Tarsal tunnel release surgery is a procedure that can help relieve pain and numbness from a condition known as tarsal tunnel syndrome. The tarsal tunnel is located between the bump on the inner ankle and the ligaments that stretch across the foot. This surgery is done to take off pressure on a nerve in this area. This type of surgery can be done endoscopically or open – the former requires fewer and smaller incisions than the latter. One is given anesthesia to either numb the surgery area or induce sleep prior to the surgery being performed so as not to feel pain. The ligament in the ankle will be cut to relieve the pressure on the tibial nerve and any spurs or cysts contributing to discomfort will be removed. Since weight cannot be put on the ankle right after the surgery but movement is necessary to prevent blood clots, exercises will be suggested. If you have pain in this part of your foot, see a podiatrist who can make a proper diagnosis and evaluate whether you are a candidate for tarsal tunnel release surgery.

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.

When an individual develops cracked heels, they might notice several things. First, they might see deep cracks, or fissures, on the back of the heel due to a lack of moisture. Second, although many cases are painless, severe cases of cracked heels can be accompanied by pain. Importantly, a case of cracked heels might signal other potential problems to be aware of. It is possible that heel fissures might point to some kind of vitamin deficiency. In others, heel fissures could signal that the individual has developed a related fungal infection. Still in others, some cases of cracked heels might mean that the individual is simply aging. As someone grows older as a senior citizen, they become more susceptible to certain kinds of foot conditions. If you have cracked heels, contact a podiatrist today for assistance.

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.

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.