Items filtered by date: September 2024

Morning heel pain is a common condition characterized by sharp or aching discomfort in the heel upon waking or taking the first steps out of bed. This pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the band of tissue running from the heel to the toes. The pain arises from the heel’s stress during overnight rest, where the plantar fascia tightens and then experiences strain as the foot first touches the ground. Other causes may include heel spurs, which are bony growths on the heel bone, or Achilles tendinitis, where the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed. Early morning heel pain can cause difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have this type of foot pain, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer a comprehensive treatment plan.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Paul A. Santangelo, DPM of Illinois. Our doctor 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 contact our offices located in Niles and Rockford, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot problems can occur in various areas, each with distinct causes and implications. Ankle pain may arise from injuries, sprains, or conditions like arthritis, affecting mobility and stability. Pain on the inside of the foot is often linked to issues such as flat feet or posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. This is a condition where the tendon that supports the arch of the foot becomes damaged or weakened, leading to flatfoot and pain. Discomfort in the big toe, frequently associated with gout or bunions, can be debilitating and impact daily activities. Pain in the middle of the foot might indicate metatarsalgia or stress fractures, leading to discomfort during movement. Additionally, heel pain, commonly caused by plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis, often worsens with the first steps in the morning. If you have any type of foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can diagnose the cause and offer the appropriate treatment options.

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.

Laser surgery for fungal toenails is an advanced treatment option designed to combat persistent fungal infections. This procedure uses targeted laser energy to penetrate the nail and destroy the fungus without harming the surrounding tissue. One notable benefit is its precision. The laser targets only the infected areas, promoting a quicker recovery. Typically, the procedure is painless and requires no downtime, allowing patients to resume normal activities almost immediately. Unlike traditional treatments, laser therapy does not involve oral medications or topical applications, reducing potential side effects. However, multiple sessions might be needed for optimal results, and some patients may experience temporary discomfort or nail discoloration. If you have toenail fungus, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can determine if laser surgery is right for you.

Laser treatment can be an effective way to get rid of toenail fungus. If you have any questions about laser treatment, consult with Paul A. Santangelo, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment for fungal nails.

What Are Toenail Fungal Infections?

Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nail, is a relatively common and non-serious condition. Around 10 percent of U.S. citizens are afflicted with fungal nails. Common forms of fungus that infect the nail include dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.

Symptoms of Toenail Fungal Infections Include:

• Nail thickening
• Brittleness of the nail
• Discoloration of the nail

Diagnosis for Fungal Nails

Fungal infections are diagnosed by fungal culture and microscopy. This will rule out any other conditions such as nail trauma, psoriasis, lichen planus, and onychogryphosis.

What Is Laser Treatment?

Laser treatment is a non-invasive, safe, quick, and painless procedure that uses the heat from a laser to kill fungus in the nail. Each infected nail is targeted with a laser for several minutes. The treatment is usually utilized several different times over a select period. During this time, a podiatrist will keep an eye on the infection.

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.

Gout is a form of arthritis characterized by sudden, severe pain, redness, and swelling in the joints, most commonly affecting the big toe, a condition known as podagra. It occurs when high levels of uric acid in the blood form sharp crystals that accumulate in joints. Symptoms often include intense joint pain that typically occurs at night, lingering discomfort, inflammation, and limited range of motion. Causes of gout include a diet high in purines, found in red meat and seafood, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and certain medical conditions like hypertension and kidney disease. Men, postmenopausal women, and people with a family history of gout are at higher risk. Gout attacks, or flare-ups, can recur if underlying causes are not addressed. Prevention strategies involve maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated, limiting alcohol intake, and managing body weight. If you suspect you have gout in your big toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis, treatment, and a long-term management plan to prevent joint damage and improve quality of life.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Paul A. Santangelo, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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.