November 2022

There are many benefits of getting regular foot massages. This is a type of foot therapy that can enhance the overall feeling of well-being and can bring a relaxed sensation to the feet. There are specific pressure points in the feet that are linked to different organs in the body, and it may help to heal existing medical conditions. Many foot massages are done at home, and this begins by rubbing a lotion into the feet. There is an easy method to perform self-foot massages, which is done by sitting in a chair and resting one foot over the opposite thigh. Pressing the knuckles into the foot can provide a deeper massage, and pulling the toes back and forth can help to release existing tension. There are massage devices that are useful in providing an effective massage. These can consist of foot rollers and electric tools that can stimulate the blood. If you would like additional information about the benefits of foot massages and how to perform them, please consult with a podiatrist.

Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, consult with 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.

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 one of our offices located in Sycamore, and Yorkville, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

There are a variety of afflictions of the feet that can negatively impact the area around the toes. Bunions are one such foot condition. A bunion is a bony bump that can develop on the side of the foot, particularly on the side of the big toe or on the side of the pinky toe. Many individuals are curious to know what a bunion looks like for good reasons because being aware of this can help you identify a bunion at an early stage. Commonly, a bunion looks like a bulge. When the bunion is located on the side of the big toe, it might look as though the foot bone juts out at an angle. In some cases of bunions, the toes might even look crowded because of the bunion. The big toe might also look like it is turned inward. Contact a podiatrist today for more information about what bunions look like. 

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

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• 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.

There are several different afflictions of the foot that might be properly classified as rare. Charcot foot is one such foot condition. This condition primarily results from some kind of nerve damage that affects bones and joints in the feet. Individuals who suffer from diabetes can be more likely to develop this condition than others. If you are one of the few people that have Charcot foot, then you are likely to experience any number of symptoms. You may, for instance, develop bone fractures. However, since this condition is characterized by damaged nerves, this loss of feeling may prevent you from ever feeling any sensations from the bone fracture. To learn more about this condition or other rare foot conditions, consult a podiatrist today.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Foot and Ankle Surgeons, Inc. . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
 

Many people do not think twice about their toes until a foot condition develops. Hammertoe is one such condition that is considered to be a deformity. An imbalance of the toes can cause the second and third toes to bend downward at the middle joint, resembling the shape of a hammer. The toes contribute to maintaining balance and pushing off while walking. Hammertoe may develop from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely. When high heels are frequently worn, the toes may gradually bend to fit into the narrow toe box, causing a hammertoe. Additionally, blisters may form on the affected toes due to friction as they rub against the top of the shoes. Existing medical conditions like arthritis, bunions, and high or low arches may lead to the development of hammertoe. Relief may be found when the shoes have ample room for the toes. It can also be beneficial to wear a protective pad over the affected toes. Surgery may be suggested in severe cases to obtain permanent straightening. Please consult a podiatrist who can determine the best course of treatment.

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.

Many people understand that having foot pain is not normal and will often look to wearing custom-made orthotics to find relief. Orthotics are described as inserts that are worn inside the shoe that may help to correct an abnormal walking pattern. Orthotics can enable the angles of the feet to normalize as well as help make daily activities easier to complete. Additionally, they can help the patient's feet to absorb shock which may reduce pressure on existing sore spots. Orthotics are known to help correct imbalances in the feet that can affect the entire body. Some of the ways a patient may notice they qualify for orthotics include one shoe wearing out faster than the other shoe, experiencing chronic heel pain, the feet excessively pointing in or out, and the toes are not straight. If you have foot conditions that need to be corrected, please consult with a podiatrist who can determine if wearing orthotics are right for you.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, 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.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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.