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Why Live with Pain and Numbness in Your Feet?

Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

What Causes Heel Spurs?

Heel spurs are bony growths that develop on the underside of the heel bone, often forming in response to long-term strain on foot muscles and ligaments. They can be caused by weakened muscles that fail to properly support the foot, joint stiffness that alters walking patterns, and repeated forced impact from walking or standing on hard floors. These factors place extra stress on the heel, leading to inflammation and pain. A podiatrist can diagnose heel spurs through examination and imaging, then recommend treatments like custom orthotics, stretching exercises, and supportive footwear. If heel pain is affecting your daily life, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat heel spurs.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

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

Read more about How to Treat Heel Spurs

Phases of Footwear for Infants and Toddlers

As infants and toddlers grow, their feet go through various developmental stages that require different types of footwear. In the early stages, when babies are crawling and shuffling, barefoot is often best as it allows for natural movement. However, if footwear for your child is necessary for protection, their shoes should be soft, flexible, and roomy to accommodate delicate feet. Pre-walking shoes offer gentle support and protection while still allowing for free movement of the toes and heels. As toddlers begin to walk independently, they will need more structured shoes for support, especially as they spend more time on their feet. At this stage, it is important to focus on fit, as poorly fitting shoes can cause discomfort, even though toddlers may not be able to communicate this. When children reach the toddler and preschool stages, they require footwear that promotes coordination and accommodates their growing feet. For guidance on the kind of shoes needed for your child, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for expert advice and guidance.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Bruce Smit, DPM of Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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

Read more about What to Do to Keep Your Child’s Feet Healthy

Managing Sesamoid Bone Fractures

Sesamoid fractures occur in the small bones beneath the big toe joint, often due to repetitive stress or direct trauma. These bones, called the tibial and fibular sesamoids, are embedded within a tendon and help with weight-bearing and motion. Fractures or damage to sesamoid bones are especially common among dancers, joggers, and people who wear high-heeled or thin-soled shoes. Pain is usually located beneath the head of the first metatarsal ,and may worsen when walking or wearing shoes that increase pressure under the big toe. In some cases, sesamoid fractures are confused with other conditions like gout. Diagnosis typically involves examining the foot while moving the toe and using imaging such as X-rays or MRI scans to confirm the fracture. A podiatrist can recommend immobilization techniques, or, in some cases, surgery to relieve persistent pain and restore function. If you have severe pain beneath the big toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. 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 Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment for a Broken Foot

Explaining Sinus Tarsi Syndrome

Sinus-tarsi syndrome is a painful condition that involves the tunnel between the talus and calcaneus bones in the foot. This space, known as the sinus tarsi tunnel, contains ligaments and tissues that help control foot stability and movement. Injury from an ankle sprain or repeated strain may damage these ligaments, causing inflammation, instability, and buildup of scar tissue inside the sinus tarsi. People with flat or over-pronated feet may also develop this problem due to pressure that forces the talus and calcaneus closer together. Common signs include pain on the front outer side of the ankle and a sense of weakness or instability, especially while walking on uneven surfaces. A podiatrist can help by performing a thorough foot and ankle exam, ordering imaging tests, and recommending treatment that may include surgery, if necessary. If you have symptoms of sinus-tarsi syndrome, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor 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 Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Foot Pain
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