A bunion is a foot condition where there is a bony protrusion on the side of the big toe. It can develop as a result of genetic factors or from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Larger shoes may need to be purchased for existing bunions, and it may be difficult to walk. Additionally, patients may notice the affected joint has become stiff and red, and it may be challenging to maintain balance. Specific foot stretches and exercises may be beneficial in improving general foot function by strengthening the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Wearing custom-made orthotics may help to reduce the discomfort from having a bunion, and toe separators may help to alleviate a portion of the pain. If you have a painful bunion, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can recommend treatment options, which may include surgery for permanent removal.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Ankle N Foot. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

Metatarsalgia causes pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot, often described as a burning, aching, or a sharp sensation beneath the toes. It may feel like standing on a pebble or sharp object, especially during walking or running. Causes include high-impact activities, improper footwear, excess weight, or wearing high heels. Symptoms may worsen with activity and improve with rest, and the area may appear slightly swollen or red. A podiatrist can diagnose metatarsalgia through a physical examination, gait analysis, and imaging tests, such as X-rays. Treatment options include custom orthotics, footwear changes, anti-inflammatory medications, and stretching exercises. In more persistent cases, additional procedures may be recommended. Addressing the condition early can prevent further complications and improve mobility. It is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Ankle N Foot. our doctors 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 offices located in Chicago, Elmhurst, Bartlett, IL and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hammertoe is a condition in which the joints of a toe become deformed, causing the toe to bend abnormally downward. This condition generally affects the second toe, but can occur in the third, fourth, or pinky toes. The hammertoe may be flexible or rigid. Signs that indicate you have developed a hammertoe can include pain at the top of the toe due to pressure from your shoes, pain at the base of the toe, corns on top of the toe, redness and swelling, and a decreased range of motion in the affected toe. Treatments depend on the severity of the hammertoe and can include conservative measures, such as wearing specialized foot pads or shoe inserts. In more severe cases surgery may be necessary. If you suspect that you have a hammertoe, it is recommended that you visit a podiatrist for proper care and treatment.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Ankle N Foot. our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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

Arthroscopic ankle surgery is a procedure that allows a podiatrist to see inside the ankle joint and address problems without making a large incision. Small cuts are created around the ankle so that a tiny camera and instruments can be inserted. This gives the podiatrist a clear view of the joint surfaces, cartilage, and ligaments. Arthroscopic ankle surgery can help identify and treat arthritis, torn ligaments, or bone spurs. Loose pieces of cartilage or bone that cause pain and stiffness can be removed, and inflamed tissue lining the joint can be treated to improve motion. The procedure generally lasts 30 to 45 minutes, and most patients return home the same day. Swelling and soreness are common for several weeks, and many people regain mobility with proper care. If you have an ankle injury that may require surgery, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and available treatment options.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Ankle N Foot. our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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