Items filtered by date: March 2023

The pain and discomfort that can happen from having an ingrown toenail can cause difficulty in completing daily activities. They occur when the side of the toenail grows into the skin instead of over it. Ingrown toenails can occur from wearing shoes that are too tight, such as high heels or shoes with a pointed toe. They may also happen if the toenails are trimmed incorrectly or possibly for genetic reasons. Some patients are born with abnormal nail shapes, and this may cause an ingrown toenail to develop. The first sign an ingrown toenail is developing can be mild swelling and redness, and if not treated promptly, the nail may become painful. The nail may turn a white or yellow color, which may precede a possible infection. Soaking the affected foot in warm water may bring mild relief, followed by using a piece of cotton to gently remove the nail from digging into the skin. This may provide temporary relief and will ultimately need to be examined by a podiatrist. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you consult with this type of doctor who can successfully treat ingrown toenails. 

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Elie C. Daniel, DPM of Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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 care needs.

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the band of tissue that runs along the arch of the foot becomes inflamed. The condition can often result in serious heel pain. Yoga is one way in which an individual might be able to combat foot pain from plantar fasciitis. Specifically, there are certain yoga poses that are designed to stretch the plantar fascia. These poses might also stretch other related muscles. Some of these stretches include the upward salute, the chair pose, the high lunge, and others. If you are someone that is struggling with plantar fasciitis, you might benefit from practicing certain yoga stretches. It is suggested that individuals with plantar fasciitis or heel pain schedule an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible for treatment and advice. 

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Elie C. Daniel, DPM  from Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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.

Ankles can become swollen for several reasons. Among other things, ankle swelling can occur during pregnancy, from a sprained ankle, or lymphedema. Swelling of a woman’s ankles during pregnancy is normal, however, severe swelling can indicate the onset of preeclampsia. If one sprains their ankle, a ligament is torn or injured and likely causes swelling. Lymphedema occurs when there is a collection of lymph fluid in the tissues due to lymph problems and there is an interference with proper blood flow to the ankle. Repeated swelling of the ankles can lead to instability and even arthritis. If your ankles have been swollen for a long time, or if the swelling worsens, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for an examination and recommended treatment options.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Elie C. Daniel, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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 care needs.

Many people have the foot condition that is known as toenail fungus, and can be under the impression it may be a cosmetic issue. Research has shown it is beneficial to have it promptly treated, and this may help to prevent potential complications from arising. Toenail fungus can gradually worsen, and the infected nail can thicken and cause foot pain. It may be difficult to walk while wearing shoes, and it may spread to other toes. Additionally, the skin on the feet may become itchy and red, which may indicate athlete's foot has developed. People who are diabetic have to be extremely careful the fungus does not cause the skin to crack, which may lead to bleeding and infections. In severe cases of toenail fungus, the nail can become brittle, and may have to be partially or completely removed as treatment begins. If you have developed toenail fungus, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can offer you the treatment method that is right for you. 

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Elie C. Daniel, DPM of Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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 care needs.

Sever's disease is a painful foot condition typically affecting active children and young teenagers. It happens as a result of an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel. This causes the heel bone to grow faster than the surrounding muscles and tendons, and pain can be felt in the back of the heel. It can affect the area where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone, and calf pain may develop. This can gradually occur, and children may begin to limp. They may also walk on tiptoes. The symptoms can become more frequent with increased activity. Certain conditions like high arches, flat feet, and obesity might make children susceptible to Sever’s disease. Relief is generally found when the activity that caused this condition is temporarily stopped. It can also be helpful to elevate the feet. If your child has Sever’s disease, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine the correct form of treatment and prescribe custom-made orthotics, if necessary.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Elie C. Daniel, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their 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 injuries.