A common symptom of the medical condition that is known as plantar fasciitis is mild to severe heel pain. The plantar fascia is the portion of tissue that connects the heel to the toes, and severe pain and discomfort can result from possible inflammation. This can happen from standing on hard surfaces for the majority of the day, or from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Additionally, people who are overweight may experience this condition as the feet endure the weight of the body. Mild relief may be found when the affected foot is elevated, and specific foot stretches are performed. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can diagnose plantar fasciitis and begin effective treatment methods.
Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor 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?
How Can It Be Treated?
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 Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Blisters form when the skin raises into a bubble and becomes filled with fluid. Blisters can form anywhere on the foot where the foot and shoe rub together and cause irritation and friction. However, the most common blisters occur on the sides of the foot or on the back of the heel. Blisters can form due to excess friction caused by any repetitive motion, therefore having properly fitted shoes, and shoes designed for your activities, are key to preventing blisters. If you find that you are frequently experiencing blisters, it is important that you consult with a podiatrist about your treatment options, such as shoe inserts.
Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Bruce Smit, DPM of Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Foot Blisters
Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often 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.
How Do Blisters Form?
Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.
Prevention & Treatment
It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
If you are someone who struggles with diabetes, neuropathy, or poor circulation, you may be aware of the benefits stretching has for the body, particularly the feet. Staying active by going for walks or performing routine stretches and exercises can be helpful for improving blood circulation within the feet. Ankle pumping, for example, is a great stretch you can perform by laying down on your back with your feet straight ahead, and flexing your toes upwards. You can even perform useful stretches while seated. Heel raises, for example, is a stretch that is done by sitting in a chair, and slowly raising your heels, holding for three seconds, and lowering them back down. You can do one heel at a time, or raise both heels together. This stretch can also be performed standing straight up and lifting the heels as well. For more advice on what stretches can help to benefit the functionality of your feet, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist.
Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Stretching the Feet
Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.
Great ways to stretch your feet:
Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.
Gout is an inflammatory form of arthritis that often causes a great deal of foot pain for those affected. One common symptom of gout that negatively affects a patient is called gout flares. These flares cause extreme pain in the joints affected by gout, typically in the toes. When crystals form on the joints due to high levels of uric acid, the joints may become both tender and inflamed. The pain felt due to gout can be excruciating if left untreated. Even the slightest touch can cause a patient to feel a great deal of discomfort. Since gout commonly affects the lower extremity regions of the body, it is recommended to visit a podiatrist for professional care and treatment when dealing with this condition.
Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Is Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.
People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.
Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
The tissue that connects the heel to the calf muscles is referred to as the Achilles tendon. This tendon is responsible for the ability to walk, run, and jump, and these activities may be difficult to perform if it becomes injured or torn. This type of injury can occur as a result of exercising on an uneven surface or from wearing shoes that do not fit properly. Additionally, if the calf muscles are tight, the Achilles tendon may endure stress, and this can possibly lead to a rupture. Common symptoms many patients experience can include severe pain in the calf difficulty in pointing and flexing the affected foot. If you have endured an injury to the Achilles tendon, it is advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can help you with proper treatment options.
Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Bruce Smit, DPM of Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is the Achilles Tendon?
The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.
What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?
There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.
Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms
Rupture Symptoms
Treatment and Prevention
Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
A common foot condition that affects the toes is referred to as hammertoe. The middle joint in the second toe curls up, forcing the end of the toe to bend downward. The affected toe can resemble a hammer, and additional symptoms may include pain and discomfort. Corns and blisters can also develop on top of the extended toe. Hammertoe can occur as a result of genetic factors, and from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. There may be an existing bunion that can cause pressure on the affected toes. Many patients find it beneficial to perform specific foot and toe stretches that may help to relieve a portion of the pain. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended that can permanently straighten the toes. If you are afflicted with hammertoe, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you correct treatment techniques.
Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Bruce Smit, DPM of Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.
Hammertoe
Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.
Symptoms
Risk Factors
Treatment
If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Read more about Hammertoe
A fungal infection that occurs on the skin of the feet is known as athlete’s foot. It can cause severe itching and blistering. It can happen as a result of wearing shoes and socks that are wet for extended periods of time, causing the fungus to grow. This skin condition can be spread from one person to another when public pools are visited. Additionally, this fungus may live and thrive in communal shower rooms and locker rooms, which is why it is suggested to wear appropriate shoes while in these areas. Effective prevention methods can include wearing clean socks and shoes, washing and drying the feet daily, and applying an antifungal powder. If you feel you have contracted this ailment, please consult with a podiatrist who can help you to feel better.
Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story
Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.
Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
The most common form of ankle pain is known as an ankle sprain. It can happen from suddenly stepping off of a curb, which may result in the ankle rolling to one side. When this occurs, the ligaments may stretch beyond their normal limitations, and this may cause severe pain and discomfort. The recovery time generally depends on how extreme the sprain is. A mild injury can take up to three weeks to completely heal, and most daily activities can be completed. A moderate sprain can take approximately six weeks to heal, and activities may have to be limited. A severe injury can take several months to heal, and many activities may have to be avoided. If you have symptoms of an ankle sprain, please consult with a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat this condition.
Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.
Causes
The most common causes of ankle pain include:
Symptoms
Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.
Diagnosis
Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!
