Pickleball is a favorite among older adults, but its rapid pace and quick movements often lead to lower extremity injuries, particularly in older male players. Ankle sprains and strains are among the most common, caused by twisting during sudden stops or changes in direction. These injuries can result in swelling, pain, and limited mobility, requiring rest and proper support to heal. Achilles tendon ruptures are another frequent issue, especially during powerful lunges or quick sprints. This injury, which often begins with a sharp pain or a snapping sensation, may require surgical intervention for a full recovery. Wearing supportive footwear, warming up, and strengthening the lower legs can help minimize these risks. If you experience persistent pain or an injury from playing pickleball, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to explore effective treatment options and prevent further complications.

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 Rahil Baxamusa, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor 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 office located in Crystal Lake, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The foot is a complex structure made up of 26 bones, including the calcaneus, or heel bone, which provides support and acts as a lever for walking. The tarsal bones, located in the midfoot, connect with the metatarsals, forming the arches that absorb shock and provide stability. Numerous ligaments hold these bones together, ensuring proper alignment and movement. The foot contains several joints that allow for flexibility and motion, including the subtalar joint, which enables the foot to rotate. Tendons such as the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel, play a vital role in movement, allowing for walking, running, and jumping. These structures work in harmony to support the body’s weight, provide balance, and allow for a wide range of motions, ensuring efficient and pain-free movement. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and educate you on foot anatomy.

If you have any 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, or CMT, is a genetic condition that primarily impacts the peripheral nerves, which connect the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. This condition often begins to affect the feet and lower legs first, with symptoms typically starting between the ages of 5 and 15. People with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease may experience high-arched feet, flat feet, hammertoes, muscle weakness in the lower legs, foot drop, and a distinctive high-stepping gait to avoid tripping. Over time, these issues can lead to muscle wasting in the legs, which creates challenges with walking and balance. A podiatrist plays a key role in managing the symptoms of this incurable condition by providing specialized care for foot deformities and gait issues. This may include custom orthotics to support the feet, recommendations for proper footwear, or bracing to improve stability and mobility. Such interventions can enhance a person’s quality of life and reduce discomfort associated with CMT. If you believe you have symptoms of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to help manage this condition.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Rahil Baxamusa, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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.

Heel pain is a complex issue that can disrupt daily activities and exercise routines. Three prevalent causes include plantar fasciitis, bone spurs, and Sever’s disease. Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot, typically causing pain near the heel. Bone spurs are bony growths that develop on the heel, often resulting from prolonged stress on the foot and sometimes causing sharp pain. Sever's disease, most common in children and adolescents, is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel, resulting from repetitive stress during periods of rapid growth. If you suffer from persistent heel pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can properly diagnose heel pain and create a tailored treatment plan, which may include targeted exercises and orthotic support to alleviate pain and support healing.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Rahil Baxamusa, DPM of Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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.

A heel spur is a bony growth that forms on the underside of back of the heel bone, often as a result of repeated stress or strain on the foot. It is commonly associated with plantar fasciitis, a condition that causes inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot. While heel spurs themselves may not always cause pain, they can lead to discomfort when they press against the surrounding tissues. To diagnose a heel spur, a podiatrist will typically begin with a physical examination, assessing the foot for tenderness or swelling. An X-ray is the most common diagnostic tool used to confirm the presence of a heel spur, as it clearly shows the bony growth. If the heel spur is causing pain, relief may be found by practicing stretching exercises, and in some cases, orthotics may be prescribed. If you have developed a heel spur, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer the treatment that is best for you.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Rahil Baxamusa, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Crystal Lake, IL . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.