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bunion pain

Bunions. Bunion Pain

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Ways to Ease Your Bunion Pain

Bunion pain can be quite uncomfortable, but there are several strategies you can try to ease the pain and discomfort associated with bunions. Call Chicago podiatrists at 773-205-0106 for evaluation and treatment.

Here are some ways to ease bunion pain:

  1. Choose Comfortable Footwear:
    • Opt for shoes that have a wide toe box to prevent pressure on the bunion.
    • Avoid high heels and shoes with pointed toes, as they can exacerbate bunion pain.
  2. Orthotics and Inserts:
    • Over-the-counter or custom-made orthotic shoe inserts can help redistribute pressure on your feet, reducing bunion discomfort.
  3. Padding and Cushioning:
    • Use bunion pads or cushions to provide a barrier between your bunion and your shoe, reducing friction and pressure.
  4. Ice Packs:
    • Applying ice packs for 15-20 minutes at a time can help reduce inflammation and numb the area, providing temporary pain relief.
  5. Pain Relievers:
    • Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation. Always follow the recommended dosage.
  6. Toe Spacers:
    • Toe spacers can help separate your toes, which may reduce pressure on the bunion and alleviate pain.
  7. Bunion Splints:
    • These devices can help realign the big toe, especially when worn at night. Consult a healthcare professional before using a splint.
  8. Stretching and Strengthening Exercises:
    • Gentle toe and foot exercises can help improve the flexibility and strength of the muscles around the bunion, potentially reducing pain over time.
  9. Foot Massage:
    • Massaging your feet can help improve blood circulation and relieve tension in the muscles, which might alleviate bunion discomfort.
  10. Weight Management:
    • Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the pressure on your feet and lessen the strain on your bunions.
  11. Elevate Your Feet:
    • When resting, elevate your feet to help reduce swelling and alleviate pain.
  12. Avoid Tight Shoes and High Heels:
    • Wearing shoes that squeeze your toes or have high heels can worsen bunion pain, so it’s best to avoid them.
  13. Consider Shoe Inserts:
    • Arch supports or custom-made orthotics can help distribute pressure evenly across your feet, reducing the strain on your bunions.
  14. Physical Therapy:
    • A physical therapist can guide you through exercises and techniques to improve your foot strength and flexibility.
  15. Surgical Consultation:
    • If conservative measures don’t provide relief, consult a podiatrist at 773-205-0106.
ingrown toenail

Ingrown Toenails

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Podiatrists in Chicago at European Foot & Ankle Clinic treat ingrown toenails, heel pain (plantar fasciitis), foot complications from diabetes, ankle and foot arthritis, nerve problems, tendonitis, hammertoes, flat feet, nail disorders, bunions, warts, fungus, fractures, and sprains.

An ingrown toenail, also known as onychocryptosis, occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin instead of over it. This condition can lead to pain, swelling, redness, and sometimes infection. Ingrown toenails most commonly affect the big toe, but they can occur on any toe.

Causes:

  1. Improper Nail Trimming: Cutting nails too short or rounding the edges can encourage the nail to grow into the skin.
  2. Ill-Fitting Shoes: Tight or narrow shoes can put pressure on the toes and push the nail into the skin.
  3. Trauma: Stubbing your toe or injuring it can lead to the nail growing abnormally.
  4. Genetics: Some people are more prone to ingrown toenails due to the natural shape of their nails or the structure of their toes.
  5. Poor Nail Care: Not keeping the feet clean and dry can increase the risk of infection around ingrown toenails.

Symptoms:

  • Pain and tenderness along the side of the nail.
  • Redness and swelling around the nail.
  • Inflammation and possible infection with pus.
  • Difficulty wearing shoes or walking comfortably.

Treatment and Prevention:

  1. Soaking: Soak your feet in warm water with Epsom salt for about 15-20 minutes a few times a day. This can help soften the skin and reduce inflammation.
  2. Proper Nail Trimming: Trim your toenails straight across and avoid rounding the corners. Don’t cut them too short.
  3. Wear Proper Shoes: Choose shoes that fit well and have enough room for your toes to move comfortably.
  4. Avoid Trauma: Be cautious to avoid injuring your toes.
  5. Cotton Under the Nail: If the nail is just starting to ingrow, placing a small piece of cotton or dental floss under the edge can help lift it above the skin.
  6. See a Doctor: If the ingrown toenail is severe, causing intense pain, infection, or if you have diabetes or circulation problems, it’s important to consult a doctor. They might need to trim the nail or, in some cases, perform a minor surgical procedure to remove a portion of the nail.
  7. Antibiotics: If an infection is present, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

Remember that if you have diabetes or other medical conditions that affect circulation or immunity, it’s especially important to take care of your feet and seek podiatrist in Chicago advice promptly if you suspect an ingrown toenail by calling: 773-205-0106

 

Diabetic foot care

Proper Foot Care and Protection for Diabetics

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Proper Foot Care and Protection for Diabetics

Proper foot care is essential for individuals with diabetes because they are more prone to foot problems and complications. High blood sugar levels can cause nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy) and poor blood circulation (peripheral arterial disease), which can lead to foot ulcers, infections, and even amputation if not managed properly. Here are some important tips for foot care and protection for diabetics:

  1. Daily foot inspection: Inspect your feet thoroughly every day, looking for any cuts, blisters, sores, redness, swelling, or other abnormalities. If you have difficulty seeing the bottom of your feet, use a mirror or ask someone for assistance.
  2. Maintain good hygiene: Wash your feet daily with lukewarm water and mild soap. Make sure to dry them thoroughly, including between the toes, as moisture can lead to fungal infections. Avoid soaking your feet, as it can dry out the skin.
  3. Moisturize carefully: Use a moisturizer or emollient to prevent dry skin, but avoid applying it between the toes to prevent excess moisture buildup. Dry skin can crack and lead to infections.
  4. Trim nails properly: Cut your toenails straight across and avoid cutting too close to the skin to prevent ingrown toenails. If you have difficulty cutting your nails, seek professional help from a podiatrist.
  5. Wear well-fitting shoes: Choose comfortable shoes that provide adequate support and protection for your feet. Avoid tight or pointed shoes, high heels, and open-toed shoes. Consider wearing specialized diabetic shoes or orthotic inserts recommended by your healthcare provider.
  6. Check shoes and socks: Inspect your shoes for any foreign objects, rough seams, or irregularities that could cause friction or injuries to your feet. Also, wear clean, dry socks that fit well and avoid those with tight elastic bands that can restrict circulation.
  7. Avoid walking barefoot: Protect your feet by wearing shoes or slippers at all times, even indoors. Walking barefoot increases the risk of injury and infections.
  8. Promote good circulation: Avoid crossing your legs for long periods and elevate your feet when sitting or lying down to improve blood flow. Regular exercise and physical activity can also help improve circulation.
  9. Control blood sugar levels: Keep your blood sugar levels within the target range advised by your healthcare provider. Properly managing your diabetes can significantly reduce the risk of foot complications.
  10. Regular check-ups: Schedule regular foot exams with a podiatrist or healthcare provider who specializes in diabetic foot care. They can assess your foot health, identify any problems early on, and provide appropriate treatment.

Remember, if you notice any signs of foot problems or have any concerns, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Early intervention and proper foot care can prevent severe complications and help you maintain good foot health as a diabetic.

Call to schedule an appointment for any our Chicago podiatry offices: 773-205-0106

Lear more: https://europeanfootandankleclinic.com

foot pain

Common Causes Of Heel Pain

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Common Causes Of Heel Pain

Heel pain is a common foot problem that can be caused by a variety of factors. Some of the most common causes of heel pain include:

  1. Plantar Fasciitis: This is the most common cause of heel pain, occurring when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes, becomes inflamed or irritated.
  2. Achilles Tendinitis: This condition occurs when the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscle to the heel bone, becomes inflamed or irritated.
  3. Heel Spurs: These are bony growths that develop on the bottom of the heel bone, often as a result of long-term plantar fasciitis.
  4. Stress Fractures: These are small cracks in the bones of the foot, which can occur as a result of overuse or repetitive impact.
  5. Bursitis: This is the inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions and protects the joints in the body. When it occurs in the heel, it can cause pain and swelling.
  6. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: This is a condition that occurs when the tibial nerve, which runs through a tunnel in the ankle, becomes compressed or pinched.
  7. Sever’s Disease: This is a condition that occurs in children and adolescents when the growth plate in the heel bone becomes inflamed or irritated.

Other causes of heel pain can include nerve damage, arthritis, and obesity. It is important to see a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of heel pain and to receive appropriate treatment.

If you have a heel pain, call us today:  773-205-0106

heel pain

Heel Pain Treatments

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Heel Pain.  Treatments for Heel Pain

There are several treatments available for heel pain, depending on the underlying cause of the pain. Here are some common treatments:

  1. Rest: Avoiding activities that exacerbate the pain can help the heel heal.
  2. Ice: Applying ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day can help reduce inflammation and pain.
  3. Stretching: Stretching exercises can help to relieve tension in the foot and ankle muscles.
  4. Orthotics: Custom-made shoe inserts can help to distribute the weight more evenly on the foot, reducing pressure on the heel.
  5. Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to improve flexibility and strength in the foot and ankle, which can reduce pain and improve function.
  6. Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
  7. Corticosteroid injections: In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be used to reduce inflammation and pain.
  8. Surgery: Surgery may be necessary in rare cases, such as for severe cases of plantar fasciitis or heel spurs that do not respond to other treatments.

It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment for your specific condition.

If you have a heel pain, call us today:  773-205-0106

podiatrist near me

What Does a Podiatrist Do?

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Podiatrist in Chicago near me

European Foot and Ankle Clinic with 4 locations in Chicago and IN provide best podiatry services for Chicago and near Chicago patients.

Podiatrists are medical professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions of the feet, ankles, and lower legs. They provide a range of treatments for various foot and ankle problems, including:

  1. Orthotics: Custom-made shoe inserts or orthotics can be used to correct foot and ankle problems, such as flat feet, high arches, and overpronation.
  2. Foot and ankle surgery: Podiatrists can perform surgical procedures to correct problems such as bunions, hammertoes, and other foot deformities.
  3. Wound care: Podiatrists can provide treatment and care for foot and ankle wounds, such as cuts, blisters, and ulcers.
  4. Physical therapy: Podiatrists can prescribe physical therapy exercises to improve foot and ankle strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
  5. Medications: Podiatrists can prescribe medications to alleviate pain, inflammation, and other foot and ankle conditions.
  6. Diabetic foot care: Podiatrists are trained to provide specialized care for people with diabetes to prevent and treat foot and ankle complications, such as neuropathy and ulcers.
  7. Sports medicine: Podiatrists can provide specialized care for athletes and people who engage in physical activity to prevent and treat foot and ankle injuries.

These are just a few examples of the treatments that podiatrists provide. Depending on the condition, a podiatrist may use one or a combination of these treatments to help alleviate a patient’s foot or ankle problems.

Schedule your appointment by calling:  773-205-0106

heel pain laser

Laser for Chronic Foot Pain

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MLS Laser Treatments for Foot Pain

Chronic heel pain is one of the most common forms of foot pain in adults. Most of heel pain is caused by plantar fasciitis.  Low level laser therapy (LLLT) offers a quick, painless, non-invasive, side-effect free alternative to relieve the debilitating pain of plantar fasciitis.

Low level laser therapy accelerates the body’s natural healing process by energizing the biochemical responses within our cells.

Low-level laser therapy has been found to be effective in numerous medical conditions and associated symptoms. Regardless of the condition for which it is used, LLLT has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, it helps with edema and promotes faster healing.

It has been demonstrated that this therapeutic solution could relieve short-term pain in multiple acute and chronic conditions such as rheumatic disorders, neck pain, chronic joint disorders,  tendinopathy.

Five common foot ailments:

Arthritis

MLS can reduce swelling and increase your range of motion and mobility for rheumatoid arthritis, gout, osteoarthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis, the constant pain and stiffness in your feet can make it hard to walk.

Foot neuromas

MLS stops the pain of diabetic feet and foot neuromas, it can help heal the tissue that’s causing the pain.

Plantar fasciitis

MLS laser can help if you have a plantar fasciitis.

Tendonitis

MLS targets that inflammation and stops the discomfort so you can get moving again.

Sprains/strains

Some of the most common foot and ankle injuries are sprains and strains.  MLS helps to ease the pain and help the tissues regenerate and heal.

Call to schedule an appointment for any our Chicago podiatry offices: 773-205-0106

WOUNDS HEALING THERAPY

Ultrasound MIST Therapy

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MIST Ultrasound Wounds Healing

The European Foot & Ankle Clinic is proudly offering  to our diabetic and non-diabetic patients suffering with difficult lesions, ulcers, tumors, wounds on their feet MIST Ultrasound Wounds Healing Therapy.

MIST Therapy uses low-frequency ultrasound treatment method used in wound care. The ultrasound waves are transmitted to the tissues by a mist generated by placing saline in front of the transducer of the ultrasound machine. In addition, MIST Therapy is effective in removing or debriding no-viable tissues on the wound, reducing infection and speeding up closure and healing.

High levels of bacteria cause delayed wound healing. Using ultrasonic mist therapy helps control and promote healing by causing mechanical stress which leads to bacterial cell death and reduction of bacterial count.

Biofilm is a structured community of bacteria tightly enclosed within a self-produced exopolymeric matrix, and its presence is a significant barrier to healing. Since it is metabolically inactive, it is extremely hard to disrupt with topical/ systemic antibiotics, antimicrobials, and/or antiseptics. Ultrasonic mist therapy is very effective in disrupting biofilm to promote wound healing.

For information on wound care and wound prevention, we recommend you speak with a podiatrist for professional care and advice.

Call to schedule and appointment: 773-205-0106

Learn more about MIST Ultrasound Wounds Healing

podiatrist chicago

Taking Care of Senior Feet

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Senior Foot Care

Aging feet need extra care. Aging takes a toll on the feet. But with a long caregiving To Do list, out-of-sight tasks like foot care can be easily forgotten.

Over time, feet flatten and become wider. The fatty padding naturally wears down. That leaves the bones and joints of the feet more exposed to wear and tear.

Many seniors require regular pedicures or trips to the podiatrist to properly care for their feet, but a few simple at-home steps can help keep their feet well maintained between appointments.

Keep Feet Clean

Depending on whether your older adult bathes on their own or needs help, their feet may only get washed once in a while during the week.

Since good foot hygiene is critical to preventing fungal, viral, and bacterial infections, routine foot cleaning may need to happen outside of the bath or shower.

Making a regular habit of simple foot wipedowns with warm water, soap, and a washcloth will do the trick. And if done at night, it can even promote relaxation prior to sleep.

Pamper Your Skin

As we age, the skin on our feet becomes thinner and drier. After a shower or bath, treat your feet to a massage with your favorite lotion or cream. Avoid leaving lotion between your toes as this can promote the growth of fungal infections.

For rough patches, try an exfoliating foot scrub. You can also apply a thick lubricating cream at bedtime, then sleep with cotton socks on your feet. If you wear sandals, remember to use sunscreen on the tops of your feet.

Take Good Care of Your Nails

Keep toenails trimmed so the edges are even with the tips of the toes. Nails become drier and more brittle as we age, so they’re usually easier to trim after softening in a foot soak. Trim straight across to help prevent ingrown toenails.

Wear the Correct Shoes

Years of fashionable high heels and pointy-toed shoes eventually catch up with us. The result can be corns, bunions, curled toes or other painful problems. Now is the time to look for shoes that provide comfort and good support.

As we get older, our feet become wider and a bit longer, so double-check your size before buying new shoes. It’s also a good idea to shop for shoes in the evening as our feet tend to swell a bit as the day goes on.

Get medical attention when needed

However, delaying medical care often makes treatment more difficult. Contact podiatrist if  you have foot pain or you suspect that you have any of these common foot conditions like bunions, hammer toes, discolored toenails, corns, and calluses.

European Foot and Ankle Clinic has 4 offices in Chicago and Hammond IN. Contact us to make an appointment with podiatrist in Chicago:  773-205-0106

Minimal Incision Bunionectomy

Minimal Incision Bunionectomy

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Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery

Board certified foot and ankle podiatrists and surgeons at European Foot and Ankle Clinic, are utilizing a bunion surgery that allows immediate weight-bearing, minimal incision, and return to a regular shoe and athletic activity including running and all sports in just weeks.

Depending on the size of the enlargement, misalignment of the toe, and pain experienced, conservative treatments may not be adequate to prevent progressive damage from bunions. In these cases, bunion surgery, known as a bunionectomy, may be advised to remove the bunion and realign the toe.

Our doctors utilize hidden MINIMAL INCISION APPROACH when performing surgery. We realize that Aesthetics is just as important in addition to comfort and structural realignment of bunion deformities.

Benefits of minimal incision bunion surgery:

  • Reduced pain
  • Reduced discomfort
  • Reduced recovery time
  • Reduced infection risk
  • Local anesthesia rather than general anesthesia
  • Minimal blood loss
  • Shorter duration of the procedure
  • Availability to patients who may be deemed too at risk for traditional surgery
  • Immediate ambulation
  • Minimal scarring
  • Performed on an outpatient basis

Call our board certified podiatrists in Chicago to schedule an appointment with foot doctor: 773-205-0106 

Request an appointment with our  podiatrists in any of our 4 podiatry offices in Chicago

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