Foot health plays a crucial role in maintaining an active and mobile lifestyle as you age. Your feet serve as the foundation for your lower extremities. Any significant foot disorder can impact your ability to walk, perform daily activities, and even engage in mild exercise. Having foot pain can lead to changes in your gait, which can, over time, affect your ankles, knees, hips, and even your back. While aging naturally brings changes to your feet, including alterations in shoe size and structure, discomfort and pain should not be considered normal. Properly fitting, supportive, and comfortable shoes can help prevent issues such as corns, arch pain, and bunions. Certain occupations may require safety toed shoes that may help to avoid foot injuries. Practical steps to promote foot health include daily foot inspections, regular toenail maintenance, and walking in comfortable shoes.  Addressing foot problems early and adopting preventive measures can reduce chronic pain, infections, hospital visits, and help you maintain your mobility. If you are having foot problems, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and a treatment plan that is right for you.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Illinois . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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 tailor's bunion, also known as a bunionette, is a condition characterized by the formation of a bony lump on the outer side of the little toe. This condition occurs when the fifth metatarsal bone, which is the bottom bone of the little toe, enlarges or shifts outward. Although less common than big toe bunions, a tailor's bunion can still cause discomfort and pain. Symptoms of a tailor's bunion include a swollen bump on the outer side of the toe, which can become red and painful, especially when it rubs against footwear. Tailor's bunions can affect one or both feet. Factors that contribute to the development of tailor's bunions include wearing ill-fitting shoes, being genetically predisposed to structural foot abnormalities, and having loose foot ligaments. A lower-than-normal fifth metatarsal bone or tight calf muscles can also contribute to the condition.  In severe cases, surgery may be recommended. For help with a bunionette, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Illinois . Our doctors 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.

Swollen feet, an uncomfortable condition, can be attributed to various factors. One prevalent cause is poor circulation, where blood struggles to flow efficiently, resulting in fluid buildup in the feet. Prolonged sitting or standing, especially in hot weather, can trigger this. Additionally, injuries such as sprains or fractures can lead to localized swelling. Certain medical conditions, such as hypertension, kidney disease, and heart failure, can contribute to fluid retention in the feet and ankles. Hormonal changes during pregnancy also play a role in swelling. Lastly, an unhealthy diet that is high in sodium can exacerbate fluid retention. Addressing swollen feet requires identifying the root cause, maintaining an active lifestyle, and wearing comfortable shoes. If you have swollen feet, it is strongly suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer correct relief and treatment remedies.  

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Illinois . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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.

Cracked heels, those uncomfortable and unsightly fissures in the skin, often catch us off guard. Cracked heels can occur for a variety of factors, with dry skin being a prominent contributor. Excessive exposure to harsh weather, improper footwear, and prolonged standing can exacerbate the issue. Prevention starts with consistent moisturization that consists of regular application of a thick, emollient foot cream that can help to keep the skin supple. Exfoliating gently removes dead skin cells, allowing better absorption of moisturizers. Additionally, wearing well-fitting shoes with proper cushioning minimizes pressure on the heels. In cases of severe cracking, medical attention from a podiatrist may be necessary. Prescription creams and ointments, along with professional treatment, can help to provide relief. Embracing a routine of foot care and protective measures is key to healing those cracks and restoring smooth, comfortable feet. If you are afflicted with cracked heels, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist. 

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.