A bunion, or hallux valgus, is a common and often painful foot deformity that affects the joint at the base of the big toe. It manifests as a bony protrusion on the side of the foot, causing the big toe to drift towards the second toe. This misalignment of the joint results in the characteristic bump and can lead to discomfort, inflammation, and difficulty in finding properly fitting footwear. The primary cause of bunions is a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Inherited foot structures that predispose individuals to bunions, like flat feet or low arches, can increase the likelihood of developing this condition. Wearing tight-fitting shoes, particularly those with pointed toes or high heels, can exacerbate the problem or speed up its progression. High levels of stress on the foot or repetitive motion can also contribute to bunion formation. Understanding the causes of bunions is the first step in managing and preventing this condition. When detected early, conservative treatment methods can be helpful. In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to correct the alignment and provide lasting relief. If you have a bunion, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you toward the most appropriate course of treatment based on your specific condition.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, 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.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a rare condition that affects the nerves in the foot and ankle. It can cause foot pain or tingly sensations and may weaken some foot muscles. This syndrome is usually caused by things like wearing shoes that do not fit well, or by a tight cast. Sometimes, injuries like sprains or fractures can also lead to this condition. Rarely, it could be caused by lumps, cysts, or infections. It can be hard to diagnose, but podiatrists rely on a clinical assessment and can use special tests like electromyography, EMG, or electroneurography, ENG. These diagnostic tools show which muscles are having problems because of nerve damage. If it is found that the issue is in the tarsal tunnel area of your foot, the next step is to find out what is causing the nerve to be pinched or squeezed. If you have foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation, precise treatment, and management strategies for symptom relief.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Rahil Baxamusa, DPM of Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require 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 and ankle needs.

Proper footwear is essential for preventing various foot conditions and discomfort. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when choosing your footwear. Those who stand for extended periods on hard surfaces like concrete may experience heel and forefoot pain and calluses and corns. Opt for supportive shoes with softer soles and arch support to alleviate these stresses. This helps distribute your weight more evenly and reduces pressure on the feet. If you have foot soreness, consider lace-up boots. These boots can help maintain leg alignment and distribute even pressure on the muscles and ligaments around your foot. While high heels may be fashionable, they can cause forefoot pressure and deformities. By limiting their use, you can promote better foot health. For those engaged in physical activities, look for shoes that provide cushioning for shock absorption during activities such as running and jumping. Flexibility at the ball of the foot and proper heel support are other essential features. For further help with taking care of your feet through appropriate footwear, it is suggested that you seek the help of a podiatrist.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Rahil Baxamusa, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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.

Ingrown toenails are a common and often painful foot condition that can disrupt daily life. Understanding the definition and recognizing the symptoms is essential for managing this ailment effectively. An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail, usually the big toe, grows into the surrounding skin instead of over it. This can lead to redness, swelling, and tenderness along the side of the affected toe. As the nail continues to dig into the skin, it can cause pain and discomfort, making it a challenge to wear shoes or walk comfortably. In some cases, ingrown toenails can become infected, resulting in pus drainage and increased pain. The common culprits behind ingrown toenails include improper nail trimming, wearing tight-fitting shoes, hereditary factors, or injury. It is helpful for individuals with diabetes, poor circulation, or weakened immunity to be especially cautious, as ingrown toenails can lead to more severe complications. Timely intervention is important. Soaking the foot in warm, soapy water, gently lifting the ingrown edge of the nail, and keeping the area clean can help alleviate symptoms. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

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.