When rheumatoid arthritis affects the feet and ankles, it can lead to progressive joint damage and deformities that interfere with basic movement. Pain, stiffness, and swelling commonly develop in the toes, midfoot, and ankles, often affecting both feet. Patients may experience bunions, claw toes, or hammertoes, making walking painful and forcing changes in gait. In advanced stages, the arches may collapse, or bumps may form along the midfoot, which can make wearing shoes painful. If medication does not adequately manage the foot or ankle pain, a podiatrist may recommend surgery. Common procedures include arthrodesis, which is a fusion of bones after removing damaged joint surfaces, and arthroplasty, which is a partial or total joint replacement. Fusion is especially common in the hindfoot and midfoot, where it can restore stability and reduce deformity. In the forefoot, surgery may straighten or reposition the toes. Ankle procedures include joint fusion or replacement, depending on the extent of damage. If you have foot pain related to arthritis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

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.

Foot and ankle injuries are common and can affect people of all ages and activity levels. Neuromas involve thickened nerve tissue, often between the toes, leading to burning pain and tingling sensations. Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bone caused by repetitive impact, often seen in athletes or individuals with increased physical activity. Plantar fasciitis is a condition where the band of tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed, resulting in sharp heel pain, especially in the morning. Heel spurs are bony growths that may develop in response to long-term plantar fasciitis. Additionally, bunions are painful bumps that form at the base of the big toe due to joint misalignment. Foot pain can develop for various reasons, and may cause difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have foot pain of any type, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer an appropriate treatment plan.

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.

Hammertoe is a condition where one or more of the smaller toes bends at the middle joint, causing a curled appearance that resembles a hammer. This condition often develops due to an imbalance in the tendons controlling toe movement. It may result from genetics, injury, or pressure from other foot issues such as bunions. The second toe is most commonly affected. The pain can be quite uncomfortable, especially when wearing tight shoes. In addition to pain, you may notice corns on the top of the toe and calluses on the ball of the foot due to extra pressure during walking. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition, often with an X-ray to assess its severity. Treatment may involve taping or splinting the toe to reduce strain, along with custom orthotics to improve foot alignment and redistribute pressure. In more severe cases, a podiatrist may recommend surgery for relief and to restore proper foot function. If you have a painful hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Illinois . Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work 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.

Falling can cause significant injuries to the feet, including sprains, fractures, and bruising. Impact from a fall may weaken the muscles and joints, leading to instability and discomfort. Strengthening the feet can help prevent falls by improving balance and stability. Using a resistance band to perform foot exercises enhances flexibility and strengthens the muscles that support the arches. Picking up marbles with the toes helps improve dexterity and grip strength, making the feet more responsive to changes in terrain. Regular stretching and strengthening exercises increase foot control, reducing the risk of missteps. Wearing supportive footwear and maintaining strong, flexible feet contribute to better stability. If you have fallen and have sustained a foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you promptly visit a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions.

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.