Items filtered by date: May 2022

Blisters on the feet can put a damper on enjoying everyday activities. They are defined as small pockets of fluid that naturally form over damaged skin. A blister is filled with protective liquid that protects the raw skin. It will gradually drain on its own when new skin has formed. It is important to learn about how to prevent blisters from developing, and there are simple methods that can be implemented. These can include wearing shoes and socks that fit correctly, and removing any pebbles that may have gotten into the shoes or socks to avoid irritation. Additionally, it is beneficial to remove the socks at the first sign of tenderness or redness. A protective covering can be worn over the blister, and this is generally effective in preventing premature popping. If you would like more information about how to treat existing blisters and to learn about additional prevention methods, please consult with a podiatrist.

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.

Research has shown that one of the leading causes of injury among older people is falling. It can lead to a fractured foot and other bones may break when falling occurs. As we age, our bones can become brittle and the risk of falling increases. There are preventive methods that may help to prevent falling. These can include having routine medical examinations performed which can also be useful in updating existing medication. Additionally, it is beneficial to remove worn rugs in the living area and to improve lighting in the house. Many people have installed grab bars in the shower and toilet areas as this can help to provide stability. Incorporating a gentle exercise regime as part of your daily routine can help to improve muscle strength and wearing shoes that fit correctly is instrumental in the prevention of falls. Using walkers or canes can be crucial in maintaining balance and it is important to refrain from drinking excess alcohol. Several foot conditions can result from falling so it is advised that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you with effective prevention methods.

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 Fox Valley Foot and Ankle Specialists. 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 office located in Naperville, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Anyone who plays sports, wears high heels, or spends a lot of time on their feet is at risk of spraining or straining one of the many ligaments in the ankle joint. It is possible to help an ankle sprain heal more quickly and to limit the damage with a few simple measures: Rest the ankle, and try to avoid bearing weight or repeating the activity that caused the pain. Apply ice packs to the area, for about 10 minutes, making sure to cover your skin with a cloth or towel first. This method can help keep the swelling to a minimum and can be repeated after an hour or so. Wrap the ankle with an elastic bandage or wear an ankle brace for stability, but avoid making it so tight that it cuts off the blood flow to the feet. Elevate the joint by keeping it at a 45 degree angle with your leg extended. Gently flex and point your foot to evaluate the pain level. If the pain lingers or increases after a day or so, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a complete examination and diagnosis, along with a treatment plan to heal and then strengthen the joint. 

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

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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.

Anyone who experiences pain in the ball of the foot, knows how it can affect the quality of life. This condition, known as metatarsalgia, is often the result of too much running, calluses under the midfoot, or a bunion or other malformation that throws off the gait. These can result in increased pressure on the metatarsals (the long bones of the foot that connect the toe and ankle bones). They become bruised and sore. One way to help ease the pain is bathe your foot in epsom salts and warm water for ten to twelve minutes. Another is to ice the area, being sure to cover the foot before applying an ice pack. Other self-help methods are to treat yourself to a foot massage and embark on a regime of simple foot exercises. One very important way to reduce metatarsal pain is to stop doing things that contribute to it or make it worse. Give up the high-heeled and pointy-toed shoes, because they not only force more pressure onto the ball of the foot, but also can cause a number of other foot maladies, such as bunions, hammertoes, corns or calluses, to develop. If the pain in the ball of your foot continues, or worsens, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can diagnose the specific problem and inform you of further treatment options. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, 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.

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 office located in Naperville, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When the heel bone suffers repeated strain or irritation, the body can react by sending extra amounts of calcium to the injury site to protect it. Among the causes are poorly fitting shoes, obesity, arthritis, gait abnormalities, excessive running, and plantar fasciitis. This calcium can build up over time and cause hard, pointy deposits, known as spurs, to develop on the heel bone. Heel spurs can cause pain that may be worse in the morning or more mild and steady throughout the day. Rest or activity can trigger the pain. Heel spurs may occur along with plantar fasciitis, which may cause tenderness and inflammation as well. Not all heel spurs are painful, but those that are can be treated by a podiatrist with a variety of therapies including custom orthotics, physical therapy, cortisol injections, anti-inflammatory medications, or surgery if more conservative methods do not provide relief. 

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Fox Valley Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Naperville, IL . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.