Items filtered by date: September 2022

Research has indicated that the foot condition known as a bunion may be inherited. Furthermore, studies have shown the bunion itself has not developed because of genetic reasons, but the foot structure that contributed to it may be inherited. It is easy to notice the bony protrusion on the big toe’s side. Some people develop bunions if they have endured a traumatic foot injury, which may also contribute to changes in the foot structure. There may be existing medical conditions like arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or cerebral palsy that can lead to a bunion. A common reason why many patients develop bunions can be the type of shoes that are worn. High heels and shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in may cause a bunion. This particular foot condition is considered to be a deformity, and it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can guide you toward correct treatment methods.

If you are suffering from bunions, 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?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• 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 care needs.

A blister is a fluid-filled bubble that forms on the skin. The fluid can be clear or contain blood. If blisters develop between the toes, it can cause pain, particularly the longer one spends on their feet. The two main types of blisters on or between the toes are those from friction and those not due to friction. Friction or pinch blisters are more common and result from toes repeatedly rubbing against each other or against the shoe lining, irritating the skin. These are related to the shape and alignment of toes, fit of shoe, and usually form near the tip of the toe or by the base of the toe.  Sweaty toes are more apt to lead to friction blisters. Blisters not due to friction can develop from an infection (like athlete’s foot), a skin condition, a sunburn, or an allergy. Both types of blisters might look the same. However, the location of the blister and what causes it can help determine the type. Non-friction blisters should be evaluated by a podiatrist. With both types of blisters, good foot hygiene can help prevent them. Popping or picking at blisters should be avoided as broken skin can attract bacteria, which can cause an infection. If you have a blister on or between your toes and you are not sure of the cause, it appears infected, or if it is not healing well, contact a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment options.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Rahil Baxamusa, DPM of Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often 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.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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.

A podiatrist is a doctor that treats the foot, ankle, and any connecting leg parts. They are known as a doctor of podiatric medicine or DPM, and these initials will appear after their name. Podiatrists must complete four years of study and training at a podiatric medical school. After this, they must complete residency training for three more years in a hospital or clinic. When they pass all required exams, they are certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (APMA). Some of these doctors choose to specialize (such as in surgery, sports medicine, or pediatrics), and if they do this, they must obtain more training in their area of specialty. Podiatrists must be licensed in the state that they work in, and like other physicians, they must renew their licenses and keep up to date with their training. Like a family doctor or general care physician, unless they specialize, podiatrists treat people of all ages and for a range of conditions. If your feet hurt or if you have sustained an injury to your feet or ankles, it is time to see a podiatrist who can diagnose the problem and provide appropriate treatment. It is a good idea to have your feet checked by this type of doctor periodically anyway. Remember, your feet support your weight and get you through a lifetime of mobility.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Rahil Baxamusa, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor 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.