Many types of arthritis can affect the small joints of the feet, ankles, and toes. These include osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). OA is thought to be a wear and tear disease because it causes the cartilage in the joints to wear down from repeated stress over time. The bones lose their protective coverings and start to rub together leading to inflammation and pain. This type of arthritis mainly affects the first metatarsal joint (MTP), which connects the big toe to the foot. It can also impact the midfoot and ankle. RA is an autoimmune disease that involves multiple joints throughout the body. The immune system causes inflammation that attacks the synovium (lining of the joints) that cover joints and causes them to become swollen and painful. This type of arthritis often begins in the feet and ankles but can also affect the heels, midfoot, and forefoot. It is symmetrical, meaning it affects the same joints on both sides of the body. Repeated attacks can lead to bone, joint, ligament and tendon damage, eventually causing deformity or disability. Anyone with these or other types of arthritis can experience foot involvement and it can make it hard to walk and get through daily life. While there is no cure for arthritis, there are treatment options to slow down the progression of the disease and relieve symptoms. Please see a podiatrist for help if your arthritis is affecting your feet.

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 joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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.

Many different individuals might experience some kind of ankle pain or stiffness at some point in their lives. There are many different causes and types of ankle pain. However, if the ankle is feeling stiff, sore, or painful, gently stretching the ankle may be beneficial for some people. An individual might consider performing ankle circles where, in a seated position with one leg crossed over another, you move the foot off of the ground in a circle. Another potential stretch is known as the towel stretch where a person sits on the ground with their legs stretched out in front of them. Then, the person wraps a towel around the bottom of the feet, and gently and repeatedly pulls the towel toward themselves. Of course, it is always a good idea to consult with a medical professional before performing stretches. Contact a podiatrist today to see if you can mitigate your ankle pain or stiffness by performing any of these stretches. 

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Preventing a fall is paramount for seniors, and luckily experts can recommend a number of ways to do just that. Fall-proofing the home environment is first on the list. Start by decluttering floors and narrow hallways, and choose chairs that are stable. Avoid sitting on low chairs, sofas, folding chairs, and chairs on wheels that may affect your balance. Install nightlights in hallways and lamps beside your bed, as well as adding grab bars in tub and shower areas. Remove throw rugs or loose carpeting. Other fall prevention tips include wearing shoes with non-skid soles, avoiding loose clothing that may get caught on something, and going barefoot or wearing just socks when walking in the house. Further, it’s a good idea to review medications for side-effects, such as dizziness or drowsiness, that may contribute to a fall. Having eyeglasses prescriptions updated is recommended. If you have neuropathy, arthritis, or any other foot and ankle conditions that affect your stability when standing or walking, please visit a podiatrist for information on walking aids or devices that may help.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Illinois . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious 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.

A healthy child has healthy feet, and so it is critical for parents to be aware of foot afflictions that may negatively impact their child’s feet. One of these conditions is known as intoeing, or pigeon toes, which occurs when a child’s toes point inwards. Intoeing can be present in infants from birth, as a result of twisted foot contortions within the uterus. Pigeon toes can also develop later in childhood, most likely due to movement of the tibia. In many cases, a child’s intoeing may actually correct itself over a period of time. However, if the condition persists and interferes with the child’s walking ability, then specific treatment options may be needed. These might include a surgical procedure or a variety of casts to correct the abnormality. If you are concerned about your child’s intoeing, please make an appointment with a trusted podiatrist today.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our podiatrists of Illinois . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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.

The forefoot is a third of the foot which is closest to the toes. Pain in this area, sometimes referred to as metatarsalgia, often centers on the ball of the foot and the toes. Causes include bunions or other misalignment of the toes, rheumatoid arthritis, or a buildup of calluses. Another common cause is sesamoiditis, an inflammation of two tiny bones near the toes, called sesamoids. This is often seen in dancers, runners, and athletes who apply pressure when flexing the toes. Morton’s neuroma is another cause, which damages nerves that run between the toes. Pain and a burning sensation from this condition is generally located between the 3rd and 4th toes. This is more common in women, especially those who wear high heels with pointy toes. Being overweight, stress fractures, and high arches can also contribute to metatarsalgia.  Forefoot pain usually gets worse when walking, standing, and running, or when the foot is flexed. To have your forefoot pain properly diagnosed, please visit a podiatrist.

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.