Foot problems become more frequent with age as natural changes affect the bones, joints, and soft tissues. A loss of flexibility can lead to flat feet, where the arch collapses and causes strain. Seniors may also develop bunions, which are bony bumps at the base of the big toe that can lead to pain and difficulty walking. Joint wear, often called arthritis, can cause stiffness and swelling in the feet and ankles. In addition, reduced bone strength increases the risk of stress fractures, which are small cracks in the bone caused by repeated pressure. Circulation changes and nerve issues may also lead to discomfort or reduced feeling in the feet. A podiatrist can evaluate these conditions, provide custom orthotics to improve support, and offer medical care to relieve pain and prevent further damage. If you are experiencing foot pain as a senior adult, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists of Crystal Lake Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

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.

Epidermolysis bullosa is a rare condition where the skin is extremely delicate and can blister from minor friction or pressure. This condition is usually caused by inherited gene changes that make the skin layers less able to stay connected, so they separate easily with friction. The feet are often affected because of daily walking and shoe contact. Even simple movement can lead to painful blisters, open areas, and the risk of infection. Care focuses on protecting the skin and reducing irritation. Soft, well-fitted shoes and padded socks can help limit rubbing. Dressings are often used to shield sensitive areas and support healing. Regular foot checks are important to catch small problems before they worsen. Nail care and careful trimming of thickened skin may also be needed to reduce pressure points. Because this condition requires ongoing attention, care is often gentle and consistent rather than aggressive. If you or a loved one has fragile skin and develops foot wounds, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a careful evaluation and support.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Crystal Lake Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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 and ankle are made up of bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments that must work together for smooth movement and balance. When any of these structures are strained, injured, or not aligned properly, pain and limited mobility can follow. Common concerns include tendon irritation, joint stiffness, ligament sprains, and structural changes that develop over time. A careful evaluation helps identify where the problem is coming from, and how it affects the way you walk or stand. This may include examining movement patterns, checking strength and flexibility, and reviewing your activity level and footwear. Treatment depends on the specific cause and may involve rest, supportive devices, targeted exercises, or other non-surgical options. In more advanced cases, additional procedures may be considered to restore function and reduce discomfort. If foot or ankle pain is interfering with daily activity, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Crystal Lake Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors 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.

Night splints are often used to help manage plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain. This condition develops when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that supports the arch, becomes strained or irritated. Pain is usually worse in the morning because the tissue tightens overnight. Night splints hold the ankle in a gentle upward position so that the foot is kept slightly flexed toward the leg. This position helps maintain a stretch on the calf muscles and plantar fascia while sleeping. Traditional adjustable splints allow a wider range of stretch, while dorsal splints provide less stretch but may feel more comfortable. Research shows that both types can reduce pain and improve function with consistent use. A podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis, assess foot structure and movement, and recommend the most appropriate splint and supportive treatment plan. If you are experiencing foot pain from plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from Crystal Lake Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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.