Ingrown toenails, which account for about 20 percent of all foot issues, develop when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin. The affected toe may look red, swollen, and tender. In some cases, pus or an infection may develop. An ingrown toenail may feel painful or sore, especially when wearing shoes or applying pressure. Common causes include improper nail trimming, wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear, injury to the toe, or hereditary nail shape. A podiatrist can begin by examining the nail and surrounding tissue, assessing the severity of the ingrown nail, and checking for infection. Treatment may include safe removal of the ingrown portion, guidance on proper nail care, and infection management, if needed. Recommendations for protective footwear or orthotics to reduce pressure may be provided. In chronic or severe cases, minor surgery may be performed to prevent recurrence. Because early professional care reduces pain and prevents complications, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Paul Potach, DPM of Illinois . Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right 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.

Arthritis in the feet and ankles can develop when the joints become inflamed or the protective cartilage wears down, over time. This often leads to pain and stiffness with movement. It can affect one joint or several areas at once, including the toes, arch, heel, or ankle. Patients notice aching pain, swelling, tenderness, or reduced flexibility that may worsen after walking or standing for long periods of time. Some joints may appear enlarged or feel warm. In advanced cases, the shape of the foot can gradually change. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout are among the most common forms of arthritis that affect the lower extremities. Previous injuries, aging, excess pressure on the joints, and autoimmune disease can all contribute to the condition. A podiatrist can examine the affected joints, evaluate foot mechanics, and recommend treatment to reduce pain and improve mobility. Care may include wearing supportive footwear, targeted exercises, medication, or other therapies designed to protect the joints. If you have foot or ankle pain caused by arthritis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management tips.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Paul Potach, DPM from Illinois . Our practitioner 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.

Heel discomfort is commonly linked to plantar fasciitis, which is inflammation of the thick band of tissue that supports the arch and connects the heel bone to the toes. This condition often causes sharp pain with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. Although plantar fasciitis is one of the most frequent causes of heel pain, it is not the only explanation for ongoing symptoms. Problems involving nerves, tendons, stress injuries, or soft tissue irritation can also create pain in the heel area. Some conditions produce burning, tingling, swelling, or aching that becomes worse with activity. Because several foot disorders can feel similar, a proper diagnosis is important before treatment begins. A podiatrist can examine the foot, evaluate movement, and use imaging studies to identify the true source of pain. If you have persistent heel discomfort, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Paul Potach, DPM of Illinois . Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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 can develop for many reasons and may affect comfort and mobility throughout the day. Foot injuries such as sprains or strains can lead to localized swelling and tenderness. Edema, which is the buildup of fluid in the tissues, is another common cause and may be related to circulation issues or underlying health concerns. Lifestyle factors like sitting for long periods of time or standing all day can place added pressure on the feet. Pregnancy may also contribute due to increased fluid retention and changes in circulation. Risk factors include poor circulation, wearing improper footwear, and certain medical conditions. A podiatrist can evaluate the cause, recommend treatment, and provide guidance to reduce swelling. If your feet and ankles are consistently swollen, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Paul Potach, DPM of Illinois . Our practitioner 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.