Heel spurs are commonly misunderstood and usually do not cause heel pain. In fact, most heel pain is attributed to plantar fasciitis, a condition where the ligament on the bottom of the foot, termed the plantar fascia, becomes chronically inflamed. It then can get calcified where it attaches to the heel bone. It may even appear as a heel spur on an X-ray. The pain stems from the strain on the plantar fascia, due to overuse or repetitive exertion, and often is made worse by wearing inadequately supportive footwear. Symptoms include discomfort on the bottom of the heel, which occasionally extends into the arch. Surgical removal of heel spurs is largely considered unnecessary, as relief from the pain can often occur without addressing the spur itself. Wearing shoe inserts and incorporating simple stretches can lead to significant relief from this type of heel pain. Proper arch support and cushioning are often effective ways to relieve heel pain. So, while heel spurs may appear concerning, they may not be the main cause of discomfort. Instead, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can conduct imaging tests and identify the cause and suggest the appropriate treatment measures. 

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.

Mildly cracked heels are generally not a serious foot condition unless they develop into fissures, which may bleed and become infected. Cracked heels are caused by standing on hard or uneven surfaces for most of the day, or from wearing shoes that do not have a back. Flip-flops fall into this category, and it is beneficial to limit wearing these types of shoes. Patients who have existing medical conditions, such as psoriasis, diabetes, or a thyroid disorder, may be prone to getting cracked heels. One of the first signs that cracked heels may be developing is the hard, thickened skin surrounding the heel. This is referred to as a callus and can be yellow or brown in color. Cracks can form over the callus and can become worse when pressure of standing or running is exerted. Effective prevention methods can include washing and drying the feet daily, followed by applying a good moisturizer on them. If you have cracked heels that are causing problems, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can successfully treat this condition.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Rahil Baxamusa, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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.

Ankle pain can affect the ability to complete your daily activities and in some cases, if left untreated can develop into a chronic condition. The main causes of ankle pain include sprains, arthritis, and Achilles tendonitis. Other causes are gout, damage to cartilage, and fractures. If you have broken an ankle bone, seeking immediate medical attention is a must. Other symptoms that indicate a trip to the podiatrist include the inability to bear weight, a deformity developing on the ankle, and pain occurring at night or while the ankle is at rest. Further indicators are pain that persists over a few days, trouble bending the ankle joint, swelling into the calf area, or signs of infection. Treatment options for ankle pain are dependent on the cause and can range from rest to surgery. In many cases, changes in footwear and wearing a brace or other orthotic device will be necessary. Specific stretching exercises and types of medication can help to relieve the pain. If you believe you have injured your ankle, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment. 

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Rahil Baxamusa, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and 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.

Polydactyly is a congenital foot defect where a child is born with extra fingers or toes. The name comes from a combination of Greek words, “poly” for many and “dactylos” for digits. There are different types of polydactyly of the feet. The most frequent form is an extra toe next to the fifth toe. The extra digit can be complete and fully functional or partially formed with some bone. It can also present as a small mass of soft tissue. When polydactyly occurs without other abnormalities, it is referred to as isolated or non-syndromic polydactyly. When there is another genetic condition present, such as a cognitive and developmental abnormality, it is called syndromic polydactyly. This condition tends to be hereditary and can occur from genetic mutations and environmental reasons. The left foot is most often affected and is twice as common among males. Treatment for polydactyly is dependent on where the extra toe is. Surgery to remove the extra toe is frequently done in the first two years of a child’s life to allow typical use of the foot and a better ability to fit into shoes. If you have a baby born with polydactyly, it is strongly suggested that you take them to a podiatrist as soon as possible who can consult with you on the best way to treat this condition.

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.