Posts for category: Foot Care
Our feet are often overworked and underappreciated. They do so much for us and yet we often take them for granted unless they start to cause us issues. Whether you’re looking for ways to prevent foot problems from happening in the first place or you’re already dealing with these issues, there are many reasons people are turning to their podiatrist for custom orthotics.What are orthotics?
Sometimes known as arch support, custom orthotics give people the freedom to stand and move easier and more comfortably. Some people might opt for over-the-counter orthotics because of convenience; however, over-the-counter orthotics are not crafted uniquely to your feet, which often means that they won’t provide the relief you’re looking for from foot pain and other issues, and may even make problems worse. Instead, consider getting custom orthotics that are designed to correct your specific foot problems, ease symptoms, and make it easier for you to get back to your life.
Here are the types of custom orthotics that podiatrists often provide:
Rigid Orthotics
Rigid orthotics are often made from harder materials such as plastic or carbon fiber and are used to control function. They also help to control motion in the joints of the foot. They are most often used with walking shoes or dress shoes as they help with strains, aches and pains in the legs, thighs, and lower back.
Soft Orthotics
Just like the name states, soft orthotics are made out of more cushioned materials so they can act as shock absorbers, help with balance, and relieve pressure. They also cradle the soles of the foot and support everything from the heel and balls of your feet to the toes. Since soft orthotics help to absorb shock, they can be a good option for athletes and those with active lifestyles.
Semi-Rigid Orthotics
Semi-rigid orthotics can also be a great option for sports players as they provide a good balance. As the name implies, semi-rigid orthotics are made with layers of soft material that are backed by a rigid material. While this type is great for avid walkers and the like, semi-rigid orthotics are also prescribed to treat flatfoot and other foot disorders in children. If you’re planning on running a marathon this year and you’re experiencing foot pain, semi-rigid orthotics might help relieve some of the discomforts you’re feeling while training.
Are you interested in custom orthotics? If so, your podiatrist can chat more about orthotics and how they could benefit your feet based on your foot health, age, activities, and lifestyle.
Whether you are concerned about high blood pressure or you already have been diagnosed with this chronic condition you may be surprised to hear that it can also impact your feet. After all, your blood pressure affects your circulatory system, which in turn impacts the body as a whole. Since uncontrolled or improperly controlled hypertension can damage blood vessels of the feet, you must have a podiatrist you can turn to to make sure your condition is under control.What problems does high blood pressure pose?
People with hypertension often deal with plaque buildup in the blood vessels. This is known as atherosclerosis. Plaque buildup also causes a decrease in circulation in the legs and feet. This can also increase your risk for peripheral artery disease (PAD). Over time, this decreased circulation can also lead to ulcers and, in more severe cases, amputation. This is why it’s incredibly important that you have a podiatrist that you turn to regularly for checkups and care if you have been diagnosed with hypertension.
What are the signs of poor circulation in the feet?
Wondering if you may already be dealing with poor circulation? Here are some of the telltale signs:
- Your feet and legs cramp up, especially during physical activity
- Color changes to the feet
- Numbness or tingling
- Temperature changes in your feet
- Hair loss on the legs or feet
- Sores
By getting your blood pressure under control we can also reduce your risk for developing PAD, heart disease, and other complications associated with hypertension. Some medications can be prescribed by your podiatrist to improve peripheral artery disease. Surgery may also be necessary to remove the blockage or widen the blood vessel to improve blood flow to the legs and feet.
If you are worried about your hypertension and how it may be impacting the health of your feet, there is never a better time to turn to a podiatrist for answers, support, and care.
Finding the right foot and ankle specialist doesn’t have to be complicated. Dr. Gary Rogers is an experienced foot and ankle specialist in Wilmette, IL, also serving North Shore, Skokie, and Evanston, IL. At Northshore University Healthsystem, your doctor diagnoses and treats problems affecting your feet and ankles.
How a Foot & Ankle Specialist Can Help You
The skilled foot and ankle specialist at our office in Wilmette, IL, also serving North Shore, Skokie, and Evanston, IL, can help with many types of foot and ankle problems. If you have sustained an acute injury such as an ankle sprain, or are dealing with a chronic condition, such as plantar fasciitis, Dr. Rogers can help. Some of the many conditions your podiatrist diagnoses and treats include:
- Arthritis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Ankle sprains
- Fractures
- Broken ankle
- Shin splints
- Sports injuries
- Flat feet
- Gout
The doctor also diagnoses and treats several other types of problems affecting the feet, including bunions, hammertoes, corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, fungus problems, and foot warts. Dr. Rogers provides diabetic foot care, as well.
Signs You Should See a Foot & Ankle Specialist
It is a good idea to see a foot and ankle specialist annually to ensure your feet and ankles are healthy. The doctor can look for signs of a new condition, as well as any changes since your last visit. Identifying potential issues early on allows for prompt treatment before they become more serious.
There may be times when you need to see a podiatrist even if you’ve already had an annual foot exam and are not yet due for another one. See a foot and ankle specialist if you sustain an injury or develop new symptoms. The doctor can ensure injuries heal properly and don’t result in ongoing problems, such as chronic foot pain or ankle instability. See a podiatrist if you observe or experience any of the following symptoms:
- You suspect a possible fracture or break
- Foot or ankle issues that have persisted for two or more weeks
- Pain, swelling, redness, or tenderness in the feet or ankles
- Severe cracking, peeling, or scaling on the heels or feet
- Changes in the skin or nails of the feet
- Chronic foot, heel, or ankle pain
- Pus or discharge from the foot
- Blisters on the feet
Finding the right podiatrist and getting regular checkups is an important step toward healthier feet and ankles. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Rogers, your foot and ankle specialist in Wilmette, IL, also serving North Shore, Skokie, and Evanston, IL, by calling Northshore University Healthsystem at (847) 256-4434.
Are you experiencing a sharp, burning pain between your toes that gets worse when walking or standing? Do you notice tingling or numbness in the toes, or pain and swelling on the soles of the feet? If so, you could be dealing with a condition known as Morton’s neuroma that causes thickening of the nerves between the toes. If you suspect that you might have Morton’s neuroma, a podiatrist will be the ideal doctor to turn to for treatment.Are neuromas dangerous?
It’s important not to confuse a neuroma with Morton’s neuroma. A neuroma is a benign growth that develops on the nerves; however, Morton’s neuroma is not a growth; it’s simply inflammation and swelling of the tissue around the nerves that lie between the toes (often between the third and fourth toes).
What causes Morton’s neuroma?
Any kind of intense pressure or compression placed on these toes can lead to inflammation of the tissue around the nerves. Some people are more at risk for developing Morton’s neuroma. Risk factors include:
- Playing certain sports such as running or tennis, which puts pressure on the balls of the feet
- Wearing high heels with a heel that’s more than 2 inches tall
- Wearing narrow shoes or shoes with pointed toes
- Certain foot conditions such as bunions or hammertoes
- Flat feet or high arches (or other congenital foot problems)
Since this condition involves inflamed tissue, you won’t notice a growth or bump in the area; however, you may simply experience pain that is gradual and minor at first and is alleviated by not wearing shoes. Symptoms often get worse with time and result in:
- Swelling between the toes
- A sharp burning pain between the toes that gets worse with activity
- Tingling or numbness in the foot
- Feeling like there is a pebble or stone in your shoe (often at the balls of the feet)
- Pain that’s intensified by standing on your tiptoes or wearing high heels or pointed-toe shoes
Most people can alleviate their symptoms through simple lifestyle modifications including:
- Icing
- Rest
- Massaging your feet
- Shoe pads
- Custom shoe inserts (that a podiatrist can craft just for you)
- Supportive footwear that offers shock-absorption
- Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs
- Steroid injections
- Local anesthetic injections
Heel pain can make your days difficult, much more so if you do a lot of your work on your feet or if you practice sports on a regular basis. For mild cases, you can do a lot to mitigate the symptoms at home, but for pain that persists, you can always turn to your podiatrist for help. They can identify the source of your heel pain and offer a variety of treatments, from the most conservative to surgery, in those rare cases where it may be necessary. Not everyone's discomfort is the same so if you would like to learn more about the possible causes of heel pain and how it's treated you can contact your Wilmette, IL, podiatrist from Wilmette Foot and Ankle Clinic, Dr. Gary Rogers.
Ways to Help
At-home care is a good first response to heel pain, such as with mild symptoms. At-home care can include using ice and compression, and especially rest.
If symptoms persist even after at-home care treatments, if the discomfort is severe, or if you are concerned, then please come into the office.
Your podiatrist will perform a physical examination to determine the reason for the pain, which can range from a sprain, or a fracture, or even chronic conditions such as plantar fasciitis.
You may be prescribed physical therapy as a means of strengthening your foot to assist with pain management and to prevent further injury. They may also assign you medication to deal with inflammation.
Custom-made orthotics are a very common method for managing a number of foot conditions. Their use may even help avoid surgery. Surgery is yet another strategy for dealing with heel pain, but its employment is rare and only necessary when the structural problems with your foot cannot be corrected via other conservative methods.
Heel Pain Treatment in Wilmette, IL
You should not have to endure heel pain, and overuse of painkillers can cause unintended consequences. So treat it at the source, dial (847) 256-4434 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rogers of Wilmette Foot and Ankle Clinic for treatment for your heel pain in the North Shore, serving the areas of Wilmette, Skokie, and Evanston, IL.