Items filtered by date: January 2023

The pain from having a heel spur can be extremely uncomfortable. Heel spurs occur because of a detached ligament that connects the plantar fascia to the heel bone. A heel spur can develop from standing on hard surfaces for much of the day and many patients can physically feel a small bone growth surrounding the heel. Additional symptoms can include a red and swollen heel, and ankle pain may develop from an altered gait or walking style. Relief may be found when the affected foot is frequently elevated, which may help to reduce some of the swelling. Some patients find it beneficial to wear shoes that have additional cushioning in the heel area and taking over-the-counter pain relievers may temporarily ease the pain and discomfort. If you have heel pain, please consult with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose heel spurs, and offer treatment options that are correct for you.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Alex Yanovskiy, DPM from Illinois Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Des Plaines , IL . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Bunions are all too common and affect all ages of people. They are more apt to happen to women, thought to be because of the pointy-toed, or high-heeled fashionable shoes they wear. However, they are not only caused by shoes, as bunions can happen to people in cultures who do not wear shoes. A bunion is a bony deformity of the big toe joint, also known as hallux valgus. When one has a bunion, their foot appears wider, and shoes can press on the painfully deformed joint. Pressure from the shoes pushes the big toe towards the second toe and the first joint bulges on the side of the foot. As the condition progresses, the second toe may lie over the top of the big toe, which leads to further pressure and distortion of footwear. Hard skin and corns may develop on the bunion and top of the second toe because they rub on shoes. This makes walking difficult, too. Bunions are easy to see. They are red, hot, painful, and swollen. A fluid-filled sac called a bursa sometimes develops over the joint to try and protect it from damage. Due to degenerative changes, arthritis might develop as well. If you suffer from a bunion, make sure to wear shoes that have enough room for the toes to move freely, with the bunion, and see a podiatrist for other suggestions and treatment options.

If you are suffering from bunions, 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.

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

Sometimes during certain pregnancies, a baby may be overdue. This can cause the mother a significant amount of stress. A medical professional may recommend trying to induce labor in the pregnant woman by utilizing acupressure on pressure points on the body. One of these important pressure points actually is located on the feet. It is known as the Kunlun point. Specifically, the Kunlun point can be found in the depression point situated between the ankle and Achilles tendon. Performing acupressure on this point can be done to encourage labor and/or mitigate labor pain. Of course, acupressure might not be a good fit for every pregnant woman. It is always best to trust the advice of a medical professional. If you are pregnant or are planning to be, contact a podiatrist today.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Alex Yanovskiy, DPM from Illinois Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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.

Many people have taken to running as a way of improving their overall health, but with this form of exercise comes an ever-present risk of injury to the ankles and feet. The four main categories of running injuries are overuse, trauma, fractures, and sprains and strains. The risk of these types of injuries is enhanced by being overweight, increased distance, and running in worn-out shoes. One of the top overuse injuries incurred by runners is plantar fasciitis, which causes heel and arch pain. A second overuse injury that is common to runners is Achilles tendinopathy. The pain runs down the back of the leg to the heel, causing stiffness and swelling. Another common running injury is ankle sprains, the result of twisting or turning your foot beyond its natural limits. This stretches or tears the ligaments that hold the ankle in place, resulting in pain and swelling. The first and best way to avoid running injuries is to invest in properly fitted shoes that offer the support and cushioning needed. For information about preventing running injuries, please consult a podiatrist.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Alex Yanovskiy, DPM of Illinois Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause 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.

A common reason for heel pain among active children and young teenagers is Sever's disease. The medical name for this condition is calcaneal apophysitis, and it affects the growth plate in the heel. Sever’s disease occurs during a growth spurt in this age group, where additional pressure is put on the heel, especially during the beginning of a new sporting season. The heel bone can grow at a faster speed than the tendons and muscles, and this can cause the heel to become less flexible. Common symptoms many children experience with this ailment can include heel pain and swelling, often causing the need to temporarily stop the activity that caused the condition. There may be additional reasons why Sever’s disease can develop, consisting of having one leg that is shorter than the other, or if the arches are abnormal. Relief can begin by frequently elevating the affected foot which may alleviate some of the swelling, and performing specific stretches that can strengthen the foot. If your child is afflicted with Sever’s disease, it is strongly urged that a podiatrist is consulted who can offer correct treatment methods.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Alex Yanovskiy, DPM from Illinois Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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 injuries.