Items filtered by date: February 2023

An injury that occurs to the big toe can wreak havoc on people who enjoy running. Toe pain can be a common injury that may cause difficulty maintaining leverage while running. There are several joints in the big toe, and they work together to create balance. Older people may experience toe injuries more frequently than younger runners due to degenerative joint changes that occur with aging. There are various reasons for big toe pain, including a form of arthritis known as hallux rigidus. A bunion can also cause big toe pain as the toe may gradually shift toward the smaller toes. Additionally, the condition known as turf toe can be more common among athletes and may cause damage to the ligaments. If you have toe pain for any reason, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat your ailment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Rahil Baxamusa, DPM of Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Crystal Lake, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar warts can cause a considerable amount of pain and discomfort. They occur when the human papillomavirus, which is abbreviated as HPV, enters the body through small cracks in the skin on the feet. They are found on the soles of the feet and grow inward as a result of the weight the feet endure while walking and running, possibly causing severe pain. A plantar wart is a small bump with a rough consistency, and it often has small black dots in the center. Certain people may be prone to getting a plantar wart, including people who have a weakened immune system, or it may come from sharing shoes, towels, and socks. There are various treatment methods that can be used on plantar warts, and it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you. 

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Rahil Baxamusa, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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.

Many women enjoy wearing high heels for the style. Studies have even indicated that women who frequently wear high heels have sensed a renewed confidence level, in addition gaining a few inches in height. Despite these seemingly positive aspects, high heels can be uncomfortable, possibly causing painful foot conditions. These types of shoes come in various shapes and colors, and it is possible that stylish, yet comfortable high heels can be worn. This can be done by choosing a shoe that has a lower heel and a platform under the toe, which can be successful in giving the illusion of wearing a larger heel. The chunky heel, also known as the block heel, is a popular choice among women who wear high heels for the majority of the day. The feet often feel better in these types of shoes, and harmful foot conditions may be prevented. If you have questions about what type of high heel is best to wear for the health of the foot, please ask a podiatrist who can provide you with the information you are seeking. 

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Rahil Baxamusa, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads 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.

Blisters on the feet are common. Many people experience this uncomfortable condition as a result of wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Blisters are caused by excessive friction, and may easily become infected if not cared for properly. A blister is defined as a small area, which resembles a bubble that is filled with fluid and develops over the raw skin. It is the body’s natural method of protecting the area until new skin has formed, and will drain gradually when it is no longer needed. While the blister is intact, it is beneficial to wear a protective covering over it, which may help to keep it from draining prematurely. Blisters can form for other reasons, including existing medical conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, or they can occur as an allergic reaction to an insect bite. There are various types of bandages and prevention methods for blisters, and it is suggested to consult with a podiatrist if you would like to learn more about how to manage blisters on the feet.

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 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 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.