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January 2025

Friday, 31 January 2025 00:00

Do You Suffer From Painful Feet?

Painful deformities, such as hammertoes, can be treated. Stop living with foot pain, and have beautiful feet again!

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. This condition is most commonly seen in the big toe and is often the result of wearing improper footwear, poor nail trimming, or injury. Symptoms of an ingrown toenail include redness, tenderness surrounding the nail, and in some cases, the presence of pus if an infection develops. Conservative treatment for an ingrown toenail typically includes soaking the foot in warm water and wearing comfortable shoes. If the condition does not improve or the nail becomes infected, more advanced treatments may be necessary. Surgical management may involve partial or complete removal of the affected toenail to prevent recurrence. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you promptly visit a podiatrist who can determine what the best treatment is for you.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

  • Bacterial infections
  • Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
  • Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
  • Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
  • Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

Read more about Ingrown Toenails
Tuesday, 21 January 2025 00:00

How Ankle Fractures Impact Seniors

Ankle fractures in seniors are often caused by falls, missteps, or weakened bones from osteoporosis. These injuries can significantly impact mobility, independence, and overall confidence, making individuals feel older than they are. A fractured ankle restricts walking, standing, and daily activities, often leading to reliance on others for basic tasks. Even six months after the initial injury, stiffness, pain, and reduced strength can persist, limiting mobility and affecting quality of life. Delayed or improper treatment may result in chronic pain, arthritis, or long-term instability. Early intervention by a podiatrist is essential for proper diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. This type of doctor can provide support through casting, bracing, and ongoing care to promote optimal healing and prevent complications. If you are a senior and have sustained an ankle fracture, try not to let it define your independence. It is suggested that you see a podiatrist early on for expert care and recovery support.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. Our doctors 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 our office located in O'Fallon, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Broken Ankle Causes, Differences, Symptoms and Treatments
Tuesday, 14 January 2025 00:00

Common Foot Problems Among Seniors

As people age, foot health becomes increasingly important, as the feet undergo changes that can lead to various problems. Older feet require extra care due to factors such as reduced circulation, decreased skin elasticity, and the natural wear and tear on bones and joints. Seniors often experience foot conditions like arthritis, which causes pain and stiffness in the joints, as well as bunions, a deformity that develops at the base of the big toe. Additionally, poor circulation can lead to conditions like swelling or cold feet, while thinning skin increases the risk of cuts and infections. Many older adults also develop toe problems like hammertoes, corns, and calluses. Proper footwear, regular foot inspections, and professional foot care are essential in preventing these issues from worsening and maintaining mobility and overall foot health. If you are a senior, it is suggested that you schedule regular visits with a podiatrist who can effectively monitor your foot health.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. Our doctors 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 our office located in O'Fallon, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Elderly Foot Care
Tuesday, 07 January 2025 00:00

Managing a Broken Toe

A broken toe can cause significant pain and difficulty walking. Symptoms include swelling, bruising, and tenderness at the site of the break, along with pain in moving the toe or bearing weight. In some cases, the toe may appear crooked or out of alignment. The most common causes of a broken toe are direct trauma, such as stubbing the toe, dropping a heavy object on it, or sports-related injuries. High-impact activities and wearing improper footwear can also increase the risk. A podiatrist can diagnose a broken toe through a physical exam and X-rays. Treatment typically involves rest or buddy taping the broken toe to a neighboring toe for support. In more severe cases, a splint or surgical intervention may be needed to realign the bones and ensure proper healing. If you have a broken toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

  • Swelling
  • Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
  • Stiffness
  • Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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

Read more about What to Know About a Broken Toe
Wednesday, 01 January 2025 00:00

Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!

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