Items filtered by date: September 2023

Plantar fasciitis is a prevalent foot condition characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel to your toes. This vital ligament supports the arch of your foot and plays a significant role in daily activities. When it becomes inflamed, it can cause excruciating pain, typically described as a stabbing sensation in the heel or along the arch. The good news is that plantar fasciitis is treatable. Resting the affected foot  and performing stretching exercises may help to alleviate the pain and reduce inflammation. Wearing supportive footwear and arch supports are essential for providing comfort and reducing strain. While surgery is rarely necessary, it may be considered when all other treatments fail. By seeking proper treatment for plantar fasciitis, patients can take steps toward finding relief and restoring pain-free mobility to their daily life. If you have developed plantar fasciitis, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat this condition.

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.

Blisters are fluid-filled pockets that typically form in the skin's upper layers after injury, commonly on feet. The fluid cushions the damaged area, aiding healing. Most blisters contain clear serum and heal naturally in three to seven days without medical intervention. Bursting them should be avoided to prevent infection or delays in healing. If they burst, allow drainage and cover with a sterile dressing. Blisters stem from various causes, including friction, heat, chemical contact, or medical conditions, like chickenpox. Preventing blisters involves wearing comfortable, well-fitting shoes, keeping feet dry with thicker socks or talcum powder, and applying sunscreen. If you have a foot blister that appears infected, is painful, or is recurring, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, 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.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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.

The bones in your toes are called phalanges, consisting of two or three segments, depending on the toe. These toe bones connect to the metatarsals in your foot through joints with cartilage that allows for smooth movement. Further, the body produces a fluid known as synovium to lubricate these joints and facilitate ease of motion. While toes lack muscles, the tendons and ligaments connect them to muscles in your foot and legs, allowing for movement. Over time, factors like extended standing, running, or ill-fitting shoes can cause toe misalignment. Toe exercises are effective in realigning them, alleviating discomfort, and enhancing overall foot health. Cramped toes can be quite uncomfortable and painful. Stretching exercises help in relaxing your toes, and relieving tension and discomfort. Toe stretches enhance their flexibility, making them more adaptable and less prone to stiffness. Toe exercises also stimulate increased blood flow, which can effectively alleviate pain and reduce swelling. Flexible toes are less susceptible to injuries, making toe exercises essential to injury prevention. If you have toe pain that inhibits your daily activities, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. 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.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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.

Pain in the arch of the foot can affect daily activities and cause discomfort. A common cause of arch pain is plantar fasciitis, which often occurs due to flat feet. This condition involves the overstretching of the plantar fascia, leading to morning pain and discomfort in the heel. Stress fractures are another typical source of arch pain, arising from repetitive force, especially in high-impact activities. Flat feet, or fallen arches, can contribute to arch pain as well. When the arches collapse while walking or standing, it can cause discomfort. Managing this condition involves shoe adjustments, using inserts, and incorporating periods of rest. Posterior tibial tendonitis is another cause of arch pain. It results from overuse of the tibialis posterior muscle, particularly after extended periods of standing. Treatment options include rest, specific exercises, and the use of compression. Foot cramps can also lead to arch pain. Wearing ill-fitting shoes that lack arch support is another contributor to arch pain. Underlying medical conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and obesity can weaken bones and tendons, leading to arch pain. If you suffer from pain in the arches of the feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment. 

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.