Items filtered by date: June 2024

Gout is a form of arthritis characterized by sudden, intense pain, often in the big toe, but it can affect other joints as well. The pain is typically described as sharp, throbbing, or excruciating, making even the lightest touch unbearable. In addition to the pain, affected joints often become swollen, red, and warm to the touch. These symptoms can come on suddenly, often at night, and can last for several days or even weeks. During a gout attack, movement of the affected joint is extremely painful, and the skin around the joint can appear shiny and stretched. Some individuals might also experience a lingering discomfort even after the severe pain subsides, along with decreased mobility in the joint. Chronic gout can lead to persistent pain and can cause damage to the joints over time. If you have pain in your big toe, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Crystal Lake Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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.

A foot blister is a small pocket of fluid that forms under the skin due to friction, pressure, or irritation. When hiking, blisters are common due to prolonged walking and uneven terrain. To prevent blisters, it is important to wear well-fitted hiking boots and moisture-wicking socks, which reduce friction and keep feet dry. Applying blister prevention products, such as specialized tapes or lubricants, can create a protective barrier on areas prone to blisters. Taking regular breaks to air out and check your feet allows you to address any hot spots early on. Keeping your feet dry and free from debris or changing socks as needed can also help. These proactive measures can significantly reduce the risk of developing painful blisters during hikes. If you have developed a blister on your foot that is bothersome or has become infected, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can guide you toward relief and prevention options.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, 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.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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.

Foot pain can significantly disrupt daily activities and diminish quality of life, and plantar fasciitis is one of the main culprits. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that stretches from the heel to the toes, supporting the foot’s arch and helping with movement. When this tissue becomes inflamed, it results in plantar fasciitis. This causes sharp heel pain that is especially noticeable with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of inactivity. Common causes of plantar fasciitis include biomechanical issues like flat feet or high arches, and overuse from activities such as running. Wearing shoes that lack proper support, tight calf muscles, and additional stress from excess body weight are other causes. Managing plantar fasciitis typically involves stretching exercises to relieve tension, wearing supportive footwear, and using orthotic inserts. Preventive measures focus on proper footwear and maintaining flexibility in the lower legs through regular stretching. If you are suffering from persistent heel pain, it’s suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and suggestions for treatment, which can begin your journey to recovery and improved foot health.

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 and ankle needs.

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, can significantly impact your quality of life by reducing blood flow to your legs and feet. Podiatrists play an important role in detecting and managing PAD through various non-invasive tests. Included are checking the pulse in your feet, using a handheld device to listen to the blood flow, and measuring blood pressure in your ankles and toes. Regular vascular assessments are essential, as early detection of PAD can prevent serious complications like sores or infections that heal poorly. If you experience leg pain while walking, numbness, or slow-healing wounds on your feet, it is important to visit a podiatrist because these symptoms are indicators of peripheral artery disease. A podiatrist can conduct these simple yet effective tests to determine if PAD is affecting you and recommend appropriate treatments or lifestyle changes. Ensuring that your podiatrist performs comprehensive vascular assessments can make a significant difference in managing your condition and improving your overall health. If you are experiencing symptoms of peripheral artery disease, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for testing and suggested treatment options.

Vascular testing plays an important part in diagnosing disease like peripheral artery disease. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, or diabetes, 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.

What Is Vascular Testing?

Vascular testing checks for how well blood circulation is in the veins and arteries. This is most often done to determine and treat a patient for peripheral artery disease (PAD), stroke, and aneurysms. Podiatrists utilize vascular testing when a patient has symptoms of PAD or if they believe they might. If a patient has diabetes, a podiatrist may determine a vascular test to be prudent to check for poor blood circulation.

How Is it Conducted?

Most forms of vascular testing are non-invasive. Podiatrists will first conduct a visual inspection for any wounds, discoloration, and any abnormal signs prior to a vascular test.

 The most common tests include:

• Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) examination
• Doppler examination
• Pedal pulses

These tests are safe, painless, and easy to do. Once finished, the podiatrist can then provide a diagnosis and the best course for treatment.

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.