Items filtered by date: June 2022

Excess uric acid crystals can cause a condition known as gout. It is brought on by elevated purines in the bloodstream that form crystals in the joint of the big toe and cause extreme pain and discomfort. Gout can occur from genetic reasons, eating foods such as shellfish and red meat, excess alcohol use, or drinks made with large amounts of sugar. The pain that accompanies gout is sudden and generally happens in the early morning hours. It was referred to as a “rich man’s disease” because wealthy people often consumed these types of extravagant foods. There are effective prevention methods that may reduce the risk of getting gout. These include eating healthy foods and maintaining a normal weight. Also, it can be beneficial to practice a simple exercise program, and drinking plenty of fresh water can help to improve kidney function. If you have frequent gout attacks, it is wise to be under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat this painful ailment.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Fox Valley Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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.

Most of us take our feet for granted, even though they are the most overworked and overburdened parts of our body. Given how important our feet are in having a healthy, full life, it stands to reason that we should practice proper foot health care. Neglecting to do so leaves us open to various foot ailments that can make walking hard and restrict our overall mobility. There are several things you can do to care for your feet. To start with, frequently examine your feet for any abnormalities. Wash your feet daily to rid them of dirt and sweat. Make sure to dry the feet thoroughly. Exfoliate them regularly to rid them of thick, hardened skin that tends to develop on weight-bearing and high-friction areas. Moisturize the feet to keep them soft and hydrated, making them less prone to cracked heels. Wear well-fitted shoes that provide adequate support to allow for ease of movement as well as to help prevent foot pain and injuries. Trim your toenails along the curve, without cutting them too short to ward against ingrown toenails. Soak the feet and massage them to relax, bring down any swelling, and help you calm and unwind after a long day. If you have an underlying health condition or find you are developing problems like corns, calluses, blisters, or infections, see a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. 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.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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.

The pain from a foot condition that is known as Morton’s neuroma is generally found in the ball of the foot. A neuroma is another name for a pinched nerve or nerve tumor. It is often benign, and can grow and spread to other nerves in the foot. It is an ailment that affects the nerves between the third and fourth toes, and can cause severe pain and discomfort. Many patients describe the pain as feeling like a pebble or marble under the foot, and possibly cause difficulty in completing daily activities. Common reasons for this condition to develop can include frequently wearing high heels, and participating in running and jumping activities that can compress the feet in shoes. Additionally, medical conditions consisting of bunions and hammertoes may lead to getting Morton’s neuroma. A proper diagnosis consists of having a CT scan taken, or possibly an MRI. Many people have found mild relief when specific foot stretches are performed, and it can be beneficial to wear shoes that fit correctly. These types of shoes will have adequate room for the toes to move freely in, and this can help to achieve full range of motion and flexibility. Morton’s neuroma can be painful, and can hinder the ability to complete daily tasks. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested you consult with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat Morton’s neuroma.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Fox Valley Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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.

The heel condition that is referred to as Sever’s disease generally affects children and young teenagers who are involved in sporting activities. The heel can often feel sore when Sever’s disease is present, and it may be difficult to walk. It is defined as a condition that affects the growth plate in the heel, and can be confirmed by having a physical examination performed. Relief is often found when the activity that caused the condition is stopped, and the heel is frequently rested. It is important to practice specific stretches once the heel feels better, and this may help to accelerate the recovery process. Many patients choose to wear a heel cushion in their shoe which may be able to provide additional padding. If your child is affected by Sever’s disease, it is advised that a podiatrist be consulted for proper prevention and healing tips.

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.