July 2020

Hammertoe is a common deformity of the joints in which a person's toe is bent into a claw-like position. Usually this will affect the second toe, but can occur in the third fourth and fifth toe too. It is typically caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes with high heels and little room for the toes to move. Hammertoe typically starts with mild deformities which progress over time. Left untreated, hammertoes may require surgical intervention. Fortunately, hammertoes may be prevented entirely or have their progression slowed by wearing appropriate footwear. It is suggested to look for shoes with plenty of room in the toe area. Avoid high heels and shoes with pointed toes. A podiatrist can help you find the best footwear to prevent or mitigate the progression of hammertoe. A podiatrist may also prescribe pads, orthotic devices, or medications, or may even recommend surgery in more severe cases.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot and Ankle Surgeons, Inc. . Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Sycamore, and Yorkville, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle sprains are generally the result of the ligaments in the ankle turning in or out. Falling is the most common cause of ankle sprains, or it may take place while stepping off of a curb unexpectedly. Research has indicated ankle sprains may be prevented when stretching exercises are frequently performed. This helps to maintain balance, flexibility, and strength. An effective ankle stretch consists of leaning against a wall and bending one leg while keeping the other leg straight. A gentle stretch can be felt in the back heel while bending forward, and then repeated after switching legs. Additionally, performing heel raises can have positive results on strengthening the ankles. If you would like more information about how to possibly prevent ankle sprains, please consult with a podiatrist.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot and Ankle Surgeons, Inc. . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Sycamore, and Yorkville, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The purpose of the talus bone is to act as a link between the leg and foot, while also playing an important role in forming the ankle joint. If the talus is injured, it can negatively affect the function of the foot and ankle joints by limiting their range of motion. Patients who fracture their talus may experience a great deal of ankle pain. Other symptoms can include swelling around the ankle joint, fracture blisters, bruising, and an inability to bear weight on the affected joint. In order to determine if ankle pain is caused by a talus fracture, an X-ray should be performed by a professional. For advice on treatment and a proper diagnosis, please consult with a podiatrist.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot and Ankle Surgeons, Inc. . Our doctors 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
• 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 one of our offices located in Sycamore, and Yorkville, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

Younger adults who participate in sporting activities may run a higher risk of developing the foot condition known as sesamoiditis. Sesamoiditis is caused by inflammation of the sesamoid bones, located behind the big toe at the bottom of the foot. Those who commonly participate in physical activities can run the risk of placing stress on the feet. Common sporting activities linked to this condition may include soccer, football, dancing, and baseball, particularly for those who pitch. Another common cause can include wearing ill-fitting footwear. Shoes such as high heels, while often being too tight for the feet, can also cause one to fall. For more information and advice on how to treat sesamoiditis, please consult with a podiatrist.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Foot and Ankle Surgeons, Inc. . Our doctors 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

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

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 one of our offices located in Sycamore, and Yorkville, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.