Items filtered by date: July 2024

Standing for prolonged periods of time can cause aches and pains in your feet and lower limbs. In addition to wearing comfortable shoes and taking breaks to sit and walk around, one other way that you can prevent or relieve pain is to stretch. A lunging calf stretch can help prevent cramping in the calf muscles, plantar fasciitis, and other foot problems. It can also promote circulation. To do this stretch, stand one step away from a wall and place both palms flat against it. Step your left foot back and bend your right knee into a lunge. Keep your toes pointing forward and slowly push your left heel toward the ground until you feel a stretch in your calf. Hold and then repeat on the opposite foot. To learn more about the benefits of stretching your feet, it’s suggested that you consult with a podiatrist. 

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet 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.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous one, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

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.

Visiting a podiatrist can significantly enhance your foot health and overall mobility. Podiatrists specialize in diagnosing, treating, preventing, and rehabilitating lower limb issues. This can include general foot conditions like bunions, calluses, and fungal infections, as well as more complex problems associated with diabetes and arthritis. If you have persistent foot pain, a podiatrist can provide effective relief through treatment and exercises tailored to your specific needs. Athletes, dancers, and runners benefit from a podiatrist’s expertise in managing sports injuries, such as sprains and fractures. Custom orthotics are another vital service provided by podiatrists. These specially designed shoe inserts can correct biomechanical issues, alleviate pain, and enhance walking or running performance. Podiatrists also offer essential footwear advice, helping individuals select the right shoes to support and improve their gait. Additionally, they perform minor surgeries for skin and nail concerns, such as ingrown nails and warts. By addressing foot problems early, podiatrists help prevent further complications, enhancing your quality of life and mobility. If you are suffering from foot, toe, or ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to 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 a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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.

As people age, maintaining balance becomes increasingly vital to prevent falls, a common and potentially serious issue for seniors. Factors such as poor posture, lack of exercise, and inadequate diet can contribute to balance problems. Improving balance not only reduces the risk of falls but also alleviates the fear of falling, a condition that can hinder daily activities and diminish quality of life. Engaging in gentle exercises, such as standing on one leg while holding onto a chair, can significantly enhance balance. Joining exercise classes can further strengthen core muscles and improve stability. Additionally, practicing heel-to-toe walking helps to develop inner leg muscles, which is essential for maintaining balance. Consistency in these activities supports better bone health. However, it is essential to exercise safely by using sturdy supports or attending classes with certified instructors. Always consult your medical advisor before starting any new exercise regimen and be mindful of how medications might impact your balance. It is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for more guidance on how to improve your balance and prevent falls.

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 one of our podiatrists from Crystal Lake Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors 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.

Cuboid syndrome is a foot condition where the cuboid bone, located on the outer side of the foot, becomes partially dislocated or misaligned. This misalignment causes pain and discomfort primarily felt along the lateral side of the foot, often extending to the base of the fourth and fifth toes. The peroneus longus muscle, which runs along the outer calf and attaches to the cuboid bone, plays a role in this condition. When the peroneus longus is overly tight or strained, it can pull on the cuboid bone, contributing to its misalignment. This can occur due to sudden twists or excessive weight-bearing activities. Proper diagnosis and treatment, including rest and sometimes manipulation of the cuboid bone, are essential for alleviating pain and restoring normal foot function. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat cuboid syndrome.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, 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.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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.

Onychocryptosis, commonly known as an ingrown toenail, occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. This condition often affects the big toe and can result from improper nail trimming, tight footwear, or injury to the toe. Managing an ingrown toenail involves several steps to alleviate discomfort and promote healing. Soaking the affected foot in warm water can soften the skin and reduce inflammation. Keeping the foot dry and wearing well-fitting shoes can prevent further irritation. Lifting the nail gently and placing a small piece of cotton or dental floss under it can help guide the nail to grow correctly. An ingrown toenail can cause significant pain and discomfort. If you have an ingrown toenail that has worsened, it is strongly suggested that you seek the advice of visit a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition, which may include minor surgery.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

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.