Constant heel pain can make standing or walking uncomfortable. One of the most frequent causes of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. This condition occurs when the thick band of tissue under the foot becomes irritated from overuse, common in runners. Another cause of heel pain is thinning of the natural padding under the heel, which reduces shock absorption and can lead to soreness. Tiny cracks in the heel bone, known as stress fractures, may also develop from repeated impact, especially in active people or those who stand for long periods. Some cases of heel pain are caused by pinched nerves near the ankle, which can create burning, tingling, or sharp pain. In rare situations, pain in the heel may actually start in the lower back and travel down the leg. A podiatrist can diagnose the source of the problem and provide appropriate medical care. Options include imaging, injections, orthotics, or surgery. If you are experiencing heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of DM Foot & Ankle Associates . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

Midfoot arthritis affects the joints in the arch of the foot, where several small bones meet. It can cause pain, stiffness and swelling, especially during walking or standing. This condition often develops from wear and tear over time, past injuries or inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. The pain may feel worse in the morning or after activity, and shoes may start to feel uncomfortable. Treatment focuses on reducing stress on the joints. Wearing supportive shoes, custom orthotics, and anti-inflammatory medications may help manage symptoms. In some cases, targeted exercises or steroid injections provide relief. When pain does not improve, surgery may be considered to fuse the affected joints and restore stability. If you feel pain or stiffness in the middle of your foot that affects daily movement, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from DM Foot & Ankle Associates . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

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

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs from the heel bone to the toes. Plantar fasciitis typically causes sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning. Relief can begin with performing specific stretches that target the plantar fascia, such as rolling the foot on a tennis ball. Additionally, wearing supportive footwear or orthotics may accelerate the healing process.  As recovery progresses, patients often notice that mornings become easier because increased blood flow and reduced overnight pressure help relieve stiffness. Pain that was once widespread may become more localized, signaling that inflammation is decreasing. Another important sign of recovery is the return of range of motion in the foot and ankle, allowing for more comfortable walking and movement. Plantar fasciitis can cause extreme pain and discomfort, often causing difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can begin the necessary treatment as you look forward to signs of recovery.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from DM Foot & Ankle Associates . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

Wearing the correct shoe size is essential for foot health, comfort, and overall mobility. Shoes that fit properly should provide enough space at the toe box, allow your foot to rest naturally, and feel secure without being tight. Signs that shoes may be the wrong size include blisters, pressure points, pain, or excessive movement of the heel while walking. It is important to check how your feet feel at the end of the day when they are slightly swollen, as this can give a better sense of fit. Wearing shoes that are too small or too large can lead to long-term issues, such as bunions, hammertoes, and joint pain. Choosing the correct size helps support proper alignment, reduces fatigue, and promotes healthier movement with each step you take. If you have developed foot pain from wearing the wrong size shoes, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and better guide you on determining your correct shoe size.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from DM Foot & Ankle Associates . Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

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

Alcohol consumption can have several surprising effects on foot health, often going unnoticed until discomfort begins. Drinking alcohol may lead to a sensation of heaviness in the limbs, making the feet and legs feel sluggish or difficult to move. It can also contribute to foot swelling due to fluid retention and impaired circulation. Regular alcohol use may increase uric acid levels in the body, raising the risk of developing gout, a painful condition that often targets the joints of the big toe. Additionally, alcohol can dehydrate the body, leading to dry, scaly skin on the feet, which may crack or become irritated. Paying attention to how alcohol impacts the body, including the feet, is important for maintaining overall wellness. If you have any kind of foot pain, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from DM Foot & Ankle Associates . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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