances or frequent jumping. Both injuries can cause swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking, but sprains typically occur from acute trauma, while strains are more often linked to chronic overuse. A podiatrist can diagnose the exact problem and provide the proper treatment to restore function. If you have incurred an ankle injury, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact one of our podiatrists from Illinois . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

  • Pain at the sight of the tear
  • Bruising/Swelling
  • Ankle area is tender to touch
  • In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
  • Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

  • Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
  • Stretching before exercises and sports
  • Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Wheeling and Berwyn, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Options Beyond Basic Care for Ingrown Toenails

When an ingrown toenail keeps coming back or causes significant pain, treatment often moves beyond simple soaks and shoe changes. Partial nail avulsion is a common procedure where a podiatrist removes the offending edge to relieve pressure and allow the skin to heal. In some cases, a small amount of the nail root is treated with a chemical or laser to prevent regrowth in that section. For nails distorted by trauma or fungal infection, reconstructive techniques can restore a smoother edge and reduce future irritation. Persistent inflammation may be addressed with targeted medication to calm tissue and prevent infection. These approaches aim to correct the problem at its source rather than just relieve symptoms. If ingrown toenail discomfort, swelling, or infection continues despite initial care, a podiatrist can recommend the most effective option for lasting relief.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Illinois . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

  • Improper toenail trimming
  • Genetics
  • Improper shoe fitting
  • Injury from pedicures or nail picking
  • Abnormal gait
  • Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Wheeling and Berwyn, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Understanding Compartment Syndrome of the Foot

Compartment syndrome of the foot occurs when increased pressure within the muscle compartments of the foot restricts blood flow. The most common cause is high-energy trauma, like fractures from a fall or motor vehicle accident. Symptoms of compartment syndrome include intense pain, swelling, bruising, and sometimes numbness or tingling. The affected muscle compartments are surrounded by dense fibrous tissue, which can prevent proper circulation. If not treated promptly, this may result in muscle death and long-term foot dysfunction, including clawing of the toes. A podiatrist can assess the injury by performing a thorough clinical evaluation, and using pressure monitoring to confirm the diagnosis. If compartment syndrome is identified, this foot doctor may recommend surgery to relieve the pressure and restore circulation. Early intervention is critical to prevent severe complications. If you are experiencing this type of foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an immediate appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with one of our podiatrists from Illinois . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

  • Broken bones
  • Muscle strains
  • Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
  • Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

  • Bruising
  • Inflammation/ Swelling
  • Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Wheeling and Berwyn, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Foot and Ankle Fractures

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