Items filtered by date: October 2022

The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that is found on the sole of the foot, and it connects the toes to the heel. When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis can develop. Causes of plantar fasciitis may include frequently participating in running and jumping activities, wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, and sustaining a foot injury. Standing on hard surfaces for most of the day may also contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis. This condition may happen gradually or suddenly, but this depends on the cause of the inflamed plantar fascia. The heel pain associated may be controlled by maintaining a healthy weight, wearing shoes that support the arch, and performing stretches that can help to strengthen the entire foot. If you have heel pain, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

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 our office located in Des Plaines , IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-flops can be stylish, breathable, and easy to slip on, but this flimsy footwear can be harmful to the feet. Just wearing flip-flops on city streets can cause grime to coat the feet. If you develop even a small cut on your foot, bacteria can enter and cause an infection. Such an infection can enter your bloodstream and if left untreated, cause dire consequences. The feet and toes also work extra hard to keep flip-flops securely on. It is best to keep flip-flop wearing to a minimum. Sandals with a back strap are good for trips to the beach, swimming pools, and gym areas. Well-fitting closed-toed shoes are best for foot protection. If you develop problems from wearing flip-flops or want further suggestions for the best footwear for your feet, see a podiatrist who is trained in everything related to the feet and ankles.  

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Alex Yanovskiy, DPM from Illinois Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

• Ankle problems
• Hip problems
• Lower back problems
• Pain in the balls of the feet
• Problems with foot arches
• Changes in the way you walk

Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?

Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

• Sprained ankles
• Blisters
• Infections
• Cuts and Scrapes

I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?

When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.

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.

A broken, or fractured, toe can cause a patient pain, swelling, or even prolonged bruising. If you have broken your toe, there are several things you should be on the lookout for that might indicate you ought to seek immediate medical attention. Generally speaking, severe toe fractures require prompt professional attention. Severe fractures are those that involve open wounds, the big toe, or suddenly crooked toes. Additionally, some severe symptoms might indicate that you ought to see a doctor. For example, if you notice any sensations of numbness, visible red streaks around the affected toe, or bleeding, it is wise to see a podiatrist immediately. Also, if you find that you have developed a fever after you have broken your toe, this is another reason to make an appointment. It is best to err on the side of caution and let a medical professional, such as a podiatrist, examine your condition.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Alex Yanovskiy, DPM from Illinois Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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.

Two of the most common causes of nerve-related foot pain are neuropathy resulting from diabetes and nerves that are compressed. Symptoms of nerve-related foot pain include a burning, aching, or tingling feeling. Sometimes it may feel as if you are receiving an electric shock. Other telltale signs are when the pain gets worse at night or while doing certain activities. Several conditions may cause nerve pain in the foot. Included is Baxter’s neuropathy, which is the entrapment of the inferior calcaneal nerve that runs beneath the base of the arch nearest the heel. Other causes are Morton’s neuroma, which is the compression of nerves between the toes, and peripheral neuropathy, which may be the result of any number of causes. Relief from nerve pain in the feet can be experienced through electrical stimulation, orthotics, certain anti-inflammatory medications, and cortico-steroid injections. To find out which treatment is best for you, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist for a full examination and diagnosis.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Alex Yanovskiy, DPM from Illinois Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor 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 our office located in Des Plaines , IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.