Items filtered by date: January 2023

Patients who notice a lump on the sole of their foot will often visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis. It may be a plantar fibroma, which develops in the plantar fascia along the bottom of the foot. A plantar fibroma is considered to be a rare and benign condition but it can be painful as shoes that are worn press against the offending lump. Additionally, pain and discomfort may be felt when standing for extended periods, or when walking barefoot. Research has indicated there is no cure for this condition so many patients will take steps to reduce the pain. This may be achieved by using oral or injected steroids, in addition to extracorporeal shockwave therapy, known as ESWT. If you have this condition, it is strongly urged that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine the best course of treatment. 

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

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

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most well-known conditions that can negatively impact the feet, and it is defined as the inflammation of the plantar fascia along the arch of the foot. Most commonly, individuals discuss the symptoms in the feet that are associated with plantar fasciitis. Importantly, this includes heel pain. However, individuals with severe cases of plantar fasciitis may also experience symptoms throughout their bodies. Notably, an individual with bad plantar fasciitis may eventually begin to notice pain in the lower back area. In a related way, an individual’s hips may also begin to hurt if plantar fasciitis is left untreated for a long period. Lastly, the knees may also be negatively impacted. The lower back, hips, and knees may be adversely affected by plantar fasciitis because of the change in gait that plantar fasciitis produces. If you are someone that struggles with plantar fasciitis, contact a podiatrist today for guidance. Schedule an appointment today.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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 tibial nerve connects the back of the leg to the inner ankle. Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when this nerve becomes pinched and can happen if an injury has occurred. It may also develop if a surrounding tendon becomes inflamed, or from rolling the ankle inward while running. Common symptoms that are generally associated with tarsal tunnel syndrome often include a soreness in the arch or sole of the foot, and the affected area may tingle or become numb. Temporary relief may be found when supportive shoes, custom made orthotics, or arch supports are worn. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer correct treatment techniques.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, 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.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require 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 and ankle needs.

Many people need walking aids, such as canes and walkers, as a result of an injury, medical procedure, or the aging process. Proper use of a cane or walker can be essential for maintaining your balance, enhancing the healing process, and preventing re-injury. Most walking devices are adjustable, and being fitted for the height of the device is important. According to experts, the handle of the cane or walker should hit the crease in the wrist with your arms at your side. Also, the wrists should not feel twisted when using the device. If you have to put your entire weight onto the walker to take a step, it may be necessary to add extra foam cushioning on the handles. When taking a step with these devices, the cane and the weaker foot should hit the ground at the same time. Holding the cane in the opposite hand works best to achieve this balance. For more information on the proper walking aid for you, please consult a podiatrist. 

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.

Damaged nerves in the feet may cause a condition that is called neuropathy. The network of nerves that are found outside the central nervous system are referred to as the peripheral nervous system, and are separated into three categories. Pain and touch are controlled by the sensory nerves, and natural functions consisting of blood pressure and bladder control are grouped into the autonomic nerves. The motor nerves are responsible for controlling muscle movement, and approximately 10 percent of the population in the United Kingdom is affected by neuropathy. Common symptoms that people can experience include a loss of balance, weakened feet, and there may be a numbing, or burning sensation in the hands and feet. People who are diabetic may be susceptible to developing neuropathy, as a result of elevated blood sugar levels. Additionally, a nerve injury may cause this condition, or it may occur from taking specific medications. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can guide you toward the right treatment solutions.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, 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 for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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.