It’s possible to manage your heel pain with rest and ice, but it’s important that you know what’s actually causing it so that you can treat the root cause of your pain and live a more comfortable life. You can’t treat a problem that you haven’t yet identified, which is why you should visit your podiatrist to determine the cause of your heel pain. Dr. Gary Rogers at NorthShore University HealthSystem in Wilmette, IL, also serving North Shore, Skokie, and Evanston, IL, can help you determine the cause of your heel pain so that you can properly manage it.
What Could Be Causing Your Heel Pain?
There are a number of issues that could cause your heel pain and your podiatrist serving Wilmette, North Shore, Skokie, and Evanston, IL, is here to help you figure out what exactly it is.
Different types of heel pain can show in different ways depending on what’s being affected. Plantar fasciitis may cause your feet to feel stiff and sore and can hurt after periods of rest, while heel spurs present as bumps at the bottom of your heel and can be painful to walk with. It’s important to note your symptoms so that your podiatrist can successfully diagnose your issues.
Common causes of heel pain include:
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Achilles Tendinitis
- Heel Spur
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Stress Fracture
- Bursitis
Contact Your Podiatrist Today!
Don’t let the cause of your heel pain go unknown! Find out what the cause of your heel pain is so that you can start the proper treatments to live a comfortable life. Contact Dr. Rogers at NorthShore University HealthSystem in Wilmette, IL, also serving North Shore, Skokie, and Evanston, IL, today to learn more about what could be causing your heel pain. Call today at (847) 256-4434.
A broken toe is one of the most common minor injuries that you can suffer. However, sometimes, it can prove difficult to tell whether or not you actually have a broken toe. As a result, it is best to know some signs that you do in fact have a broken toe. This is helpful information no matter whether you are planning to visit a podiatrist or if you are thinking about handling your broken toe all on your own. Stubbing your toe is pretty common and most of the time, the pain goes away relatively quickly and you continue with your day. If the pain does persist, you may have a broken toe, so keep these signs of a broken toe in mind. Are You Able to Put Weight on Your Foot?
One method that you can use to determine whether or not you have actually broken a toe is checking if you can put weight on your foot. If you can walk on your foot without limping or pain, your toe is likely not broken. Icing the toe and using some non-prescription anti-inflammatory medication will probably be enough. In the event that you continue to experience swelling or severe pain, you should see a doctor about your toe.
Does Your Toe Have a Deep Wound?
You should take a close look at your injured toe. If your toe has a deep wound or cut, the bone in your toe might get exposed to the air and a doctor should check out your injured toe. Another sign that you have a broken toe is bruising. Additionally, one more sign that you have actually broken your toe is some discoloration on or near your toe. An obvious sign of a broken toe is if it is at a different angle than the toe on your other foot.
What Else Should I Know About Broken Toes?
Taping is a common solution for a broken toe. This works just fine if the break in the toe is simple and the bones are still in alignment. Taping your broken toe will not help it heal properly, though. That is why you should keep the following information in mind:
- Consult a doctor about your broken toe so it heals correctly.
- Taping your toe could worsen the situation if you have a bad break in your toe.
- Taping your toe is only a viable solution in some circumstances.
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.
When babies are born they are born with flat feet. Typically the arches of the feet don’t develop until children are 3-4 years old; however, sometimes the arches of the feet develop higher than they should, which can cause the feet to flex. This is known as cavus foot and this problem typically occurs within the first 10 years of a child’s life. Since this condition can impact mobility you must see a podiatrist if this is something you think your child might be dealing with.The Problem with Cavus Foot
Cavus foot needs to be addressed right away by a podiatrist, as this condition can lead to a variety of issues for your child. Cavus foot is more likely to lead to imbalances within the feet, which in turn can also impact the function of the ankle, legs, hips, and even lower back. Children and teens with cavus foot may be more likely to deal with aches, pains, and strains within the feet, ankles, legs, and hips. This condition can also lead to metatarsalgia, Achilles tendonitis, and chronic ankle sprains.
Causes of Cavus Foot
In many cases, a muscle or nerve disorder that impacts how the muscles function causes cavus foot. This leads to imbalances that cause the distinctive high arches of this condition. Of course, other conditions such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, muscular dystrophy, and spina bifida can also increase the chances of developing cavus foot.
Treating Cavus Foot
You must be watching your little ones as they start to walk to see if you notice any differences in how they move. Catching these issues early offers your child the best chance at improved mobility and less risk for developing foot problems later on. Your podiatrist may work together with a neurologist to pinpoint whether a nerve disorder could be the underlying cause.
Once your foot specialist determines the root cause of your child’s cavus foot then they can map out a customized treatment plan. Milder cases may benefit from more conservative treatment options such as custom orthotics and arch supports; however, surgery is often necessary to correct this problem.
Any issues with mobility, particularly in children, should be addressed and assessed as quickly as possible. Turn to a podiatrist that also specializes in providing pediatric podiatry to children and teens, as they will be able to provide the most thorough treatment plan for your little one.
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