Ingrown toenails develop when the edge of a nail grows into the surrounding skin, often affecting the big toe. Common causes of ingrown toenails include tight-fitting shoes that crowd the toes, improper nail trimming, and injury to the toe. Naturally curved nails, as well as repeated pressure from walking or sports, can increase risk. Symptoms include pain along the nail edge, redness, swelling, and tenderness when pressure is applied. As the ingrown toenail worsens, the skin may become inflamed. Fluid or pus can form if bacteria enter the area. Some people notice slight bleeding or extra skin forming around the nail. A podiatrist can diagnose the severity of the condition, trim or remove the problem portion of the nail, and provide care to reduce infection and prevent recurrence. If you are experiencing pain from an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

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 Paul Potach, DPM of Illinois . Our practitioner 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.

A heel spur is a bony growth that develops on the underside of the heel, often associated with inflammation of the foot muscles and ligaments. It commonly forms over time due to repetitive stress and strain on the plantar fascia, the strong band of tissue running from the heels to the toes. Symptoms include heel pain that may feel sharp or aching and is often worse after periods of rest or when first standing. Risk factors include high impact activities, sudden increases in exercise intensity, wearing improper footwear, and prolonged standing. Without proper care, discomfort may persist and affect mobility. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing the condition, reducing inflammation, and recommending supportive treatments. If you have heel pain and it has become difficult to complete daily activities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective relief solutions.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Paul Potach, DPM from Illinois . Our practitioner will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

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.

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.