Items filtered by date: August 2021

The plantar fascia is a tendon located on the bottom of the foot. It is known for being strong and inflexible, and supports the arch of the foot. This tendon connects the heel to the toes, and a healthy plantar fascia plays a significant role in completing daily activities without pain. An imbalance in the style of walking can alter the foot mechanics, and the plantar fascia may become damaged. This can lead to inflammation of this tendon, which in turn may become plantar fasciitis. Some of the causes that are associated with this ailment can include obesity, and standing on hard surfaces for the majority of the day. Additionally, a sudden increase in speed and intensity during running may lead to gradual development of plantar fasciitis. This condition can cause severe pain and discomfort, and it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Mark Gagnon  from Advanced Podiatry. Our doctor 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 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 common fungal infection that affects many people worldwide is athlete’s foot. It can cause the skin between the toes and on the bottom of the foot to become red, inflamed, and uncomfortable. Additional symptoms can include cracked and flakey skin, and in severe cases, blisters may develop. It is considered to be contagious, and lives in areas that may include public swimming pools, locker rooms, and surrounding areas. An effective prevention technique can consist of wearing appropriate shoes while in these types of environments. Research has indicated it is beneficial to refrain from sharing towels, socks, and shoes in order to help to limit the spread of athlete’s foot. It is helpful to wash clothes that have been worn, bath mats, and sheets, as this is instrumental in preventing the spread of athlete’s foot. If you believe you are afflicted with this condition, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you properly manage your athlete’s foot.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Dr. Mark Gagnon from Advanced Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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.

Heel spurs are pointy calcium deposits on the heel bone that develop after there is repeated inflammation at the site where ligaments or tendons attach to it. You might be asking what causes this inflammation? Strain injuries due to athletics, chronic inflammatory disorders, and arthritis that affects tendons and ligaments all can play a factor in the development of heel spurs. Heel spurs can be associated with other conditions as well. For instance, spurs on the back of the heel bone may be associated with Achilles tendonitis, and spurs on the bottom of the heel bone may be associated with plantar fasciitis. While heel spurs don’t always cause symptoms, in some cases they have been known to create tenderness and pain where the Achilles tendon attaches to the back of the heel bone, or where the plantar fascia attaches to the bottom of the heel bone. By using x-rays and other diagnostics, a podiatrist can identify the bony outgrowth and heal the underlying condition with a variety of treatments and custom orthotics.

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.

Broken ankles are a common injury characterized by a break in one or both of the lower leg bones, the tibia and fibula, that make up the ankle. Ankle fractures are painful, typically swell, and make it difficult or impossible to bear weight on the affected ankle. When going to the doctor for symptoms of an ankle fracture, you will likely be asked for your medical history, undergo a physical examination, and have an X-ray of your ankle taken. Broken ankles are treated by pushing the bones back into the correct positions if they have become misaligned and wearing a cast or splint until the broken bones heal. This usually takes about six weeks. Surgery may be necessary if the break is severe. If you think that you may have broken your ankle, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Mark Gagnon from Advanced Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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.

Any toe on your foot can break from an impact injury or other accident. Pain, inflammation, redness, difficulty walking or wearing a shoe, and blood under the toenail are all symptoms you may experience if you break your toe. In severe cases, your toe may be broken at an angle, or your toes may be numb, tingling, or discolored. Depending upon the severity of the break and which toe is broken, treatment can range from icing, resting and elevating, or buddy-taping to an adjacent toe, to immobilization, splinting, casting, bone realignment, or surgery in the most severe cases. If you believe you may have broken your toe, make an appointment with a podiatrist to professional care to ensure proper healing.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Mark Gagnon from Advanced Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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.