Items filtered by date: February 2021

An ingrown toenail is the result of a curved toenail that grows down into the skin on the sides of the nail. As the toenail digs deep into the skin and the skin continues to grow around it; pain, redness, and swelling can occur. In severe cases, this can lead to an infection that is often indicated by a pus or drainage and usually coincides with a bad odor. Ingrown toenails can have different causes that include trauma to the toe, improperly trimmed nails that are cut too short or on a curve instead of straight across, and footwear that is too tight. The tendency for ingrown toenails may also be inherited or caused by other nail conditions, such as fungal nails. Patients who experience an infection, or those who have recurring ingrown toenails should visit a podiatrist for treatment. A podiatrist can determine what course of treatment is correct for you, as well as administer the proper medication to cease an infection and any corresponding pain.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Alex Yanovskiy, DPM of Illinois Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Des Plaines , IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle sprains are common injuries in which the ligaments of the ankle are overstretched or torn due to trauma. The symptoms of an ankle sprain may include pain, soreness, swelling, bruising, difficulty walking, and stiffness in the ankle joint. Although an ankle sprain can be painful at the time of injury, the pain tends to lessen within a couple of weeks. Conservative treatments such as resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected ankle and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications are typically effective for managing the pain from an ankle sprain. If you have injured your ankle, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist. 

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Alex Yanovskiy, DPM from Illinois Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

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

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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

Gout is a medical condition that is a form of arthritis. It typically affects the joints in the big toe, and is the result of uric acid crystals being lodged in the toe joint. This ailment causes severe pain and discomfort, and can develop due to a variety of reasons. These can include genetic factors, age, and eating foods that have high purine levels that may lead to gout. Additionally, existing medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and kidney disorders may lead to the development of gout. It is beneficial to incorporate healthy foods into your diet, as this may help to prevent gout attacks. The pain that is associated with gout can cause difficulty walking, and it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist if you are afflicted with this ailment.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Alex Yanovskiy, DPM from Illinois Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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

Many people who are eager to take up the sport of running often start with walking. This generally means that two different pairs of shoes are worn. Walking shoes typically have a lower heel, and shoes that are worn for running have a thicker sole. This adds to the cushioning of the shoe, and the sides can also be thicker. A good pair of running shoes will help to protect the joints, ligaments, and muscles while running is done. This is not necessary while walking, which has a result of less impact on the body. If you would like additional information about the differences between walking and running shoes, please consult with a podiatrist who can provide the information you are seeking.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Alex Yanovskiy, DPM from Illinois Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

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