Items filtered by date: October 2024

Running shoes are specifically designed footwear that provides support, cushioning, and protection for runners during their activities. When selecting the best pair of running shoes, consider essential features like cushioning, shock absorption, and energy return, as these elements enhance comfort and performance. Runners can choose from various types of shoes to suit their needs. Lightweight shoes are ideal for speed, while road shoes offer a smoother ride on pavement. Motion control shoes provide added stability for those with overpronation, and trail shoes are designed for off-road conditions, featuring rugged outsoles for better grip. Training shoes are versatile for various activities, whereas zero-drop shoes promote a more natural running posture with no height difference between the heel and toe. Many runners develop foot conditions as a result of wearing shoes that are not right for their style or running. If this applies to you, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you relief solutions and guide you on how to choose running shoes that are right for you.

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact Rahil Baxamusa, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

• Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• There should be little to no slipping at the heel
• Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
• Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
• Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

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

Morton's neuroma affects the foot, specifically involving a thickening of the tissue that surrounds a nerve leading to the toes. It is often found between the third and fourth metatarsals. This condition typically causes significant discomfort, resulting in a sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot. Individuals may also experience tingling or numbness in the toes, which can feel like there is a pebble in the shoe. Symptoms often worsen during activities that put pressure on the forefoot, such as wearing tight shoes or high heels. Swelling may also occur, further complicating the discomfort. Recognizing these symptoms early is essential for effective management and relief. If you suspect you have Morton's neuroma, it is suggested that you seek medical advice from a podiatrist who can make a proper diagnosis and help you explore treatment options.

A plantar fibroma may 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.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

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.

Cracked heels, or heel fissures, occur when the skin on the heels becomes dry and thickened, leading to painful splits or cracks that can sometimes become infected. This condition often arises from a combination of factors, such as prolonged standing, wearing open-back shoes, and exposure to harsh weather conditions. Symptoms include visible cracks in the heel skin, which can become painful, especially when walking. The affected area may also appear dry, rough, sometimes inflamed, and ensuring proper foot hygiene can prevent infection. For persistent or severe cases of heel fissures, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact Rahil Baxamusa, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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.