Items filtered by date: November 2022

Tuesday, 29 November 2022 00:00

Ganglion Cysts

A ganglion cyst is a non-cancerous smooth lump that is filled with a jelly-like fluid. It can develop near joints and tendons and can form on the foot or ankle. The cause of these cysts is unclear, but they seem to develop in areas of trauma from a single or repeated injury. They seem to form when synovial fluid leaks from a joint or tendon and collects in a sac under the skin. Synovial fluid cushions and lubricates joints and tendons during movement. These cysts usually affect people aged 15 to 40 and are more apt to develop in females. A ganglion cyst can cause tingling if it presses on a nerve and pain if it touches a tendon or joint. Wearing shoes may be uncomfortable for those with a ganglion cyst. Such a cyst can be the size of a pea or a golf ball. It can be soft or hard. These cysts usually go away on their own, but it can take years and they can return. If you feel you may have a ganglion cyst that is causing pain or mobility issues, contact a podiatrist to have it examined. This medical professional can offer you treatment to restore you to comfort.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Warren Levy, DPM from Armitage Podiatry Center. 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 office located in Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Tuesday, 22 November 2022 00:00

​​Stretch to Relieve Achilles Tendon Pain

The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the body and connects the back of the heel to the calf muscle. It is partially responsible for lifting the heel when walking, running, and jumping. Injuring the Achilles tendon can make walking or exercising painful. Achilles tendonitis or an Achilles tendon rupture are the most common injuries involving this tendon. Such injuries can cause swelling, tenderness, and tightness in the area, particularly upon waking in the morning. One might limp after sustaining such an injury. These injuries may happen from overuse, forgetting to warm up before exercise, or wearing ill-fitting, non-supportive footwear. Resting and stretching are important for recovery. A daily runner’s stretch or a calf stretch targets the Achilles tendon and will help to promote healing. For this stretch, one puts their hands against a wall and lunges forward, with the leg with the sore Achilles tendon behind them. As much pressure as possible should be used for a nice stretch, making sure to avoid pain. This stretch should be held for 30 seconds and repeated three times. If you sustain an injury to your Achilles tendon, visit a podiatrist who can evaluate the injury and provide effective treatment, including recommendations for additional targeted stretching exercises.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Warren Levy, DPM of Armitage Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

  • Inflammation
  • Dull to severe pain
  • Increased blood flow to the tendon
  • Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

  • Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
  • Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

  • Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
  • Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 15 November 2022 00:00

Why Do Blisters Develop on the Feet?

A blister is the body’s natural defense against skin that has become injured or burned. It appears like a small bubble that is filled with liquid and acts as a protective barrier between the skin and the environment until new skin has formed underneath it. Blisters develop for various reasons, including excess friction that happens from wearing shoes and socks that don't fit correctly, in addition to an allergic reaction from an insect bite. Some people have medical conditions that may produce blisters, including eczema and psoriasis. Possible infection may be avoided when the blister is not prematurely popped. The blister will gradually drain when the area is healed, and the skin will be a light pink until it returns to its normal color. It is advised that you consult with a podiatrist if you are afflicted with continuous blisters, who can advise you on what types of shoes to buy, or what you may be allergic to.  

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Warren Levy, DPM of Armitage Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

  • Bubble of skin filled with fluid
  • Redness
  • Moderate to severe pain
  • Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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

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Tuesday, 08 November 2022 00:00

How to Properly Kick a Soccer Ball

If you do not want to hurt your feet when kicking a soccer ball, it is important to master the correct technique. While an athlete might excel at kicking the ball with one foot, they may not be as gifted when using their other foot. Great soccer players learn how to kick the ball with both feet and learn to kick it firmly without hurting themselves. Many new soccer players start by kicking the ball with their toes and doing so runs the risk of injury. To kick the soccer ball properly, approach the ball at a 45-degree angle and plant your non-kicking foot at the side of the ball, either open or pointing at the target. At the start of the swing with the foot you are kicking with, try to point your opposite hand at the target and then strike through the ball while swinging your arm for balance and power. The kicking foot should go through to the ball making contact with the laces area of the soccer shoe. This is the part of the foot that is used to kick the ball long distances. For safer passing over short distances, use the instep of the foot. If you or your child play soccer and a foot injury is sustained, consult with a podiatrist who can evaluate the injury and suggest appropriate treatment.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Warren Levy, DPM of Armitage Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Plantar Fasciosis
  • Achilles Tendinitis
  • Achilles Tendon Rupture
  • Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

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Wednesday, 02 November 2022 00:00

Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

Tuesday, 01 November 2022 00:00

Why Does Morton’s Neuroma Develop?

Nerve tissue between the third and fourth toes that becomes thick, or compressed, may indicate a condition known as Morton’s neuroma. It happens when there is not enough room for the toes to move freely in from wearing certain types of shoes. High heels fall into this category, and may cause the nerve to become irritated and inflamed. It is considered to be a painful foot condition, and relief may be found when different shoes are worn. This may be a successful treatment method if it is noticed early, and completing daily activities with ease may resume. In severe cases, where walking becomes difficult, surgery may be a necessary option for permanent relief by removing the affected nerve. The symptoms that many people can experience with this condition include the sensation of standing on a pebble or marble, and pain may radiate from the ball of the foot. Morton’s neuroma is a serious foot condition, and if you have any of the above symptoms, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to find permanent relief.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Warren Levy, DPM of Armitage Podiatry Center. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

  • Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
  • Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
  • Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

Read more about Morton's Neuroma

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