Items filtered by date: July 2022

It can be very helpful to learn more about the biomechanics of your feet to understand how they function and why it is so critical to maintain proper foot health. One of the often overlooked yet important elements of foot biomechanics is the toes. Although seemingly small and insignificant, your toes play a crucial role in keeping your feet functioning correctly. Firstly, your toes help you balance when walking and moving. Unlike other parts of your feet, the toes maintain contact with the ground for an extended period. Toes also help you bear weight. Your big toe is arguably the most important toe in this respect because it bears the most weight. Conversely, your pinky toe is the least important because it bears the least amount of weight. Toes also make running possible because they stretch and expand, essentially increasing the length of your foot. This enables you to push off the ground and run faster. Toes, therefore, play an important role in the biomechanics of your feet. You should be especially mindful of taking care of them and preventing any of the many afflictions that might threaten the health of your toes. Contact a podiatrist to learn more about how to protect and keep your toes healthy.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Itasca Foot & Ankle. Our doctors 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

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

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 offices located in Itasca and Hoffman Estates, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage that is primarily caused by diabetes. High levels of blood sugar over a long period can cause damage to the nerves. As diabetics age, their chances of developing this nerve damage increase. Harm to the nerves also can be caused by drinking too much alcohol. Neuropathy symptoms often show up in the feet, which because of the nerve damage may not feel pain. This leaves the diabetic at risk for developing ulcers from cuts or sores that are neglected. The nerves in the feet that normally detect pain, touch, and hot or cold do not function properly. This also causes weakness in the lower leg and foot muscles.  It is recommended that diabetics check, or have someone check, their feet each day for sores, cuts, and bruises. Regular visits with a podiatrist, who can test the severity of the nerve damage and suggest the proper treatment options, are strongly suggested. 

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists  from Itasca Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Itasca and Hoffman Estates, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Although almost anyone can develop plantar fasciitis, some individuals are at a greater risk of exhibiting this foot ailment. One such higher risk group includes dancers. Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition that causes heel pain. It is caused by the inflammation of the plantar fascia that runs from the toes to the heel. Those suffering from plantar fasciitis typically experience sharp pain in the heel, tight Achilles tendons, and pronounced pain when beginning to walk after extended periods of rest. Dancers can be at a higher risk of experiencing plantar fasciitis because they engage in large amounts of physical activity wearing high heels and often exert themselves without taking adequate breaks. If dancers do not properly stretch their feet before dancing, they are more susceptible to developing plantar fasciitis. There are a number of steps that dancers can take to reduce their chances of experiencing plantar fasciitis. Namely, dancers can focus on stretching the Achilles tendon before and after dancing. Dancers might opt for the runner’s stretch, heel drops, or the downward facing dog. If you are a dancer, you might want to be proactive in protecting the health of your feet by consulting a podiatrist. 

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from Itasca Foot & Ankle. Our doctors 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?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

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 offices located in Itasca and Hoffman Estates, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Blisters on feet and toes are a common and painful foot condition. A foot blister is a small, fluid filled bubble-like pocket that develops on the upper layers of the skin from damage or friction. Foot blisters are the body’s way of preventing further damage as the collection of fluid under the skin provides cushioning and allows the area to heal. Such blisters can vary in size and depth depending on how they come about. The different types of foot blisters that can develop include clear blisters, blood blisters, or infected blisters. Clear blisters are filled with clear plasma fluid, blood blisters contain blood and show that some of the small blood vessels and skin are damaged, and infected blisters may contain white or yellow tinged pus. Usually, blisters are caused by friction from the foot rubbing against a shoe that is too tight or loose or from walking or running long distances. However, blisters can also arise from infections, burns, extreme weather exposure, existing medical conditions, and chemical exposure. Many foot blisters will heal naturally – the skin will harden and fall off. It is important that one not attempt to burst a blister to avoid infection. If you have a foot blister that is not healing in a timely way, seems to be getting worse, is causing a lot of pain, or appears infected, see a podiatrist who is trained in providing treatment for these types of foot conditions.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Itasca Foot & Ankle. Our doctors 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 offices located in Itasca and Hoffman Estates, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.