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 Paul Potach, DPM from Illinois . Our practitioner 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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Blisters are common nuisances that can hinder an active lifestyle, but several effective prevention methods can help keep them at bay. One of the most important strategies is wearing properly fitted shoes that provide adequate support and cushioning. It is important to choose footwear that accommodates the shape of your feet, reducing friction and pressure points. Using moisture-wicking socks can also minimize the risk of blisters, as they help keep feet dry and reduce friction. Applying blister prevention products, such as protective adhesive bandages or lubricants, can create a barrier between the skin and footwear. Additionally, gradually breaking in new shoes allows your feet to adapt, reducing the likelihood of irritation. Foot blisters can be uncomfortable, causing difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have developed a foot blister that has become infected, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can provide adequate relief, and educate you on additional prevention methods.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Paul Potach, DPM of Illinois . Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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.

Gout is caused by an excess buildup of uric acid in the body, leading to the formation of sharp, needle-like crystals in the joints. Gout often affects the joint at the base of the big toe, resulting in sudden and severe pain, swelling, and redness. The affected area may feel warm, tender, and inflamed, making it difficult to put weight on the foot. These intense symptoms typically occur at night and can disrupt sleep. After the initial flare-up of gout, the extreme pain may subside, but discomfort and joint stiffness may persist for several days. Gout also may impact range of motion in the affected joint. Risk factors include a diet high in purine-rich foods, such as red meat and seafood, as well as excessive alcohol consumption and certain medications that raise uric acid levels. Other contributing factors include kidney disease, high blood pressure, and obesity. If you have symptoms of gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Paul Potach, DPM from Illinois . Our practitioner will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment 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.

A bunion is a bony prominence that forms at the base of the big toe, often resulting from an imbalance in foot mechanics. Common causes include genetics, wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, and certain foot conditions like arthritis. Symptoms typically include swelling, redness, and pain at the bunion site, along with difficulty in finding comfortable footwear. The big toe may also drift toward the other toes, increasing discomfort. To diagnose a bunion, a podiatrist will conduct a physical examination, assessing the foot's alignment and range of motion. X-rays may be ordered to evaluate the extent of the deformity and rule out other conditions. Early diagnosis is essential, as timely intervention can help manage symptoms and prevent the bunion from worsening, allowing individuals to maintain an active lifestyle without pain. If you have a bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide treatment.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Paul Potach, DPM of Illinois . Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, 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.