November 2024

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, can cause stiffness, swelling, and pain in the feet, making it difficult to move and walk comfortably. Specific exercises can help improve flexibility, and strength, and reduce discomfort. Gentle stretching exercises, such as toe flexes and ankle rotations, can increase joint mobility and ease tension in the foot. Strengthening exercises, like towel scrunches and marble pickups, engage the small muscles in the feet, promoting stability and supporting proper foot function. In addition, calf stretches can relieve tension in the lower legs and help reduce pressure on the feet. Low-impact activities, such as swimming or cycling, are also beneficial for improving circulation and overall joint function without putting undue stress on the feet. If you have any type of foot arthritis, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management tips.

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 and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cracked heels are a common foot issue that can be both uncomfortable and unsightly. Several factors contribute to this condition, including dry skin, prolonged standing, and exposure to harsh environmental conditions. Wearing open-back shoes can accelerate the problem by failing to provide adequate support. To prevent cracked heels, it is essential to keep the feet well-hydrated by using thick moisturizers regularly, especially after bathing. Wearing well-fitting, supportive footwear can reduce stress on the heels and prevent dryness. Additionally, exfoliating the feet weekly can help remove dead skin buildup, promoting healthier skin. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals also supports skin health. Cracked heels can be painful and unsightly, and may cause difficulty completing daily tasks. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can prescribe medication as part of a successful treatment plan.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Illinois . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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.

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, occurs when blood flow to the feet and legs is restricted due to narrowed arteries. This condition can significantly impact the health of your feet. One of the primary symptoms of peripheral artery disease is muscle cramping or pain during physical activity, but it often affects the feet in more critical ways. People with PAD may notice that cuts, scrapes, or blisters on their feet are slow to heal. In fact, they may not heal at all. Prolonged inadequate blood flow can result in tissue damage, resulting in ulcers or even gangrene. Poor circulation caused by PAD also can lead to a decreased skin temperature in the feet, making one foot feel much colder than the other. Other visible signs include poor nail growth or the loss of hair on the toes and lower legs. A podiatrist can help to manage PAD by monitoring blood circulation in the feet and implementing treatment that enhances blood flow and promotes healing. If you have foot problems caused by peripheral artery disease, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with one of our podiatrists from Illinois . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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.

Ankle pain when walking can have several causes, ranging from injury to underlying medical conditions. Common injuries like sprains or strains occur when ligaments or muscles in the ankle are overstretched or torn, often from twisting or rolling the ankle. Ankle bruising, fractures, or breaks can also result in significant discomfort, especially when weight is placed on the joint. Conditions such as osteoarthritis and gout can lead to chronic ankle pain. Osteoarthritis pain is the result of cartilage breakdown between the bones, while gout is inflammation caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the ankle joint. A podiatrist can diagnose the cause of ankle pain and offer appropriate treatment options. If you experience ankle pain when you walk, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Illinois . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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.