July 2022

The medical name for pain in the ball of the foot is referred to as metatarsalgia. The bones that connect the ankles to the toes support the weight of the body and can become painful. This condition can be caused by wearing shoes that lack adequate support or by medical conditions that may include arthritis, gout, and bunions. People who engage in high-impact sporting activities may experience this type of pain too. Obesity may be a contributing factor to developing metatarsalgia, in addition to having an unusual bone structure. The symptoms that people may experience can consist of shooting pain, a tingling or numbing sensation in the toes, and it often feels like a small stone is under their foot. Mild relief may come from frequently resting the foot and temporarily stopping the activity that caused the pain. If you have any type of foot pain and are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat this condition.

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.

Of the many afflictions that can affect the feet, neuropathy is perhaps the most insidious and deceptive. Neuropathy can occur in the feet when the nerves are so badly damaged you might not feel pain when something is wrong with your foot and you may also feel that something is causing pain when nothing is. This nerve damage can occur from an injury, illness, infection, or other cause. Any range of symptoms can be felt because there is a spectrum of different nerves that may be affected. However, there are some self-care tricks that you can utilize for your neuropathy if it is not very severe. For example, you might try soaking your feet in a foot bath filled with chamomile or nettle leaves. These leaves are rich in antioxidants and aid in the pain relief of muscles and joints. It is beneficial to soak in this foot bath for approximately 30 minutes. Additionally, you might try giving yourself a massage or asking a friend to massage the affected areas. The purpose is to promote blood circulation. Lastly, you might consider applying an ice pack to the affected area for short intervals of time about twice a day. These are just some of the many different self-care tricks you might use for your neuropathy. It is always best, however, to consult a podiatrist about your condition. 

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 Advanced Foot and Ankle Surgeons, Inc. . 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 one of our offices located in Sycamore, and Yorkville, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A seed corn, also known as heloma miliare, is a tiny round callus that forms on a weight-bearing part of the foot. Seed corns can develop anywhere there is repeated friction and are common to the ball of the foot or the bottom of the heel. Foot deformities, such as bunions or hammertoes, may change how you walk, increasing the chances that a seed corn will form. Seed corns are not particularly dangerous, but they can become painful when pressure or weight is applied, causing further gait problems. They can be prevented by wearing shoes that fit properly, with plenty of toe room and low heels. Seed corns may be linked with dry skin, so moisturizing the feet is important. Wearing socks to form a cushion between the foot and inside of the shoe may also help. Special orthotics may be necessary in cases of recurring or persistent seed corn formation. In that case, it is a good idea to consult a podiatrist for help with removal of the corns and creating a custom shoe insert that works for you.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Foot and Ankle Surgeons, Inc. . Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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.

There are several professions that require walking and standing for the majority of the day. This can cause foot pain, and may negatively affect the overall workday. It is important to stretch the feet as often as possible during the day, as this can help improve circulation. There are simple foot stretches that can be performed during the day, including rolling the ankle to the left and right. This is beneficial in strengthening the ankle muscles, and the risk of incurring an ankle injury may be decreased. Additionally, a foot roller may be used to stretch the heel, which may help prevent heel spurs and plantar fasciitis. The feet will feel better when proper shoes are worn that are made of flexible materials and have sturdy soles. Patients who stand on concrete floors for most of the day may find relief while standing on a stress mat. This may help to cushion the feet as the day progresses. Some patients choose to wear compression socks, and this can be helpful in diminishing the pain that can come from standing all day. If you would like more information about how to protect the feet while working and standing on various surfaces, please consult with a podiatrist. 

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot and Ankle Surgeons, Inc. . Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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.