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April 2023

Tuesday, 25 April 2023 00:00

Sever’s Disease Causes Heel Pain

Sever’s disease is a foot condition that active children and young teenagers may be prone to getting. It happens as a result of the growth plate in the heel developing faster than the surrounding muscles and tendons. Heel pain is often the first sign of Sever’s disease, and can come from repeated stress while frequently performing physical activities. Some of these can include soccer, football, and track. Additionally, wearing shoes that do not fit correctly may increase heel pain, and parents may notice their child is limping or walking on tip-toes. A diagnosis is generally performed that can begin with analyzing the child's gait, or walking pattern. This can be effective in ruling out an abnormal foot shape, which may include having flat feet or high arches. Treatment typically begins with temporarily stopping the activity that caused the pain, and resting the affected foot as often as possible. If you notice symptoms in your child that may indicate Sever’s disease, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can help your child to feel better.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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 injuries.

Read more about Sever's Disease
Published in Blog
Tuesday, 18 April 2023 00:00

Ankle Pain Without Injury

One can have ankle pain even if they have not injured their ankle. This can occur from some underlying health conditions, such as autoimmune diseases or arthritis, and from unrelated foot ailments. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is when the cartilage between two bones erodes over time. Without cartilage in the ankle, the bones rub together and there can be pain and stiffness. Other types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, reactive arthritis, and gout are other conditions that can cause inflammation and leave the ankle feeling tender as well. Lupus and scleroderma are examples of autoimmune diseases that can have the same side effects. Of course, other foot and ankle ailments, like fallen arches and Achilles tendonitis can also cause ankle pain. Treatment depends on the root cause of the ankle pain. If you have such pain and there is no obvious reason for it, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a correct diagnosis and care regime.

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:

  • Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
  • Ankle sprains
  • Broken ankles
  • Achilles tendinitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures
  • Bursitis
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis

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.

 

Read more about Various Causes of Ankle Pain
Published in Blog
Tuesday, 11 April 2023 00:00

A Sprained Second Toe

The majority of people that have pain in their second toe have endured an injury. It can happen if a heavy object drops on it, or from accidentally kicking something hard. Pain in this toe may cause difficulty while walking, in addition to affecting balance. The toe can become sprained, and this affects the ligament that connects two or more bones. A toe sprain can happen if the toe is twisted beyond its normal range of motion, or possibly from falling. The symptoms of a sprained second toe can include bruising, swelling, and intense pain. An X-ray can be taken to rule out a fracture, and this can be followed by beginning the correct treatment. This can consist of using the buddy taping method, which is done by taping the sprained toe to the toe next to it. This is generally successful in providing the necessary stability as it heals. If you have pain in your toes, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can guide you to the treatment that is best for you.

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:

  • Trauma
  • Sports injury
  • Wearing shoes that are too tight
  • Arthritis
  • Gout
  • Corns and calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Blisters
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Sprains
  • Fractures (broken bones)
  • Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

  • Severe pain
  • Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
  • Signs of infection
  • Continued swelling
  • Pain that prevents walking

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.

Read more about Toe Pain
Published in Blog
Tuesday, 04 April 2023 00:00

Should Pregnant Women Wear New Shoes?

When a woman becomes pregnant, her body undergoes significant bodily changes that could negatively impact the health of her feet. During pregnancy, a woman’s feet can increase in size. Many pregnant women will often wonder whether they ought to wear new shoes during their pregnancy to accommodate this increase in the size of their feet. Some women will wear pregnancy shoes to better support their feet as they bring their baby to term. Pregnancy shoes of this kind can minimize pressure and pain. This type of shoe can also combat twists or sprains because it supports the ankle. Some pregnancy shoes are also designed without straps and laces to minimize the extent to which a pregnant woman would have to bend over to adjust the shoes. If you are pregnant or are planning on becoming pregnant, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist.  

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

  • Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
  • Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
  • Wear shoes with good arch support
  • Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
  • Elevate feet if you experience swelling
  • Massage your feet
  • Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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.

Read more about Pregnancy and Foot Health
Published in Blog
Monday, 03 April 2023 00:00

Gout Pain Can Be Managed

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.

Published in Blog
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