Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists - Chicago

What's Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that can cause joint pain, inflammation, and damage throughout your body.
The joint damage that RA causes usually happens on both sides of the body.
So, if a joint is affected in one of your arms or legs, the same joint in the other arm or leg will probably be affected, too. This is one way that doctors distinguish RA from other forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis (OA).

Read more at: https://www.healthline.com/health/rheumatoid-arthritis

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Happy Healthy Holidays

May Peace, Joy, Hope and Happiness be yours during this Holiday Season and throughout the New Year.

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Google Review Posted By Donald Alberts

Google Review Posted By Donald Alberts on Jun-19-2021 Star Rating 5 & #13;& #10; The issue was discussed and the doctor found some helpful interventions on the first appointment

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What causes bursitis to flare up?

Bursitis is caused when the bursae of the joints become inflamed, which can be attributed to several factors, such as repetitive motions or positions that put pressure on the bursae around a joint. Examples include:

- Throwing an object (such as a ball in sports) or lifting something above the head repeatedly
- Leaning on elbows for long periods
- Extensive kneeling for tasks such as scrubbing floors or laying carpet
- Injury or trauma to the affected area
- Inflammatory arthritis, such as:
Rheumatoid arthritis
Gout
Infection

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What Does A Hammertoe Look Like?

Hammertoe is a foot deformity where one or more of the smaller toes develops a bend at the joint between the first and second portion so that the tip of the toe turns downward, making it look like a hammer or claw. The second toe is affected most often in this case.

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What causes foot and ankle pain?

The feet and ankles are the foundation of which our entire body relies on. We are generally on our feet a good part of the day. Therefore, the way we move on our feet or the "gait cycle" is particularly important to know, and understand, to diagnose how foot and ankle pain occur. Overpronation (the over-rolling of our feet when we walk) can lead to loss of arches and joint dysfunction. This can lead to foot and ankle pain. Other gait abnormalities may also lead to foot and ankle pain. Old injuries to the feet and ankles and muscle imbalance are a common cause of joint dysfunction leading to inflammation, pain, and degeneration. Improper shoe and arch support can also cause foot/ankle joint dysfunction leading to inflammation and pain.

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What are other causes of chronic heel pain? Can they be treated?

The treatment plan for your heel pain will depend on the underlying cause. Stress fractures, heel bumps or bursitis, tarsal tunnel syndrome, and Severs disease are all other potential causes of chronic heel pain. Baxter's nerve entrapment, calcaneal cysts, bone bruises, circulation issues, bone cysts, gout, neuroma, and bone marrow infection can also cause heel pain, though they are much less common. If you are consistently experiencing heel pain, it is best to see a certified podiatrist who understands how to appropriately diagnose you. While it can seem tempting to wait out the pain or attempt to address it at home, seeing an experienced doctor who specializes in this particular part of the body can help to ensure you quickly and effectively achieve relief.

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How can a diabetic wound heal faster?

Because diabetic wound care is so important, you really should get professional care if you think you may need it and especially if the wound or your symptoms worsen at all. Any signs of infection (like drainage) should be addressed professionally too. If a wound is serious and life-threatening, you need to call 911 for care.

With a diabetic wound, close monitoring is crucial. Consider treatment here at Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists. We can help you monitor your wound and treat it too. Sometimes special footgear or crutches can help to take pressure off of a foot wound so it can heal better and faster. We can also help you with proper dressing for the wound and prescribe you a quality topical medication to keep the wound clean and promote healing. On top of all that, we can make sure your body is circulating blood as efficiently as it can, which will also help you heal quickly. Of course, we can also help you control your blood glucose.

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Who is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist, or Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), is a professional who is trained in the treatment of injuries or issues concerning a person's feet, ankles, or areas of the lower leg. When it comes to treatments, podiatrists have the ability to reset broken bones, prescribe drugs, request lab tests or x-rays, as well as perform surgery.

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What Causes Calluses and Corns?

A callus, or tyloma, on the foot is caused by repeated pressure and friction, leading to the buildup of thickened skin. The callus, which be may hard, dry or cracked, acts to protect the area underneath it. A corn is similar to a callus but is smaller and appears more commonly on toes as well as on the sole of the foot.

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What can I do to prevent ingrown toenails at home?

The most important things you can do to stop ingrown toenails from happening are to trim the nails appropriately and wear well-fitting shoes. You should cut your nail approximately the same length as your toe. If it is cut too short, it could increase your chances of developing ingrown nails. Wearing sensible footwear will relieve pressure on the toe and not press the nail down under the tissue surrounding it.

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Do Stress Fractures Heal On Their Own?

A stress fracture is a tiny crack in a bone that's caused by overuse, like running for a long period, but it can also develop from normal use if a bone has been weakened by a condition like osteoporosis. A stress fracture may heal on its own if the person reduces their level of activity, but the fracture may not heal properly on its own, which can cause chronic problems like chronic pain or put the person at risk of developing other stress fractures. Also, a stress fracture can worsen, becoming a bigger problem and possibly one requiring surgery. Professional treatment is definitely a good idea if you have or believe you may have a stress fracture.

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How can custom orthotics help me?

Generally, custom orthotics are used to correct feet that aren't ideally positioned, or to help relieve the pain and other symptoms associated with a particular foot- or ankle-related issue. For example, for a structural issue with your feet, orthotics can help to rebalance and optimize the distribution of weight on your feet. And for diabetes, in this instance orthotics can work to reduce pressure placed on the areas affected by corns and calluses. Custom orthotics can serve different purposes or even multiple purposes for patients. They can also be a part of a comprehensive treatment plan for patients with foot and/or ankle problems.

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We Provide Achilles Tendonitis Treatment!

If your Achilles tendon has literally become your Achilles' heel, it can feel like a cruel (and painful) irony! Our board-certified podiatrists can help transform your injured Achilles tendon from a weakness into a strength with our excellent treatment options at Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists.

Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists Montclare Chicago, IL - Call (773) 673-9898 to schedule a consultation!
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What is Toenail Fungus?

Toenail fungus is an infection that gets through by cuts in the skin or cracks in your nail. The side effects of this condition are change in the colour of your toenails or having them grow thicker. As our feet get sweaty the moist and damp conditions create the perfect environment for fungus to grow. This is a common problem and there are treatments available.

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How to Treat Ingrown Toenails

If you have diabetes, nerve problem in the leg or foot, poor blood circulation to your foot, or an infection around the nail, see a provider right away. Don't try to treat an ingrown nail at home.

Otherwise, to prevent an ingrown nail at home:

- Soak the foot in warm water 3 to 4 times a day if possible. After soaking, apply antibiotic ointment to the inflamed skin.

When trimming your toenails:

- Briefly soak your foot in warm water to soften the nails.
- Use a clean, sharp trimmer.
- Trim toenails straight across the top. Do not taper or round the corners or trim too short.
- Do not try to cut out the ingrown portion of the nail yourself. This will only make the problem worse.

Read more at: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003247.htm

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Stress Fracture

A fracture is a break, usually in a bone. If the broken bone punctures the skin, it is called an open or compound fracture. Fractures commonly happen because of car accidents, falls, or sports injuries. Other causes are low bone density and osteoporosis, which cause weakening of the bones. Overuse can cause stress fractures, which are very small cracks in the bone.

Symptoms of a fracture are

- Intense pain
- Deformity - the limb looks out of place
- Swelling, bruising, or tenderness around the injury
- Numbness and tingling
- Problems moving a limb

You need to get medical care right away for any fracture. An x-ray can tell if your bone is broken. You may need to wear a cast or splint. Sometimes you need surgery to put in plates, pins or screws to keep the bone in place.

Read more at: https://medlineplus.gov/fractures.html

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Heel Spurs

The heel bone is the largest of the 26 bones in the human foot, which also has 33 joints and a network of more than 100 tendons, muscles, and ligaments. Like all bones, it is subject to outside influences that can affect its integrity and its ability to keep us on our feet. Heel pain, sometimes disabling, can occur in the front, back, or bottom of the heel.

A bony growth on the underside of the heel bone. The spur, visible by X-ray, appears as a protrusion that can extend forward as much as half an inch. When there is no indication of bone enlargement, the condition is sometimes referred to as "heel spur syndrome." Heel spurs result from strain on the muscles and ligaments of the foot, by stretching of the long band of tissue that connects the heel and the ball of the foot, and by repeated tearing away of the lining or membrane that covers the heel bone. These conditions may result from biomechanical imbalance, running or jogging, improperly fitted or excessively worn shoes, or obesity.

Read more at: https://www.apma.org/Patients/FootHealth.cfm?ItemNumber=985

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I have heel pain, Can you help?

Heel pain can negatively impact your entire life. Walking, running errands, and keeping up with your children can become nearly impossible tasks as you struggle with constant shooting pain or discomfort in your ankles or heels. Our expert podiatrist proudly offers comprehensive diagnostic and treatment strategies to effectively manage your heel pain, so you can return to enjoying your favorite physical activities without constant pain in your feet.

Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists Montclare Chicago, IL - Call (773) 673-9898 to schedule a consultation!
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What Is The Best Therapy For Plantar Fasciitis?

There is a wide variety of treatment options for plantar fasciitis, which vary in effectiveness from patient-to-patient. Treatment options for plantar fasciitis include the following:

Anti-inflammatory agents, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or cortisone injections

Arch supports and orthotics
Gait analysis and correction
Physical therapy involving strengthening and stretching exercises, massage, contrast baths, or ultrasonography Rest.
Surgery to reduce tension in the plantar fascia is performed for resistant cases.

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Diabetic Wound Care

There's a lot to manage if you have diabetes: checking your blood sugar, making healthy food, finding time to be active, taking medicines, going to doctor's appointments. With all that, your feet might be the last thing on your mind. But daily care is one of the best ways to prevent foot complications.

About half of all people with diabetes have some kind of diabetic neuropathy external icon (nerve damage). You can have nerve damage in any part of your body, but nerves in your feet and legs are most often affected. Nerve damage can cause you to lose feeling in your feet.

WHEN TO SEE YOUR PODIATRIST

If you experience any of these symptoms, don't wait for your next appointment. See your regular doctor or foot doctor right away:

Pain in your legs or cramping in your buttocks, thighs, or calves during physical activity.
Tingling, burning, or pain in your feet.
Loss of sense of touch or ability to feel heat or cold very well.
A change in the shape of your feet over time.
Loss of hair on your toes, feet, and lower legs.
Dry, cracked skin on your feet.
A change in the color and temperature of your feet.
Thickened, yellow toenails.
Fungus infections such as athlete's foot between your toes.
A blister, sore, ulcer, infected corn, or ingrown toenail.

Most people with diabetes can prevent serious foot complications. Regular care at home and going to all doctor's appointments are your best bet for preventing foot problems (and stopping small problems from becoming serious ones).

Read more at: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/healthy-feet.html

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How often should I see a doctor for my feet if I have diabetes?

It is important for you to see a doctor regularly in order to care for your feet. Patients who have diabetes should see a podiatrist at least once per year. If you have had diabetic foot problems in the past, you may need to see a foot doctor more often than that. You should also call your doctor if you notice any changes in your feet. We understand the importance of providing foot care for diabetics and have the experience you want in a podiatrist and can offer the insight and support you need to keep your feet healthy.

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Diabetic Foot Exam

What is a diabetic foot exam?

People with diabetes are at higher risk for a variety of foot health problems. A diabetic foot exam checks people with diabetes for these problems, which include infection, injury, and bone abnormalities. Nerve damage, known as neuropathy, and poor circulation (blood flow) are the most common causes of diabetic foot problems.

Neuropathy can make your feet feel numb or tingly. It can also cause a loss of feeling in your feet. So if you get a foot injury, like a callus or blister, or even a deep sore known as an ulcer, you may not even know it.

Read More...
https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/diabetic-foot-exam/

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Foot Health

Each step you take involves a complex network of bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This, combined with all of the weight they carry, explains why feet can have problems. To keep your feet healthy

- Examine your feet regularly
- Wear comfortable shoes that fit
- Wash your feet daily with soap and lukewarm water
- Trim your toenails straight across and not too short

Read More...
https://medlineplus.gov/foothealth.html

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I have diabetes, what steps should I take to care for my feet?

- Being proactive, maintain an active lifestyle this will aid in healthy circulation.
- You can wear special shoes or compression hosiery that will also benefit your foot health.
- Daily washing, trimming back nails, and moisturizing dry skin are all important to maintaining healthy feet.
- Avoid being barefoot and protect your feet from extreme temperatures.
- Help maintain blood flow by elevating your feet when sitting and rotating your ankles if you are stuck at your work desk.

Visit your podiatrist on a regular basis to maintain and monitor your diabetic foot health.

Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists Montclare Chicago, IL - Call (773) 673-9898 to schedule a consultation!
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Steps to Prevent Ingrown Toenails

Wear shoes that fit properly. Shoes that you wear every day should have plenty of room around your toes. Shoes that you wear for walking briskly or for playing sports should also have plenty of room, but not be too loose.

When trimming your toenails:

Briefly soak your foot in warm water to soften the nail.
Use a clean, sharp nail trimmer.
Trim toenails straight across the top. Do not taper or round the corners or trim too short.
Do not pick or tear at the nails.

Read more at: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001237.htm

Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists Montclare Chicago, IL - Call (773) 673-9898 to schedule a consultation!
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Ankle Sprains + Recovery

Most ankle sprains heal with no problems. You should feel much better after 2 weeks. Up to a third of people still have some pain after a year. Once the swelling has gone down and you can walk without pain, you can probably start exercises to build flexibility and strength.

If it doesn't, you should contact a Specialist like at Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialist, as you might have something worse that needs to be looked at.

Contact Us Today to Schedule an Appointment.

Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists Montclare Chicago, IL - Call (773) 673-9898 to schedule a consultation!
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Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is most commonly caused by repetitive strain injury to the ligament of the sole of the foot. Such strain injury can be from excessive running or walking, inadequate foot gear, and jumping injury from landing.

There are several different options for patients seeking relief from pain in their heel, depending on their exact condition. Often, your doctor will suggest rest in addition to effective physical rehabilitation or supportive wraps or other devices. By reducing movement of sprains or strains, we can allow the body time to heal. If your pain is the result of a fracture, a cast or boot may be necessary. Exercises designed and prescribed by a certified physical therapist can help strengthen important muscles and loosen tension in injured tendons or ligaments. Very rarely, significant injuries may require surgical intervention. You can also support your body's healing by wearing specialized orthotic inserts and appropriate footwear depending on which activities you are participating in.

Contact Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists today if you want to speak to a specialist about your foot pain.

Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists Montclare Chicago, IL - Call (773) 673-9898 to schedule a consultation!
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Proper Foot Wear

Your feet are used daily, forcing them to support the weight of your entire body. Repeated stress on your feet can cause damage over time. The right shoes can help protect your feet.

Finding your fit
Bring your foot outline to the shoe store to help you find the right shoe. Place a shoe you like on top of the outline to see if it matches the shape. The shoe should cover the outline. (If you have a bunion, the shoe may not cover the bulge on the outline. Look for soft leather shoes to stretch over the bunion.) Once you've found a pair of proper shoes, put them on. Walk around. Be sure the shoes don't rub or pinch. If the shoes feel good, you've found your fit!

An ideal shoe has the following:
Laces for support. If tying laces is a problem for you, try shoes with Velcro fasteners or buckles.
A front of the shoe (toe box) with inch space in front of your longest toes.
An arch shape that supports your foot.
No more than 1 inches of heel.
A stiff, snug back of the shoe to keep your foot from sliding around.
A smooth lining with no rough seams.

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Preventing Feet Sores

To stop feet sores before they appear, pay attention to your skin and take precautions if you know you're going to do a lot of walking, running or other physical activity.

To prevent chafing that can lead to blisters, dermatologists recommend the following tips:
1.Protect your feet. To prevent blisters on your feet, wear nylon or moisture-wicking socks. If wearing one pair of socks doesn't help, try wearing two pairs to protect your skin. You should also make sure your shoes fit properly. Shoes shouldn't be too tight or too loose.
2.Wear the right clothing. During physical activity, wear moisture-wicking, loose-fitting clothes. Avoid clothes made of cotton, as cotton soaks up sweat and moisture, which can lead to friction and chafing.
3.Consider soft bandages. For problem areas, such as the feet or thighs, consider using adhesive moleskin or other soft bandages. Make sure the bandages are applied securely.
4.Apply powder or petroleum jelly to problem areas. This helps reduce friction when your skin rubs together or rubs against clothing.
5.Stop your activity immediately if you experience pain or discomfort, or if your skin turns red. Otherwise, you may get a blister.

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