Items filtered by date: August 2022

Plantar Fasciitis is a common foot ailment that causes pain in the heel of the foot. The facia, or band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes, becomes irritated and inflamed. This condition usually occurs from poor weight distribution on the foot or excessive or repetitive movement. It is common in runners and those who stand on their feet for a long time. Risk factors include tight calf muscles, age, poor arch support, being overweight, and wearing footwear that does not have proper support or structure. Those who suffer from plantar fasciitis usually feel pain upon waking up after a night’s rest. Pain can be alleviated by resting, staying off the feet, applying ice to the affected area, exercising the foot, wearing comfortable, supportive shoes with insoles, and wearing compression socks. Additional pain relievers can be employed if the above does not work. If you suffer from pain of plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can evaluate the severity of the condition and offer appropriate treatment options.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Rahil Baxamusa, DPM  from Illinois. 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 Crystal Lake, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

An ingrown toenail is easy to notice. The side of the toenail grows into the skin instead of over it. It can be quite uncomfortable, and in severe cases, may bleed, and become infected. It can happen for a variety of reasons, such as wearing shoes that do not have enough room in the toe area, having endured a toe injury, or from trimming the toenails improperly. Genetic reasons may contribute to getting an ingrown toenail, and this may account for people who naturally have curved toenails, or have toenails that are too large for their toes. Common symptoms that are associated with ingrown toenails include redness, swelling, and pain. The affected toe may temporarily feel better when it is soaked in warm water, which can soften the nail. This may make it easier to pull the skin away from the toe, despite the fact it may not last. If you have an ingrown toenail, there is a chance it can become infected, and it is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can offer professional treatment. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Rahil Baxamusa, DPM of Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

Diabetes is a systemic disease that results from a blood sugar-insulin imbalance. As this condition progresses, it can also affect other body parts, particularly the feet. A condition known as diabetic neuropathy may develop, which in turn can cause other severe health problems. Diabetic neuropathy is thought to affect about 50 percent of diabetics. Excess blood sugar can damage the blood vessels that nourish the nerves in the feet and lower legs. This can cause tingling, numbness, or burning pain that may start in the toes and spread upward. The ability to feel differences in temperature or pain in the feet can become dangerous. Muscle weakness and dizziness also may put the diabetic at further risk for falls or other injuries. Foot ulcers may develop if cuts or sores won’t heal or become infected. Because these changes may be gradual, they can easily be ignored as just a normal part of aging. However, there are a number of treatments that can reduce the effects of diabetic neuropathy. If you have diabetes, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist as soon as possible for guidance and treatment options.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Rahil Baxamusa, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

Clubfoot is a congenital foot disorder and affects approximately one to two babies per 1000. The medical term for this condition is congenital talipes equinovarus, which occurs when the child is born with a foot that points the wrong way. Walking is often affected because the foot cannot be placed flat on the ground. Clubfoot happens as a result of shortened tendons that connect the bones to the muscles, which can cause the foot to turn inward. This condition may be diagnosed by having an ultrasound performed during pregnancy, and treatment can start immediately after birth. Common treatment procedures include stretching the feet, in addition to wearing braces and plaster casts. Research has indicated there are two categories of clubfoot. Isolated clubfoot occurs when there are no other medical issues present. If there are various health conditions or neuromuscular disorders present at birth, it falls into the non-isolated clubfoot classification. Some of the problems that may occur if clubfoot is not promptly treated include arthritis, limited range of motion and mobility, and poor self image as the child grows. If your child is born with a clubfoot, it is strongly suggested that a podiatrist's advice is sought so the correct type of treatment can begin.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Rahil Baxamusa, DPM of Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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