There are many elderly people around the globe who fall, often resulting in having foot pain. This can range from breaking a foot to twisting an ankle. Falling can invoke fear, which can limit the feeling of independence. This is a serious concern, and there are simple methods that can be implemented which can help to reduce falling episodes. Replacing worn rugs, improving lighting in the living environment, and wearing shoes that fit correctly can all help in diminishing the risk of falling. Additionally, it is beneficial to have routine physical and eye examinations which are helpful in updating existing medications and eyeglasses. Many falls happen in the bathroom. It is strongly urged that grab bars are installed in the toilet area, and a bathmat is used in the shower. For more tips on how to practice effective fall prevention techniques, please confer with a podiatrist who can guide you toward the right methods.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Rahil Baxamusa, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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.

There are several areas of the foot that can become painful. Some people experience toe pain, heel pain, or even toenail pain when specific shoes are worn, or activities are pursued. Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that can cause severe pain and discomfort, and treatment is suggested to begin at the first signs of pain. Heel pain is often associated with this condition, and may radiate to the Achilles tendon. Toe pain may be the result of the ailment known as gout, or it may develop from having a bunion. Additionally, corns can cause extreme pain, especially when one forms on the outside of the pinky toe. Pain in the toenails may be what is referred to as a subungual hematoma, and can happen from excessive rubbing of the toes against the shoe. Extensor tendonitis may be the cause for pain on top of the foot, which can be accompanied by swelling and difficulty in running. If you have pain in any area of your foot, it is strongly suggested that you seek the expert advice from a podiatrist who can determine why it is occurring, and treat it accordingly. 

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.

1. Sever’s disease, or calcaneal apophysitis, is a particular kind of foot condition that can occur in children when microfractures develop near where the Achilles tendon meets the heel bone. Young boys are most susceptible to developing Sever’s disease, often from overuse due to playing sports or other physical activities. Although it may vary from person to person, Sever’s disease often produces a kind of heel pain. In some patients, the heel pain can be quite painful. A child may have a severe kind of heel pain that causes limping. Oftentimes, a child will not feel any swelling around the affected area. Sever’s disease can sometimes feel like plantar fasciitis, another source of heel pain. However, one important distinction between the two is that heel pain from plantar fasciitis is typically most pronounced at the beginning of the commencement of movement and will then go away. If you suspect that your child has Sever’s disease, consult a podiatrist today.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Rahil Baxamusa, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor 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 office located in Crystal Lake, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A diabetic foot ulcer is a common foot wound. Without prompt medical treatment, it can quickly become infected, possibly lead to gangrene, and amputation. There are different types of foot ulcers, and they fall into three categories. There are diabetic foot wounds that are considered to be neuropathic, and the patient generally loses sensation but there is no underlying arterial disease (ischemia). This comprises approximately 35% of foot wounds.  An ischemic wound occurs when the patient retains feeling in the foot but there is an indication of underlying arterial disease. The neuroischemic bracket represents 50% of all foot wounds, and both iscehemia and neuropathy can be present. Effective healing begins with having a healthy environment for the wound to heal, in addition to the patient having little or no health issues. Most wounds begin healing by accessing the cause of the wound, followed by removing any damaged tissue from it. It is beneficial to refrain from putting any weight on the foot, and this may help to accelerate the healing process. Treating a wound on the foot is often done by a podiatrist, and it is suggested that you contact this type of doctor who can effectively provide relief treatments.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Rahil Baxamusa, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

An individual’s feet may swell due to pregnancy, excessively eating salty foods, or being obese. However, swollen feet may also develop from flying in an airplane. During a flight, an individual can experience swelling of the feet, or what is known as gravitational edema, from sitting for a long period of time. This essentially causes the blood in your body to accumulate at your feet during flights. If you are sitting in a very restricted position during a flight, this might exacerbate the extent to which you may experience swelling of the feet. Oftentimes, the swelling will subside shortly after getting off of the plane and beginning to walk around again. If you are taking a flight in the near future and are curious about potential swelling of your feet, contact a podiatrist today.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. 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.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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

People who have pain in their big toe may be unaware it can indicate an underlying medical condition. These can include bunions, ingrown toenails, and gout. A bunion is a deformity that is noticeable from the bony lump that forms on the side of the big toe. Gout is a condition that affects the joints in the big toe and can be extremely painful. An ingrown toenail is often noticed by pain in the big toe and can become infected if prompt treatment is not received. Additionally, there may have been an injury that has happened to the metatarsophalangeal, or MTP joint, and this can cause sharp pain in the big toe. It may be difficult to complete daily activities, and larger shoes may need to be purchased. There are several methods to treat toe pain, and it is strongly suggested that you contact a podiatrist to determine the source of your pain.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. 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.

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 contact our office located in Crystal Lake, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Research has indicated that the foot condition known as a bunion may be inherited. Furthermore, studies have shown the bunion itself has not developed because of genetic reasons, but the foot structure that contributed to it may be inherited. It is easy to notice the bony protrusion on the big toe’s side. Some people develop bunions if they have endured a traumatic foot injury, which may also contribute to changes in the foot structure. There may be existing medical conditions like arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or cerebral palsy that can lead to a bunion. A common reason why many patients develop bunions can be the type of shoes that are worn. High heels and shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in may cause a bunion. This particular foot condition is considered to be a deformity, and it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can guide you toward correct treatment methods.

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?

Doctors 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 doctor.

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.

A blister is a fluid-filled bubble that forms on the skin. The fluid can be clear or contain blood. If blisters develop between the toes, it can cause pain, particularly the longer one spends on their feet. The two main types of blisters on or between the toes are those from friction and those not due to friction. Friction or pinch blisters are more common and result from toes repeatedly rubbing against each other or against the shoe lining, irritating the skin. These are related to the shape and alignment of toes, fit of shoe, and usually form near the tip of the toe or by the base of the toe.  Sweaty toes are more apt to lead to friction blisters. Blisters not due to friction can develop from an infection (like athlete’s foot), a skin condition, a sunburn, or an allergy. Both types of blisters might look the same. However, the location of the blister and what causes it can help determine the type. Non-friction blisters should be evaluated by a podiatrist. With both types of blisters, good foot hygiene can help prevent them. Popping or picking at blisters should be avoided as broken skin can attract bacteria, which can cause an infection. If you have a blister on or between your toes and you are not sure of the cause, it appears infected, or if it is not healing well, contact a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment options.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. 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 develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often 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.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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.