Items filtered by date: June 2018

The benefits of properly caring for your baby’s feet may last well into adulthood. A part of this includes trimming the toenails which may prevent a painful and uncomfortable condition from developing, often referred to as ingrown toenails. There are noticeable symptoms indicating that an ingrown toenail has formed, including skin that appears to be red and swollen which surrounds the affected toe, and this may possibly cause considerable pain when shoes are made to be worn. There are also several ways to prevent your child from developing this painful condition, such as choosing socks and shoes that fit properly, cutting the toenails in a timely fashion, and noticing any infected cuts near the toenail which may cause it to grow into the skin. Your child may find some relief when a warm compress is applied to the affected toe, in addition to walking barefoot until the toe has healed. A consultation with a podiatrist is advised if your child’s daily activities are hindered by ingrown toenails

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Mark Gagnon of Advanced Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Crestwood, Orland Park, and Summit, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The definition of a heel spur is a bony protrusion that comes from the heel of the foot and grows into the arch. This condition is often the result of tears in the plantar fasciitis which is a thick band of tissue that runs along the sole of the foot. General symptoms may include pain and discomfort under the heel which may be worse in the morning and experiencing a tender feeling when the heel is touched. There may be several causes for heel spurs to develop, including excess weight the heel endures from being obese, certain sporting activities that puts pressure on the heels, and wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Research has shown that reducing the activities that may cause this condition may aid in the treatment of heel spurs. Please consult with a podiatrist for treatment options which may include being fitted for custom made orthotics and night splints.

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 Dr. Mark Gagnon from Advanced Podiatry. 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 feel free to contact one of our offices located in Crestwood, Orland Park, and Summit, IL . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

An important task that caregivers perform is to properly care for their elderly patients’ feet. This includes checking the feet daily for any cuts or cracks in the skin, in addition to trimming the toenails correctly. Infections may be common in older people, and this may generally be indicated by bleeding sores, discolored toenails, or blisters that are found on the feet. When the toenails are kept short by being trimmed properly, the risk of scratching the skin and breaking any nails may diminish. This can be achieved by using sterile nail clippers that are only used by one person. A warm foot bath or massage may provide relief from tired and achy feet and circulation may improve. Additionally, it’s beneficial to purchase shoes that fit correctly. This can be accomplished by trying both shoes on to confirm there is adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Consulting a podiatrist is strongly recommended to learn about how infections can be prevented in elders feet.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Mark Gagnon from Advanced Podiatry. 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 one of our offices located in Crestwood, Orland Park, and Summit, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A condition referred to as hammertoe is a deformity of the toes that is typically a result of wearing narrow shoes that have inadequate room for the toes to move about. The middle joint becomes bent, and the toe will bend downward to resemble a hammer. The toes become imbalanced, causing possible weakness in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. There may be additional causes of hammertoe, including medical conditions such as arthritis or diabetes and any injuries that the toes may have endured. Corns and calluses may accompany hammertoes as a result of the toe frequently rubbing against a portion of the shoe. Pain is often experienced with this condition in addition to swelling and feeling a burning sensation. It may be difficult to straighten the toe, and this may result in buying shoes that can accommodate the hammertoe. This is often an ailment that is permanent and may require surgery for removal. Please consult with a podiatrist to learn about hammertoes and to discuss proper treatment options.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Mark Gagnon of Advanced Podiatry. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Crestwood, Orland Park, and Summit, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.