Plantar warts, also known as verrucas, can be painful and disruptive. These growths, caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, often appear as rough, grainy lesions on the weight-bearing areas of the foot, such as the ball and heel. Plantar warts develop when HPV infects the outer layer of skin on the foot, typically through cuts, cracks, or breaks in the skin. Certain factors, such as a weakened immune system or previous bouts of plantar warts, can increase susceptibility. Treatment options include prescription strength medications containing salicylic acid, cryotherapy, laser treatments, or surgical removal. Because it can be difficult to eradicate plantar warts on your own, a podiatrist can provide tailored treatment options to alleviate discomfort and minimize the risk of recurrence. If you have plantar warts, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.
Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
About Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.
While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.
Symptoms
Treatment
To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.
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.
Preventing foot and ankle running injuries involves a varied approach encompassing various aspects of training and recovery. Strengthening the muscles, especially those in the feet and ankles, can help reduce injuries among runners. Regular strength training exercises, like lunges and squats done three to five times per week, can enhance muscular endurance, coordination, and balance, thereby supporting injury prevention efforts. Allowing adequate recovery time between training sessions is vital for muscle repair and adaptation. Aim for 36 to 48 hours of rest between runs, and gradually increase training volume to avoid overload caused by excessive training. It may not be possible to avoid running injuries, but implementing preventive measures can significantly reduce their likelihood and severity. If you incur a foot or ankle injury while running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment plan.
Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Bruce Smit, DPM of Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
How to Prevent Running Injuries
Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.
What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.
Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.
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.
If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.
Laser treatment is a non-invasive procedure that can be used to target and eliminate toenail fungus. It is a promising alternative to traditional medications or topical treatments. During this procedure, a podiatrist uses a specialized laser to pass light through the toenail without damaging the nail or surrounding skin. The laser specifically targets the fungus, heating and killing the fungal cells to stop them from growing further. Patients can expect the session to last about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the severity of the infection and the number of toes affected. Most report feeling a warming sensation or slight discomfort during the treatment, but it's generally well-tolerated and doesn't require anesthesia. One of the key benefits of laser therapy is that it has minimal risks of side effects. While some individuals may see improvement after a single session, others might need multiple treatments to get rid of the fungus. Recovery time is minimal, though it may take several months for the nail to grow back out and reveal the full results of the treatment. If you have toenail fungus, it is suggested that you make an appointment with your podiatrist who can determine if laser treatment is appropriate for you.
Laser treatment can be an effective way to get rid of toenail fungus. If you have any questions about laser treatment, consult with Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment for fungal nails.
What Are Toenail Fungal Infections?
Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nail, is a relatively common and non-serious condition. Around 10 percent of U.S. citizens are afflicted with fungal nails. Common forms of fungus that infect the nail include dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.
Symptoms of Toenail Fungal Infections Include:
Diagnosis for Fungal Nails
Fungal infections are diagnosed by fungal culture and microscopy. This will rule out any other conditions such as nail trauma, psoriasis, lichen planus, and onychogryphosis.
What Is Laser Treatment?
Laser treatment is a non-invasive, safe, quick, and painless procedure that uses the heat from a laser to kill fungus in the nail. Each infected nail is targeted with a laser for several minutes. The treatment is usually utilized several different times over a select period. During this time, a podiatrist will keep an eye on the infection.
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.
Turf toe, a common injury among athletes, occurs when the ligaments surrounding the big toe joint are sprained due to forceful pushing during activities like running or jumping. Turf toe injuries typically happen during sports practice, and are common in football and soccer. An early sign of turf toe is foot pain, which often intensifies with movement. This discomfort may lead to limping or difficulty in walking, occasionally rendering you immobile for a brief period. Sometimes a popping sound in the joint may indicate turf toe. Severe cases may necessitate immobilization or even surgery. It is extremely important not to ignore symptoms of turf toe, as early intervention can accelerate recovery and prevent long-term complications. If you are experiencing persistent pain or limited mobility in your big toe joint, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis. This medically trained foot doctor can perform imaging tests, a physical examination, and develop a treatment plan to address your specific needs.
Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. 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 Causes Toe Pain?
Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.
Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
When to See a Podiatrist
Diagnosis
In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.
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.
To maintain optimal foot health, men should incorporate care routines into their daily regimen. These practices are important for preventing common issues such as rough skin and nail problems. Regular moisturizing helps combat dryness and prevents calluses. Cleaning between the toes is important for preventing bacterial growth and conditions like athlete's foot. Proper footwear selection is also important, and this involves making sure shoes fit well and have soft padding to minimize friction and callus formation. Additionally, trimming toenails straight across and exfoliating feet regularly with a body scrub can help maintain overall foot health. Wearing sandals or shoes in communal areas like gyms and public showers is important to prevent fungal infections. Finally, incorporating body powder into the routine can aid in absorbing excess moisture and alleviating discomfort, particularly for those who lead active lifestyles. If you have persistent pain, skin issues, or an infection on your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an examination and any treatment deemed necessary.
Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, 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.
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 Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Heel pain is often caused by plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of the fascia running along the sole of the foot. Diagnosis of plantar fasciitis relies on symptoms such as morning pain and can be exacerbated by factors like obesity, flat feet, or excessive standing on hard surfaces. There are various relief techniques that affected individuals can take advantage of, and a podiatrist can guide you toward the methods that are best for you. If you have chronic heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with this type of doctor who can perform an accurate diagnosis and get you the right treatment.
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.
Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.
Non-surgical treatments for bunions focus on relieving pain and discomfort, as well as slowing down the progression of the condition. Treatments include wearing comfortable shoes with a wide toe box to reduce pressure on the bunion, using padded inserts or orthotic devices to provide support and cushioning, and resting the foot to reduce swelling and inflammation. Toe spacers or splints may be used to help realign the toes gradually. Stretching and strengthening exercises for the foot and toe muscles can also improve flexibility and stability. While these treatments may not correct the bunion entirely, they can alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life for individuals with bunions who wish to avoid surgery. If you have a bunion that is causing discomfort, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist regularly to track its progression, and adjust treatment as needed.
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.
Sesamoid bones are small, specialized bones embedded within tendons, and play a critical role in the function of the feet. Positioned beneath the first metatarsal head, sesamoid bones provide leverage and support to the big toe, facilitating smooth movement and weight distribution during activities such as walking, running, and jumping. Despite their importance, sesamoid bones are prone to injury and inflammation, a condition known as sesamoiditis. Sesamoiditis typically occurs due to repetitive stress or trauma to the sesamoid bones, commonly seen in athletes engaging in activities that involve high-impact forces on the feet. Improper footwear, excessive pressure on the ball of the foot, and sudden increases in physical activity can also contribute to sesamoiditis. Symptoms of sesamoiditis include localized pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot. Recognizing the function of sesamoid bones and understanding the causes of sesamoiditis is essential for preventing and managing this painful condition. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat sesamoiditis.
Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Bruce Smit, DPM of Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.
Sesamoiditis
Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.
Causes of Sesamoiditis
Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.
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.
