Stress fractures are small cracks in a bone that form when repeated pressure outweighs the body’s ability to recover. These injuries often appear in people who increase activity too quickly, spend long hours on hard surfaces, or wear footwear that does not provide enough support. Early signs include a pinpoint ache that becomes sharper during walking or running, and eases with rest. Swelling or mild bruising may develop, and the discomfort usually returns the moment activity resumes. Although the fracture is small, leaving it untreated can lead to a complete break or long-lasting pain. Reducing impact, resting the foot, and adjusting footwear are important first steps toward healing. If you notice persistent pain in one spot on the foot or discomfort that worsens with activity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Ankle N Foot. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

Sever’s disease is a common source of heel discomfort in growing children, especially those who are active in sports. The condition develops when the growth plate at the back of the heel becomes irritated by repeated impact or tight calf muscles. A child may complain of soreness during running or jumping, and the pain often improves with rest, but returns quickly once activity resumes. Swelling or tenderness at the back of the heel can appear, and some children begin to walk on their toes to avoid pressure. Although the name sounds serious, the condition improves with proper guidance and activity adjustments. Wearing supportive footwear and gentle stretching can also help ease symptoms. If your child has recurring heel pain or limps after activity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and care plan.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Ankle N Foot. our doctors 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 offices located in Chicago, Elmhurst, Bartlett, IL and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Poor circulation in the feet can cause coldness, numbness, swelling, and fatigue that make daily movement uncomfortable. Improving blood flow begins with simple habits that encourage the vessels to work more efficiently. Regular movement helps tremendously, even gentle activities like walking, ankle rotations, or stretching throughout the day. These actions activate the muscles that naturally push blood back toward the heart. Warm water foot soaks can also provide temporary comfort by relaxing tight tissues. Wearing shoes that fit well, avoiding long periods of sitting or standing, and elevating your feet while resting can further support healthier flow. People who smoke, have diabetes, or live with vascular concerns may notice circulation improves when these underlying issues are better managed. Compression socks can be useful for some individuals, but they are not right for everyone. If you experience persistent coldness, color changes, or slow-healing wounds on your feet, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an evaluation and tailored care.

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Ankle N Foot. our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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.

Foot cramps are sudden, involuntary contractions of the muscles in the foot that can cause sharp pain and discomfort. They often occur due to wearing tight or poorly fitting shoes, dehydration, overexertion during physical activity, or low levels of essential minerals such as potassium, calcium, or magnesium. Symptoms include a sudden tightening or knotting of the foot muscles, stiffness, and difficulty moving the affected area. Frequent cramps may indicate underlying issues with circulation, nerve function, or muscle balance. A podiatrist can evaluate the cause of foot cramps, recommend stretching and strengthening exercises, suggest proper footwear, and provide guidance on nutrition and hydration to reduce occurrences. If you have developed foot cramps, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to relieve pain and maintain healthy, comfortable feet.

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.