Custom orthotics play a vital role in managing Achilles tendinopathy by providing personalized support and alleviating strain on the tendon. Achilles tendinopathy, caused by overuse or improper biomechanics, results in pain and inflammation in the Achilles tendon. Custom orthotics are designed to correct abnormal foot mechanics, such as overpronation or flat feet, which can contribute to the excessive stress placed on the tendon. By redistributing pressure and improving foot alignment, custom orthotics help reduce the tension on the Achilles tendon during walking and physical activity. This reduces pain, promotes healing, and minimizes the risk of further injury. Unlike generic, off-the-shelf orthotics, custom devices are tailored to the individual's specific foot shape and gait, ensuring optimal support and cushioning. If you are suffering from Achilles tendinopathy, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to see if custom orthotics can be an effective solution for you.

The benefits of custom orthotics are far-reaching and can make a significant impact on your daily life. Whether you are an athlete looking to enhance your performance, a healthcare worker on your feet every day, someone who experiences chronic foot pain, or someone who wants to improve their overall comfort and well-being, custom orthotics can be a game changer. 

Custom orthotics provide support, stability, and relief for a variety of foot conditions ranging from flat feet to heel pain. They can even help prevent injuries and address more severe foot concerns, such as plantar fasciitis and diabetic foot issues. 

Contact one of our podiatrists at Fox Valley Foot and Ankle Specialists to create tailored orthotics for you and enjoy a higher quality of life, reduced pain, and increased mobility. With the right orthotics, you can continue doing the things you love, whether it’s running, dancing, or simply walking comfortably without discomfort. 

If you are suffering from foot discomfort or have concerns about your foot health, do not hesitate to contact one of our podiatrists at Fox Valley Foot and Ankle Specialists to explore the benefits of orthotics for you. Your feet are the foundation of your body and investing in their well-being can lead to a happier, healthier, and more active lifestyle. Your feet will thank you!

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.

Recurrent ankle sprains happen when the ligaments supporting the ankle are weakened, leading to chronic instability. To prevent recurring ankle sprains, it is important to strengthen the muscles surrounding the ankle through targeted exercises. Balance training, both static and dynamic, can help improve proprioception, which is the body’s ability to sense movement and position. Addressing swelling and ensuring that a full range of motion is restored after an injury is also critical to avoid re-injury. In cases where these strategies are not enough, a podiatrist can assess your ankle’s biomechanics and offer customized treatments. These include rehabilitation exercises, ankle braces, or custom orthotic devices. A podiatrist also can guide you through proper rehabilitation and help identify any underlying factors that may be contributing to recurring sprains. If you have recurrent ankle instability, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a full exam and treatment.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, 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 are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

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

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further 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.

Congenital foot problems are deformities present from birth, affecting the structure and function of the feet. Metatarsus adductus causes the toes and the front of the foot to curve inward toward the other foot. It can be flexible, often correcting itself by six to 12 months of age, although surgery may be needed if it does not improve. Clubfoot, similar in appearance but with toes pointing downward and the bottom of the foot facing inward, is usually detected via prenatal ultrasound and treated with casting or surgery. Calcanevalgus involves a dislocation of the talus bone, causing the top of the foot to touch the shin. This condition often improves on its own but may require intervention if it persists. Congenital vertical talus causes the foot to bend upwards and outwards. Treatment typically involves casting and, in some cases, surgery. If you notice any signs of these conditions on your baby, it is suggested you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. 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.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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.

Bunion surgery is designed to alleviate pain and correct the misalignment caused by bunions. The procedure may involve several techniques depending on the severity and specific characteristics of the bunion. Exostectomy is the removal of the bony bump, while osteotomy realigns the bones of the toe to correct its position. Arthrodesis, or fusion surgery, involves joining two bones in the toe to stabilize the joint and reduce pain. Resection arthroplasty removes the damaged joint and reshapes the bones to improve function. Post-surgery, you can expect a recovery period involving rest, wearing special footwear, and gradual rehabilitation exercises. If you have a bunion that is causing discomfort, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if surgery is right 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.