Osteoporosis isn't just about fragile bones. It can impact balance, leading to falls and injuries beyond just the ankle and foot. Even without a specific foot or ankle injury, you might notice pain and swelling in these areas, signaling potential bone issues. Several factors contribute to the likelihood of developing osteoporosis, some within your control and others not. Age is a significant factor, with the risk rising notably for women over 50 and men over 70. Women are more predisposed to osteoporosis and genetics can further increase the risk. While you can't change your age, gender, or genetics, certain lifestyle factors help to reduce your risk. A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients helps maintain bone strength. Hormonal changes, such as low estrogen levels in women and testosterone in men, can affect bone mass and should be monitored. Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking can weaken bones and overall health. Regular exercise, especially weight-bearing activities, can strengthen bones and improve bone density. Even moderate daily exercise, like taking a walk, can make a significant difference in bone health. By understanding these factors and making informed choices, you can take proactive steps to protect your bone health and minimize the risk of osteoporosis-related complications in your feet. If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain that may be connected to osteoporosis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options. 

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Rahil Baxamusa, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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.

Sever's disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a common cause of heel pain in growing children and adolescents, especially in those who play sports. This condition occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed, often due to repetitive stress from activities like running and jumping. This, combined with the pressure of rapid bone growth during puberty, can create painful heels. The pain may worsen during or after physical activity and include tenderness to the touch. It may also lead to limping, especially after waking up or more intense physical activities. Treatment typically involves rest and various exercises that stretch and strengthen the leg muscles and tendons. Footwear with proper cushioning and support is also suggested to help alleviate symptoms. With appropriate management, symptoms usually resolve with the completion of the growth spurt, as the heel bone matures. If your child has painful heels and you suspect Sever’s disease, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and management techniques. 

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Rahil Baxamusa, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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 injuries.

Blisters on the feet can be an unwelcome nuisance, often causing discomfort and hindering mobility. These fluid-filled sacs typically form in response to friction or repetitive rubbing against the skin. When excessive pressure or irritation occurs, the outer layer of the skin separates from the underlying tissue, creating a protective bubble filled with fluid. Common culprits behind blister formation include wearing ill-fitting shoes, prolonged periods of walking or running, and friction caused by sweaty or damp conditions. Additionally, certain activities, such as hiking or wearing new shoes without proper breaking in, can increase the likelihood of developing blisters. Individuals with foot deformities or abnormalities may also be more prone to blister formation due to uneven pressure distribution. If you have a blister on your foot that has become infected, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can safely treat it and provide effective prevention techniques for future knowledge.

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.

Big toe joint pain can be a nagging and debilitating issue, affecting mobility and daily activities. Understanding the root causes is imperative to finding effective relief and restoring comfort to your feet. One common culprit is osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in the joints. When osteoarthritis affects the big toe joint, it can lead to pain, stiffness, and swelling, particularly during movement or weight-bearing activities. Another potential cause is gout, a type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, resulting in sudden and intense pain in the big toe joint. Additionally, injuries such as sprains or fractures, as well as conditions like bunions or sesamoiditis, can contribute to big toe joint pain. Identifying the specific cause through a thorough evaluation by a podiatrist is essential for developing an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your needs. If you have big toe pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate treatment methods.

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.