Items filtered by date: May 2024

Foot injuries are a common occurrence in fitness facilities, often the result of crush injuries from free weights, falls, or awkward landings during exercise classes. These injuries can range from minor sprains to more severe fractures, impacting one's ability to maintain an active lifestyle. Prevention techniques play a critical role in reducing the risk of foot injuries. Properly warming up and stretching before exercise sessions can enhance flexibility and prevent strains. Wearing appropriate footwear with adequate support and cushioning is essential to absorb shock and protect the feet from impact. Additionally, maintaining good form and technique during exercises can help minimize the risk of falls and accidents. If you have sustained a foot injury while working out at a fitness center, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment. This will help with a speedy recovery and encourage you to return safely to your fitness routine.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from Itasca Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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

Runner’s toe, also known as black toenail or jogger's toe, is a common condition among runners and athletes. It occurs when the toes repeatedly hit the front of the shoe, causing trauma to the toenail bed. This trauma can lead to bleeding under the nail, resulting in discoloration that looks black or purple and sometimes pain. The main cause of runner’s toe is the repetitive pressure and impact experienced during running or other high-impact activities. Additionally, poorly fitting shoes or shoes that are too tight can increase pressure on the toes. The condition is more prevalent in long-distance runners or those who frequently engage in activities that involve repetitive toe movement. While runner’s toe is typically not a serious medical concern, it can be uncomfortable and may require treatment if pain or infection develops. Proper footwear can help prevent this condition, allowing runners to enjoy their sport without the discomfort of black toenails. If you have toe pain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat runner’s toe.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Itasca Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Itasca and Hoffman Estates, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete's foot, a fungal infection affecting the skin of the feet, is not exclusive to adults, as children can also fall prey to this uncomfortable condition. Commonly caused by the same fungi responsible for ringworm and jock itch, athlete's foot thrives in warm, moist environments, making children's sweaty feet particularly susceptible. Symptoms can include itching, burning, and redness, often between the toes or on the soles of the feet. Children can contract athlete's foot by walking barefoot in public areas, such as swimming pools, locker rooms, or communal showers. Sharing towels, socks, or shoes with an infected individual can also facilitate transmission. Teaching children proper foot hygiene, such as keeping feet clean and dry, wearing breathable footwear, and avoiding walking barefoot in public spaces, can help prevent athlete's foot and promote overall foot health. If your child has itchy feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat athlete’s foot, which may include prescribed medication.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Itasca Foot & Ankle.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Itasca and Hoffman Estates, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The cuboid bone, a vital component of your foot's structure, often remains unnoticed until a problem arises. The cuboid bone is located on the outer side of the foot, just in front of the heel. It plays a significant role in mobility, aiding in pointing the foot downward and supporting lateral movement. An injury of this bone can lead to cuboid syndrome, which is a partial dislocation at the joint between the heel and the cuboid. Symptoms may include metatarsal pain, lateral ankle instability, hammertoes, or plantar fasciitis. If left untreated, these symptoms can escalate into more severe conditions, such as ankle arthritis or stress fractures. Treatment options involve padding and a manipulation technique to realign the bone. For cuboid fractures, patients may need to refrain from weight-bearing activities for a period of time, followed by a transition to a walking boot. Where conservative methods fail, surgical intervention may be used to stabilize the bone and restore its function, ensuring a quicker recovery. If you are experiencing symptoms of a lateral foot injury, it may involve the cuboid bone. It is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough exam and indicated treatment options.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with one of our podiatrists  from Itasca Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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