Running is an exhilarating pursuit, but for many avid runners, the nagging presence of blisters can turn each stride into a painful ordeal. Blisters are pockets of clear fluid that form on the feet and toes but are largely preventable with the right precautions. These bubbles arise from the friction and heat generated during running. The body's response is the formation of a protective fluid bubble between layers of skin, in an effort to prevent further harm. Blisters are characterized by clear liquid-filled bubbles, occasional redness, or bruising. They can even form beneath toenails, potentially resulting in black toenails if they burst. The primary causes of running blisters are improper shoe fit and wet running conditions. Ill-fitting shoes, whether too large or too tight, create friction, leading to these blister formations. Running in wet conditions simply compounds the issue. Rain, mud, or snow softens the skin, while the heat and sweat produced during running create a humid environment inside the shoe. This supplies a perfect environment for blisters. Neglecting proper care of blisters can increase pain and risk of infection. If you have persistent problems with blisters from running or have one that has become infected, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, 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.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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.

Sever's disease, a common but often misunderstood condition, is not truly a disease, but rather a growth-related heel pain that affects active children and adolescents. This condition, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, occurs when the growth plate at the back of the heel becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress and tension. Children between the ages of 8 and 15 are most susceptible to Sever's disease, as this is typically when their bones are rapidly growing. This growth spurt places extra stress on the heel's growth plate, especially in active children who participate in sports or activities that involve running and jumping. The hallmark symptom of Sever's disease is heel pain, often exacerbated by physical activity. This pain can be particularly bothersome during or after exercise. Understanding Sever's disease is essential for parents and young athletes, as it enables early recognition and appropriate management. If your active child has heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat Sever’s disease.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Fox Valley Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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 injuries.

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.