May 2022

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for the development of plantar warts. It is defined as a wart that forms on the bottom of the foot, and grows inward as a result of the weight the feet bear on a daily basis. They are contagious, and this particular virus lives in warm and moist environments which can include public swimming pools, shower room floors, and locker rooms. It is beneficial to wear appropriate shoes while in these areas, and to refrain from sharing towels, shoes, and socks. This may help to prevent the spread of HPV. Plantar warts appear as small hardened areas of skin with tiny black dots in the center, and can cause severe pain and discomfort. Plantar warts can make it difficult to walk, and it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can properly treat or remove this type of wart.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot and Ankle Surgeons, Inc. . Our doctors 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

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

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 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.

Shin splints occur when muscles that connect with the shin bone (tibia) located under the knee become irritated and inflamed from overuse. The medical term for shin splints is medial tibial stress syndrome, also known as MTSS. This condition can occur in physically active individuals and athletes when they do not warm up adequately, increase the intensity of their workouts too rapidly, run on hard surfaces, or wear improper shoes. Pain can be felt across the shin, from the knee to the ankle, and can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions. If you believe you are developing shin splints, consult with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat your condition. Some treatment methods may include custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory medications, physical and massage therapy, and recommending proper footwear. If you are a runner, your podiatrist will evaluate how you run and offer suggestions for stride modifications.

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

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.

The plantar fascia is a connective band of tissue linking the heel with the toes. Since it is located on the bottom of the foot and is constantly used while standing, walking, running, and jumping, it may become torn, irritated, and swollen from overuse. The medical term for this condition is plantar fasciitis and it is the most common form of heel pain. Pain from plantar fasciitis is usually at its worst first thing in the morning after the plantar fascia has tightened overnight. After walking around and warming the body up, the pain typically subsides only to return later in the day. Because it can be caused by walking, running, and doing repetitive movements, plantar fasciitis has been nicknamed policeman’s heel, runner’s heel, and tennis heel. People who are elderly, obese, or work on their feet all day are more susceptible to acquiring this condition. Additionally, people who have high arches, flat fleet, or certain medical conditions are more at risk. Podiatrists have extensive experience and several effective methods for treating plantar fasciitis because it is so common. If you believe you have this condition, it is advised to make an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide a proper diagnosis, followed by starting correct treatment techniques.

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 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 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 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 foot condition that is known as hammertoe is considered to be a physical deformity. It can develop as a result of wearing shoes that are too narrow or it may form due to genetic reasons. It is defined as the second toe bending at the middle joint, causing it to face downward. The toe may shift toward the other toes, which may force them to bend or overlap. Research has indicated this deformity is caused by shortened muscles that are inside the toes, and this can prompt limited extending. There are stretches that can help to relieve the discomfort from hammertoe and this can be instrumental in regaining structure and movement. Additionally, it is beneficial to wear shoes that have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary for permanent straightening. If you have developed a hammertoe, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can choose the best treatment option for you.

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.

We are all bound to have occasional bouts of pain in our feet because we use them so much. Foot pain mainly results from overuse, but an underlying medical condition or injury can exacerbate it. Many foot problems can lead to painful feet. One of the most common heel conditions is plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of the thick band of tissue called the plantar fascia which runs lengthwise across the bottom of the feet. Calluses, which are thick layers of skin that form from friction on the soles of the feet are another condition that can cause foot pain in addition to metatarsalgia, a painful inflammation of the ball of the foot. Other foot ailments can include Morton’s neuroma, a thickening of the tissue surrounding a nerve in the ball of the foot leading to the toes, tendinitis, or inflammation of a tendon. Turf toe is a sprain in the main joint of the big toe, and tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the posterior tibial nerve is compressed inside the tarsal tunnel- a narrow passage in the ankle surrounded by bones and a connecting ligament. Many people have flat feet, which is noticeable when the feet lie flat on the ground when standing. It is best to consult with a podiatrist if you are experiencing any kind of foot pain, especially if the pain worsens, or if you have diabetes and an open wound is not healing.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot 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.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.