Some ankle fractures involve more than a simple break, and can affect multiple structures at once. In a less common pattern, the talus, a central bone in the ankle, can split from front to back while the inner ankle bone is also fractured. This type of injury may occur when the foot is forced downward with a twisting motion and strong pressure through the joint. These combined forces create instability and require careful management. Treatment often involves a surgical approach to realign the bones and secure them with screws so they can heal in the correct position. With proper healing and targeted exercises, many individuals regain good movement and have only mild discomfort over time. Because this type of fracture is complex, early care is important. If you have severe ankle pain after an injury, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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Ankle pain is common among runners because each step places force on the ankle joint. Over time, this pressure can lead to injury. One likely cause is an ankle sprain, which occurs when ligaments, the bands that connect bones, stretch or tear after a twist. Another is an ankle strain, resulting from tearing or overstretching the muscles or tendons attached to the bones. Inflammation of a tendon may develop from overuse or changes in training distance, while stress fractures are hairline cracks in a bone caused by repeated impact. Runners may notice swelling, tenderness, weakness, or pain that worsens during activity. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure and joint stability to find the source of discomfort. Treatment may include bracing and orthotics to improve proper alignment and reduce strain. If you are experiencing ankle pain from running, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Paul Potach, DPM of Illinois . Our practitioner will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause 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.

Pain under the big toe can be linked to irritation of the sesamoid bones, two small, round bones located beneath the big toe joint. These bones sit inside a tendon, a strong band of tissue that helps bend the toe. They act like shock absorbers and help support body weight when walking and running. Repetitive pressure from high-impact sports, wearing tight shoes, foot injuries, or certain foot structures can lead to inflammation in this area, known as sesamoiditis. People may notice aching, swelling, tenderness, or difficulty pushing off while walking. Pain may develop gradually and worsen with activity or when wearing shoes that press on the ball of the foot. A podiatrist can examine foot movement and order imaging tests to confirm the cause of pain. Treatment options include footwear guidance, protective padding, and custom orthotics to reduce pressure. If you have pain under the big toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Paul Potach, DPM of Illinois . Our practitioner will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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.

A bruised toenail can develop after the toe is injured by a heavy object, repeated pressure, or tight footwear. The injury can cause bleeding under the nail, which leads to dark discoloration that may appear red, purple, or black. This condition, often called a black toenail, occurs when blood is trapped beneath the nail. As the blood collects, pressure can build under the nail and cause throbbing pain or tenderness. In some cases, the nail may lift or loosen as the pressure increases. Although many bruised toenails gradually improve as the nail grows out, a severe injury may require medical evaluation. A podiatrist can examine the toe to determine whether there is significant pressure, infection, or damage to the nail bed, which is the tissue under the nail that supports nail growth. Proper diagnosis helps protect the nail and prevent long-term nail changes. If you have a painful toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Paul Potach, DPM of Illinois . Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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