Items filtered by date: January 2025

Corns are thickened areas of skin that develop on the feet due to repeated friction or pressure. They typically form on the toes or the soles of the feet and can cause discomfort or pain, especially when standing or walking. Symptoms include a small, hard, raised bump that may appear yellowish or gray, with surrounding redness and inflammation. The primary cause of corns is wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes that put pressure on specific areas of the foot. Abnormal gait or foot deformities, such as hammertoes, can also contribute to corn formation. Treatment options for corns often include soaking the feet to soften the skin, and wearing properly fitting shoes with adequate cushioning. In severe cases, a podiatrist may recommend professional corn removal, along with custom orthotics to prevent recurrence. If you have developed one or more corns on your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Ankle N Foot. our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Cracked heels refer to the painful and dry fissures that form on the skin of the heel, often accompanied by thickened skin. These cracks can develop when the skin loses moisture, causing it to become dry and brittle. Common causes include standing for long periods of time, wearing open-back shoes, and neglecting foot care. Cracked heels can lead to infections if the cracks are deep and expose the underlying tissue to bacteria. People with diabetes may be more susceptible to cracked heels due to poor circulation and nerve damage, which can result in dry skin and reduced ability to heal. If you have developed cracked heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Ankle N Foot. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Chicago, Elmhurst, Bartlett, IL and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot pain can often be attributed to conditions that require surgical intervention, such as bunions, hammertoe, metatarsalgia, and neuromas. Bunions are painful bony bumps on the side of the foot, caused by misalignment of the toe joint. Hammertoe, where the toe bends abnormally, results from muscle imbalances, often worsened by tight shoes. Metatarsalgia refers to pain in the ball of the foot, usually from overuse or from wearing improper footwear, while a neuroma is a thickening of tissue surrounding nerves in the foot, causing sharp, burning pain. In addition to pain, symptoms for these conditions include swelling, deformity, and difficulty in hwalking. Conservative treatments like footwear changes, orthotics, or targeted exercises can help, but surgery may be needed in severe cases. Surgical options vary, from joint realignment to nerve decompression, depending on the condition. A podiatrist can evaluate your symptoms and recommend the most appropriate surgical or non-surgical treatment for relief. If you have any foot problem, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Ankle N Foot. our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Sever's disease is a common cause of heel pain in growing children, particularly affecting those between the ages of eight and 14. It occurs due to inflammation of the growth plate in the heel, known as the calcaneal apophysis. This condition is often triggered by repetitive physical activities such as running, jumping, or sports that put stress on the feet. The primary risk factors include being involved in high-impact sports, having tight Achilles tendons, and being overweight. Children who have flat feet or high arches may also be at higher risk. Symptoms typically include pain and tenderness at the heel, especially during or after physical activity. The pain may improve with rest but can worsen with continued activity. If your active child has heel pain, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can provide a proper diagnosis and relief methods.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Ankle N Foot. our doctors 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 offices located in Chicago, Elmhurst, Bartlett, IL and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.