Items filtered by date: October 2022

If your second toe is longer than your big toe, you have something known as Morton’s toe. This is not to be confused with Morton’s neuroma, which is an inflammation of the nerve near the ball of the foot. Morton’s toe is a congenital bone formation, where the first metatarsal, the long bone that connects the toe to the back of the foot, is shorter than the second metatarsal. This causes the second toe to appear longer. The formation may affect the biomechanics of the foot and result in arch pain. Aches and pains in the foot are generated by the way your weight is distributed when you walk, run, or jump. Treatment options for Morton’s toe include stretching and strengthening exercises, certain pain relief medication, and custom orthotics. In more serious cases, surgery may be an option. Because the tip of the second toe sticks out further inside a shoe, calluses may develop. It may help to wear shoes that allow ample room in the toe box to accommodate the longer second toe. For more information, please consult a podiatrist.  

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Elie C. Daniel, DPM of Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Princeton, Peru, and Mendota, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Aging feet have endured years of wear and tear. It is therefore not surprising that foot problems are common among seniors. Plantar fasciitis is when the plantar fascia, the thick fibrous band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes, becomes inflamed from overuse or improper support. There can be a pain in the heel and the arch of the foot with this condition, which is more apt to be felt upon arising after rest. After walking some, the pain can subside only to resurface. Resting the affected foot, wearing orthotics, and performing stretching exercises can help this condition. Bunions form when the joint of the big toe moves out of place due to pressure. This causes a bump to develop on the side of the toe, and the toe to point inward towards the smaller toes. Swelling, redness, or soreness can develop on the joint, as well as calluses around the second toe. Bunions can cause persistent foot pain. Medications, bunion pads, splints, and wearing proper footwear that has sufficient room in the toe box can help. If you are older or take care of someone elderly who has developed a painful foot condition or wants to learn how to prevent these from happening, consult with a podiatrist who can help you.

If you need your feet checked, contact Elie C. Daniel, DPM of Illinois. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Princeton, Peru, and Mendota, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

If you are thinking about becoming pregnant, you ought to know that your feet will experience a number of important changes as a result of your pregnancy. For example, in addition to experiencing possible swelling and enlargement, you might experience numbness in the feet during pregnancy. This is due to the fact that nerves in the legs can experience pressure when the uterus grows. As a result, a pregnant woman may have feelings of numbness in the toes. Some individuals will even describe this feeling as a kind of “pins and needles” sensation in the feet. A number of women experience this kind of numbness in their feet during the pregnancy, and fortunately, the feelings should subside after the pregnancy. If pregnancy is something you anticipate in your future, it might be a good idea to contact a podiatrist to discuss ways you can maintain healthy feet throughout the process.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Elie C. Daniel, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Princeton, Peru, and Mendota, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Patients who experience gout attacks are often familiar with the debilitating pain they can cause. Gout occurs as a result of crystals that form in the joints of the big toe and can develop for various reasons. Genetics can contribute significantly to the development of gout, in addition to having an abnormal metabolism that produces excess uric acid. It is seen in the joints of the body as crystals and can produce extreme pain and discomfort. This may come from eating foods that have high levels of purines like shellfish, red meat, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. Drinking excess alcohol may also lead to gout so it is beneficial to drink in moderation. Gout attacks may be prevented by drinking plenty of water daily, consuming healthy foods, and practicing a gentle exercise program. Gout patients should be under the care of a podiatrist. It is strongly advised that you contact a podiatrist who can provide effective prevention techniques as well as treatments that are best for you.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Elie C. Daniel, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Princeton, Peru, and Mendota, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.