If you notice a bony protrusion at the base of your big toe, you may have a bunion. A bunion is considered to be a bone deformity and may develop for specific reasons. These reasons can include certain genetic factors. The disorder causes the big toe to move toward the toe next to it, and the joint will gradually extend outward. There are additional reasons why bunions may form, which can include forms of arthritis, low arches, or foot injuries. The symptoms that are often associated with this condition are pain and discomfort on and near the affected area, swelling, numbness, and a burning sensation. Mild relief may be found when proper shoes are worn and when ceasing any activity that causes pain. If you have a bunion, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can treat this condition.
If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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 a Bunion?
Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.
Causes
Symptoms
In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.
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.
There are many people who experience heel pain at some point in their lives. It can originate from a variety of factors. These include the conditions known as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and Achilles tendonitis. The former is caused by an inflamed band of tissue on the bottom of the foot called the plantar fascia. This can occur as a result of overstretching the feet, and may be common in diabetic and obese patients. Heel spurs are described as a calcium growth that develops as the sole of the foot endures strain from daily activities, or from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. The latter condition can form when the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed. This can arise from specific types of arthritis, or from excessive running and jumping activities. If you have any type of heel pain, it is advised that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly treat foot conditions.
Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.
Causes of Heel Pain
Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.
Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.
Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.
Why Might Heel Pain Occur?
Treatments
Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Walking is a task that occurs subconsciously for most people. However, the gait cycle, or the manner in which one walks, is a complex process. The gait cycle includes the nervous, musculoskeletal, and cardio-respiratory systems. Any dysfunction with the foot or ankle can disrupt this entire process. It is vital to understand the basic components of the gait cycle in order to know if your foot or ankle issue is causing complications. One part of the gait cycle is the various stances. The first form of contact that your foot has with the ground is the heel strike. This is when the ankle is in a neutral position. The next stance is when the foot is completely flat and the ankle is flexed. During mid-stance, when the body begins to move over the foot, the ankle begins to flex in the opposite direction. The fourth stance occurs when the heel lifts off of the ground. The final stance is when the toes leave the ground. If you have any foot or ankle complications, such as flat feet, calluses or hammertoes, the gait cycle may be disrupted. Considering how often most people walk, it is vital to discover any issues in this process as early as possible. It is suggested to consult with a podiatrist if you experience any issues while walking.
If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.
Biomechanics in Podiatry
Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.
A History of Biomechanics
Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.
Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.
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.
Research has indicated that many people have admitted their shoes, which are frequently worn, do not fit correctly. This can produce unwanted foot conditions that include bunions, hammertoes, and general foot pain. It is important to determine the correct shoe size in order to select shoes that fit properly. This can be accomplished by having them professionally measured using a Brannock device, or measuring the feet yourself by tracing them on a piece of paper. This is done by placing your bare foot on a sheet of paper while sitting down, followed by tracing the length and width of your foot. After using a ruler to determine how long and wide your foot is, it can be compared to a chart that is comprised of different shoe sizes. If you would like additional information about how to properly measure your feet, it is suggested to counsel with a podiatrist.
Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Getting the Right Shoe Size
There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.
As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.
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.
Seniors are at great risk of falls, and falls may lead to injuries and complications. One of the best ways to prevent these falls is to examine the health of your own feet. Doctors recommend a few tips to assure your feet are healthy. First, do not ignore pain. You may have a condition that is treatable. Next, check for bumps, lumps or changes. You can additionally perform simple stretching exercises to strengthen feet and ankles, as well as wear padding in comfortable shoes. These simple tasks may protect you from unnecessary, and potentially dangerous, falls. Be sure to consult a podiatrist if you notice any changes, issues or pain in the foot and ankle area.
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 Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor 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:
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 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!
Research has indicated that flip flops may be damaging to your feet, and may negatively affect the overall health of the body. There are several foot conditions that can develop from wearing this type of shoe. These include heel pain which may lead to heel spurs or plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, bruises and blisters. While flip flops are being worn, the arch of the foot lacks support, and this can cause pain in the heel and middle of the foot. Additionally, the toes will typically become strained from attempting to keep the shoe on the foot. Tripping and falling incidents may increase, which can be a result of lack of support. If you would like additional information about the way flip flops affect the feet, please speak to a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.
Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
Flip-Flops and Feet
When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops. Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer. However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.
How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?
Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?
Yes. Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections. Common injuries and ailments include:
I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?
When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet. These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.
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.
Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bones of the feet. They occur as a result of participating in activities that cause the bones in the foot to weaken and crack faster than the healing process can begin. This can occur due to several reasons, including training in your chosen sport before adequate healing has been completed, increasing the amount of time training in a short period of time, or running on different surfaces. The symptoms that are associated with stress fractures often include swelling, burning pain, and difficulty walking on the affected foot. Effective treatment begins with staying off the foot for several weeks, depending on the severity of the injury. This can be accomplished by wearing a cast. If you have sustained a stress fracture, speak to a podiatrist who can guide you toward proper treatment options.
Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, 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.
How Are They Caused?
Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon. Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.
Risk Factors
Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.
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.
Patients who have foot pain can benefit from different types of foot therapy. When the feet are soaked in warm water, mild relief may be found. This is helpful in relaxing sore foot muscles. Additionally, having foot massages performed can aid in reducing tension in the body, improving circulation, and may ease any pain that is present. When the toes are spread apart, the muscles that lie underneath are stretched, and this may help to strengthen the entire foot. There are some patients who find it beneficial to use topical treatments which include eucalyptus oil.This provides a different sensation, and may help in relieving existing foot pain. If you would like to learn of additional types of foot therapy, it is advised to schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who can properly guide you.
Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, consult with 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.
Most Common Injuries
People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track.
What to Do When Injured
Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.
During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:
Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.
Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.
Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.
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.
