What Causes Foot Cramps?

Foot cramps are painful muscle spasms that can strike suddenly and interfere with daily activities. Common causes include wearing tight footwear that restricts circulation and strains foot muscles. Dehydration can reduce electrolyte balance, leading to poor muscle function. Overexertion from prolonged walking, exercise, or standing places stress on the muscles, making cramps more likely. Low potassium levels can also contribute by affecting nerve signals that control muscle movements. While occasional cramps are common, frequent or severe episodes may signal an underlying issue. A podiatrist can assess your symptoms, identify possible causes, and recommend solutions such as wearing better footwear, stretching routines, or dietary adjustments. If foot cramps are disrupting your routine, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for professional guidance and relief.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Rahil Baxamusa, DPM from Illinois. 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 Crystal Lake, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Recovering From a Broken Ankle

Recovering from a broken ankle depends on the type and severity of the fracture. A podiatrist can assess the injury and recommend proper treatment, which may involve immobilization using a cast or walking boot. In more complex cases, surgery might be necessary to reposition fractured bones and stabilize them with screws or plates. A broken ankle can take several weeks to heal, and additional time may be required to restore full ankle motion and strength. If the ligaments or tendons are also affected, this can lengthen recovery. A podiatrist will monitor your progress, evaluate healing through imaging, and determine when it is safe to begin gradual weight-bearing. Improper healing can lead to long-term instability, pain, or limited function, so close medical supervision is important. A podiatrist can also help prevent reinjury through supportive devices or orthotics and ongoing monitoring of the foot and ankle during recovery. If you have fractured an ankle, it is suggested that you make an immediate appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Rahil Baxamusa, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

  • Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
  • Swelling around the area
  • Bruising of the area
  • Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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 care needs.

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When Is Bunion Surgery Necessary?

If you are struggling with daily pain from a bunion, you may wonder if having surgery is the right choice. A bunion is not just a bump on the side of the big toe. It develops when the joint at the base of the big toe shifts out of place as the tip pushes toward the other toes. This can lead to pressure, skin sores, and even affect the alignment of the second toe. Surgery is the only way to correct the position of the bones and relieve pressure caused by the bunion. A podiatrist may recommend one of several procedures, including cutting and repositioning the bones, or fusing parts of the foot to stabilize the joint. The main benefit of bunion surgery is long-term relief from pain and improved foot function. However, recovery can take weeks. Risks include swelling, stiffness, and rare complications like infection or nerve irritation. If you have a painful bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to find out if surgery is the right option for you.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Rahil Baxamusa, DPM of Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Podiatrists often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your provider.

How Are Bunions Treated?

  • Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
  • Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
  • Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
  • Orthotics or foot inserts
  • Surgery

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 care needs.

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Why Live with Pain and Numbness in Your Feet?

Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

When Foot Blisters Get In the Way

Foot blisters are small pockets of fluid that form from repeated friction, often caused by wearing tight shoes, sweaty feet, or long periods of walking. They usually appear on the toes, heels, or soles and can be painful or tender. While it may be tempting to pop a blister, doing so increases the risk of infection. Instead, keep it clean, dry, and protected with a bandage or blister pad. Letting the blister heal naturally is best when possible. If it breaks, clean it gently and cover it with a clean dressing. Wearing moisture-wicking socks and properly fitted shoes can help prevent future blisters. For athletes or those with diabetes, blisters should be watched closely. If a blister becomes red, warm or filled with pus, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

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 Rahil Baxamusa, DPM of Illinois. 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 Crystal Lake, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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