Items filtered by date: March 2023

Many individuals all across the world choose to run regularly, either as a way to exercise or as a recreational activity. The biomechanics that are at play when an individual is engaged in running are significantly complex. For example, many different bones and muscles are working during a run to accomplish different objectives. One interesting aspect of foot biomechanics during running is that an individual might benefit if they use their feet to push down into the ground during a run. Although many runners might intuitively think they should use their feet to strike the ground and push off of the ground, a runner could potentially benefit from pushing down into the ground. This is because your body will require less energy to produce force and the manner in which your foot hits the ground could decrease one’s chance of injury. If you are someone that enjoys running, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist to schedule an appointment. 

If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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.

Thickened and discolored toenails could be caused by toenail fungus, but other conditions can cause the same symptoms. These signs might also be the result of bruises, warts, or some type of skin cancer. With toenail fungus, beyond discoloration of the nail, there may be debris under the nail, nail thickening, and an irregularity to the white part of the nail. A discolored spot under the toenail may be a sign of melanoma, a possibly fatal form of skin cancer. This usually presents as a brown or black streak that might look like a bruise. Darier disease is a genetic disorder that typically causes yellowish, wartlike blemishes on the body and red and white streaks on toenails. If you notice changes to your toenails and you do not know the cause, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist as soon as possible to treat whatever might be causing the condition.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, 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.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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.

There are various forms of arthritis that can cause ankle pain. Osteoarthritis, known as OA, is considered to be the most common form of arthritis. It happens when the cartilage that is found on the ends of the bones which form the joints breaks down. This generally occurs gradually, and symptoms that are felt can consist of pain, stiffness, and the ankle may be difficult to move. If the immune system attacks the joints rather than protects the body from infection, it may be a sign of rheumatoid arthritis. This is a chronic, inflammatory disease that affects the joints of the feet and ankles, possibly causing a lack of function. Gout is another type of arthritis that typically affects the joints in the big toe, but can radiate to the ankles and feet. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can determine if it is connected to arthritis, and offer you treatment options that are best for you.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle 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.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and 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.