Items filtered by date: December 2023

A bunion, characterized by a bony protrusion at the base of the big toe, can significantly impact everyday activities, introducing challenges and discomfort into routine tasks. Walking, a fundamental activity, becomes hindered as the misalignment of the big toe alters the foot's natural biomechanics, leading to pain and difficulty finding suitable footwear. The act of standing or even simple weight-bearing activities may provoke increased pressure on the bunion, intensifying discomfort. Selecting appropriate shoes becomes a continual challenge, as the bony prominence may not comfortably fit into regular footwear, exacerbating the interference with daily life. Activities that involve prolonged periods of standing or walking may become sources of constant discomfort, affecting productivity and overall well-being. Recognizing the interference bunions can pose underscores the importance of proactive measures, including wearing comfortable shoes. If you have a bunion, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can provide you with relief and treatment strategies.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Fox Valley Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Naperville, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Running can stress the foot's 26 bones and 30 joints, leading to overuse and traumatic injuries. Common foot conditions associated with running include plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, Morton’s neuroma, and stress fractures. Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes stabbing heel pain, especially in the morning or after rest, due to inflammation of the plantar fascia. Metatarsalgia results in pain between the toes, feeling like pebbles in the shoe. Excess pressure on the metatarsal bones, often from intense running or wearing ill-fitting shoes, can lead to this condition. Morton’s neuroma is similar to metatarsalgia but with added burning, tingling, numbness, and sharp pains, often surrounding the balls of the feet. Stress fractures are small cracks in bones due to repetitive stress, often in metatarsal bones. If you participate in sporting activities and foot pain is experienced, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can perform a routine examination and offer appropriate treatment options.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from Fox Valley Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Naperville, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

People can drop a heavy object on their foot, and may wonder if it is a temporary pain or something more serious like a broken toe. Broken toes are often the result of such accidents as having a heavy object drop on the foot, jamming it into a piece of furniture, or from missing a step. They can also occur due to an aggravated stress fracture, abnormal foot structure, or conditions such as osteoporosis. When a toe breaks, it causes severe pain, swelling, and bruising. Walking becomes difficult, but it is important to note that the ability to walk on a broken toe does not rule out a fracture. Diagnosis typically involves a visual examination and may require X-rays to be taken. Treatment options range from rest and elevation for minor fractures to splinting or buddy taping for more severe cases. In rare instances, surgery may be necessary to ensure proper healing. Complications such as toenail trauma, chronic pain, stiffness, and deformity can arise if a broken toe is not treated correctly. If you suspect you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a timely and effective recovery.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Fox Valley Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Naperville, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot surgery is a decision often made with the goal of alleviating persistent discomfort and enhancing overall foot health. One common reason to have foot surgery is the correction of structural abnormalities, such as bunions or hammertoes, which can cause pain and affect mobility. Surgical intervention may also be necessary to address severe cases of conditions like plantar fasciitis, where conservative treatments have proven insufficient. Removal of painful growths or deformities, such as cysts or bone spurs, is another motive for foot surgery. Injuries, such as fractures or torn ligaments, may require surgical repair to restore normal function. In some cases, joint fusion or replacement becomes a viable option for advanced arthritis. Surgical procedures tailored to specific needs can significantly improve quality of life, reduce pain, and restore mobility, allowing individuals to step into a future with greater comfort and functionality. If you have a specific foot condition and are considering surgery, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you determine if this is a correct decision for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Fox Valley Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Naperville, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Custom orthotics are particularly recommended for individuals with flat feet, poor foot and ankle stability, specific foot and ankle conditions, knee pain, or hip pain. Each pair of custom orthotics is uniquely designed and made after a comprehensive biomechanical assessment. This process includes an interview to understand your symptoms and a physical test of foot and limb flexibility, strength, and mobility. In addition, a gait analysis is conducted and a specialized imprint of your foot is made. Custom orthotics are effective in treating conditions such as plantar fasciitis, flat feet, bunions, shin splints, metatarsalgia, and Morton's neuroma. If you seek relief from foot pain and discomfort, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss whether you are a good candidate for custom foot orthotics.

Custom orthotics and shoe inserts are not just for cushioning the soles; they are about supporting the foundation of our body - our feet. The advantages extend far beyond immediate relief from discomfort. These personalized solutions, that Our doctors can prescribe, can significantly impact a person’s posture, alleviate pain in various parts of the body, and even enhance athletic performance.

As we lace up our shoes each day, having the right support can make a world of difference. Custom orthotics are like tailored suites for our feet, offering a bespoke solution to address our unique biomechanical needs. They provide stability where it is lacking, correct imbalances, and ensure that every step is a confident and pain-free one. 

Custom orthotics and shoe inserts offer long-term health benefits. By addressing issues such as overpronation or underpronation, heel pain, plantar fasciitis, etc. orthotics can help prevent injuries and mitigate the progression of existing conditions. It’s an investment not just in the present, but in the future health of your feet and consequently, your overall well-being. 

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Naperville, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.