Items filtered by date: November 2022

During a woman’s pregnancy, she might experience several different important changes to her feet. For example, the increased weight gained from bearing a growing child can put extra strain on the feet, sometimes causing foot pain. There are several steps that a pregnant woman could consider taking to mitigate her increased foot pain. First, a pregnant woman might drink a good deal of water. Doing this will help reduce the amount of salt in the body, consequently minimizing inflammation in the feet. Also, a pregnant woman could apply ice to the feet if the ankles become exceedingly swollen. Applying ice in short increments to the feet can help bring down the swelling. Lastly, a pregnant woman can make an appointment with a podiatrist to help treat any pain in the feet that she is experiencing. To learn more about mitigating foot pain during pregnancy, make an appointment with a podiatrist today.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Dr. Mark Gagnon from Advanced Podiatry. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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.

It is certainly no secret that wearing high heels can be a significant strain on the health of your feet. For example, when an individual wears high heels, they can be setting themselves up for significant foot problems in the short and long term. However, if one must wear heels for a certain occasion, chunkier heels might be a better option. The reason why chunkier heels might be more desirable than thin heels, like stilettos, is because a wider, chunkier heel can more evenly distribute weight. As a result, there is less pressure being exerted on the front of the foot. If high heels must be worn, you might consider only wearing them for a short period of time. Moderating high heel usage can reduce the strain. Contact a podiatrist today for more information.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or 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.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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.

Charcot foot is a rare, but serious, complication of peripheral neuropathy brought on by diabetes. It affects the bones, joints, and soft tissues of the foot and ankle. Weakened joints can cause the bones to break and joints to dislocate. As a result, the shape of the foot changes. Charcot foot is deceptive and can be hard to diagnose, because symptoms include redness, hotness, and swelling. Because of that, it is often thought to be an infection. Although specific causes for Charcot foot are not clear, some conditions may help to indicate it. Often, because a diabetic with peripheral neuropathy cannot feel pain, a sprain or even a fracture can go unnoticed. In some cases, the foot becomes rounded on the bottom because the arch has collapsed. This also may indicate Charcot foot. Treatment varies from staying off the affected foot to surgery. People with Charcot foot may need to wear protective footwear, such as a cast, on a regular basis. If you suffer from diabetes and have developed peripheral neuropathy, it is highly recommended that you consult a podiatrist on a regular basis to monitor any unnoticed injuries that may indicate Charcot foot. 

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Mark Gagnon from Advanced Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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.

Cuboid syndrome is a condition of the foot that involves the cuboid bone. This bone is located on the outside of the foot and has a slightly cubical shape. If this bone moves out of alignment with the heel bone, this condition may develop. When determining how long it will take to recover from cuboid syndrome, it is important to consider several different relevant factors. Specifically, one’s recovery time from cuboid syndrome can depend on the duration of time in which the condition was present before treatment commenced. Additionally, recovery from cuboid syndrome can be influenced by the extent to which other injuries are present in the affected areas. One common injury includes ankle sprains. If such injuries are present, then recovery might last perhaps several weeks longer. Additionally, pain relief from cuboid syndrome often occurs within a few days. If you believe that you have cuboid syndrome, contact a podiatrist today.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Dr. Mark Gagnon from Advanced Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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.

Many health experts suggest that exercising is essential for older adults, because the tendency to become sedentary can contribute to a physical, as well as emotional,  decline. Building strength, flexibility, endurance, and balance are among the activities recommended for older adults. However, seniors also must take care of their feet while engaging in physical activities that call for standing and walking. First, it’s essential to choose footwear that is made for the type of activity taking place. It is also suggested that footwear should have non-skid flat soles and a cushioned arch that is not too thin or too thick. Additionally, shoes should have adequate heel support and a roomy toe box. Fit is also important when selecting activity footwear. Be sure to have your feet measured properly before buying them, as foot size tends to change with age. Keeping track of the wear and tear on your footwear is a must. Replace shoes when the tread wears out, or if your feet begin to ache or feel tired after exercising. For additional information on finding the right shoes for your activity, please consult a podiatrist.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Mark Gagnon from Advanced Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

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.