Items filtered by date: January 2023

Foot pain may be reduced when specific stretches and exercises are frequently performed. Plantar fasciitis is a common form of foot pain, and is felt on the sole of the foot. The affected foot may feel better when the foot is placed on the opposite knee while sitting in a chair. As the heel is held with one hand and the toes are grasped with the other, a gentle stretch can be felt along the bottom of the foot. This can be followed by kneeling on a pillow, and placing the hands on the floor, while slowly sitting back on the ankles. This is another plantar fascia stretch that can help this foot condition. Additionally, some people enjoy rolling the bottom of their foot on a can or water bottle, which can be effective in strengthening the foot. If you would like to learn about additional foot stretches to help plantar fasciitis, please consult with a podiatrist who can give you expert advice about this condition.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Paul A. Santangelo, DPM from Illinois. 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 offices located in Niles and Rockford, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a lesser-known condition of the foot among the general public. This condition occurs when pressure is applied to the nerves in the ankle, sometimes causing discomfort and pain. When an individual has a case of tarsal tunnel syndrome, there are a number of steps that they might consider taking to treat the condition or mitigate the pain. One of these remedies includes wearing special shoes that are designed to combat the pain caused by tarsal tunnel syndrome. If you suffer from this foot condition, you might consider wearing shoes that relieve foot pain by essentially absorbing shock caused by weight-bearing activities. Shoes that provide extra support to the foot are also ideal for some patients with tarsal tunnel syndrome. For example, shoes that have sufficient arch and heel cushioning can provide needed support to the foot. If you have tarsal tunnel syndrome, consider contacting a podiatrist who can help you address any concerns. Schedule an appointment today.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Paul A. Santangelo, DPM of Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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

Can the position of children’s feet as they eat result in appetite changes? Studies have been done that may link feet that are dangling while eating may lead to having a reduced appetite and increased fatigue. The recommended position for sitting during a meal is for the ankles, knees, and hips to be bent at 90 degrees. When the feet are supported, the core muscles work less to stabilize the body, possibly causing improved attention. It may be beneficial to add a footrest that can help to achieve this balance. Parents who have children that are difficult eaters may find improvement by changing the position their child is in while eating. The benefits may include trying new foods and textures and remaining seated for longer periods. If you have specific questions about how this is accomplished, please speak with a podiatrist who can address any concerns you may have.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Paul A. Santangelo, DPM of Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

Most people forget how hard the feet work for them and do not give them the attention or care that they deserve. Usually, it takes a problem with the feet to get one’s attention. Tired and achy feet can benefit from reflexology, stretching, and pedicures, all of which should feel relaxing and soothing. Reflexology involves applying pressure with the hands to specific points on the feet with the goal of improving functioning of certain organs and glands. Gentle stretching of the feet can alleviate tension and strengthen muscles in the soles of the feet. In addition to making your toenails look pretty, pedicures can provide comfort in the form of massage, hot water soaks, and exfoliation. It is important to take care of the feet to get the most out of them. If you would like more suggestions for how you can properly care for your feet, see a podiatrist today.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Paul A. Santangelo, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

Many elderly people notice their feet have become wider as they age. This can be a result of the reduced size of the fat pads on the soles of the feet. Additionally, range of motion and strength may be decreased, and walking may be affected. Research has shown it may help to purchase shoes that have extra depth, and this often provides the cushioning that is needed. Many people have worn shoes throughout their lives that do not fit correctly, possibly leading to foot conditions to happen later in life. Wearing the right shoes can reduce the chances of developing corns, bunions, and hammertoe, and patients who have arthritic feet may be more comfortable. Some women may choose to decide against wearing this type of shoe, which may not be as attractive as wearing high heels. The feet carry the weight of the body, and the overall body can benefit from wearing shoes that fit properly. If you have questions about these types of shoes, please consult with a podiatrist who can help you to decide if these are right for you.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Paul A. Santangelo, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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