Items filtered by date: April 2023

The arthritic condition known as gout often causes extreme pain. The foot ailment affects the joints in the big toe, causing redness and swelling. Gout can develop for genetic reasons or from specific types of foods that are consumed, which are laden with purines. These can include red meat, shellfish, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. Excess uric acid can be produced from these foods and converted into crystals that lodge in the joints of the big toe. People generally experience a gout attack for approximately one week, but it may resurface if eating habits are not changed. Episodes of gout may be prevented by drinking plenty of fresh water and engaging in a gentle exercise program. It is also beneficial to include fresh vegetables and fruits in your diet and to limit foods that have excess purines. If you are afflicted with gout, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can guide you toward management and prevention techniques. 

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.

Many people experience foot pain, whether it is chronic or occasional. Foot pain that is felt every day may be a result of specific conditions such as arthritis, hammertoe, or having a bunion. Pain that is felt once in a while may come from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly or standing for long periods of time. Older people may have foot pain from a loss of padding in the feet, which helps to absorb shock. Blisters on the feet may be uncomfortable, and excess friction from the socks or shoes that are worn is generally the cause. Young children and teenagers may suffer from Sever’s disease, which is an inflammation of the muscles surrounding the growth plate in the heel. It affects active people in this age group, and parents may notice their child is limping. There are additional reasons to have foot pain, and it is suggested that a podiatrist be contacted who can pinpoint the exact cause, and offer you correct treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Elie C. Daniel, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

Swimming can be an exciting and unique way for individuals to burn their daily calories. However, like any form of exercise, swimming can present a series of risks to the health of the feet. For example, many swimmers might be at an increased risk of developing athlete’s foot if they walk barefoot in the locker room and poolside area. Besides athlete’s foot, many swimmers might also be at risk of experiencing foot cramps. There are several things that swimmers can do to help prevent the onset of foot cramps while swimming. First, a swimmer might consider staying sufficiently hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Second, a swimmer might also consider stretching to warm up their body. Third, a swimmer could try to maintain a healthy, balanced diet. If you engage in swimming as a form of exercise, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for information or treatment. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Elie C. Daniel, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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.

Many foot conditions may be avoided when shoes fit correctly. Bunions, hammertoes, and ingrown toenails are uncomfortable ailments that fit this category. To determine the correct shoe size, it is beneficial to have the feet measured. This can be accomplished by using a Brannock device, which is found in the majority of shoe stores. If this is not available, the feet can be measured by tracing them on a piece of paper while standing up. Shoes should be tried on and walked in before determining the proper size. This is successful in noticing if the shoe is too small or too large, and other shoes may need to be chosen if they do not fit correctly. If you would like additional information regarding how to buy shoes that fit properly, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Elie C. Daniel, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

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.