Items filtered by date: February 2023

Toenail fungus is a common nail disorder. It is a fungal infection, and research has shown it affects approximately half of Americans by the time they reach age 70. The fungus that causes this ailment enters the body through small cuts in the nail and may spread to the other nails if prompt medical attention is not sought. This fungus lives in warm environments like public swimming pools, locker rooms, and shower room floors. This condition gradually progresses, and one of the first signs can be yellowed toenails, or white spots on the toenail. This is followed by a change in texture, causing the nail to become brittle and possibly fall off. Preventive measures can include wearing appropriate shoes when frequenting these types of areas, such as flip flops or water shoes, and it is beneficial to refrain from sharing shoes and socks. If you have toenail fungus, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer you the correct treatment techniques.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of American Surgeons Group. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Homewood, South Chicago Heights, and Mokena, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Although it might not seem immediately obvious, the kinds of shoes that you wear can have a discernible impact on the health of your feet. For example, if you wear non-supportive, flimsy footwear, this can spell trouble for the strength and resilience of your feet. High heels are one such kind of potentially detrimental footwear. The impact that high heels can have on your feet and body is sometimes referred to as high heel syndrome. As a result of overuse of high heels, an individual might experience anatomical changes in their legs. Typically these individuals will have Achilles tendons that are more stiff. When an individual is experiencing high heel syndrome, they may benefit significantly from stretching exercises that target the calves. If you are someone who wears high heels frequently, consider contacting a podiatrist for more information and support.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from American Surgeons Group. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Homewood, South Chicago Heights, and Mokena, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The increasingly popular sport of pickleball was born from a cross between tennis, badminton and ping-pong. 2022 marked the 57th anniversary of this sport. It has grown in participation because it is fun and older participants especially think it is easier on the body. However, those who play this sport are still at risk for injury to various parts of their bodies. The quick side-to-side movements in pickleball put the ankle joint at high risk for sprain injuries. The repeated pounding of the feet on hard courts can also lead to foot pain. Investing in good, stable court shoes with a large toe box can help offset some of the pain suffered. Also, increasing the strength of the foot and ankle by practicing balancing exercises on one foot at a time can help in the prevention of injuries. If you are a pickleball player and have sustained an injury or suffer from foot pain, contact a podiatrist who can help with proper diagnoses and treatments appropriate for you. 

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of American Surgeons Group. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Homewood, South Chicago Heights, and Mokena, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A force that is exerted on one or more bones in the foot may result in a broken foot. It can happen from falling, or from enduring a sudden injury. Most people know immediately if they have broken their foot by the amount of swelling and bruising that occurs. In severe breaks, the bone can protrude and may look deformed, possibly requiring surgery for proper placement. A  diagnosis is often performed by having an X-ray taken, which is generally successful in determining the severity of the fracture. This is often followed by beginning the correct treatment, which often means wearing a boot or a cast that can stabilize the foot as the healing process occurs. Recovery time can be up to 3 months, and crutches can be used which can aid in completing daily tasks. After the foot has healed, specific exercises can be performed to strengthen the entire foot. If you have broken your foot, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can guide you in regaining strength in your foot.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from American Surgeons Group. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Homewood, South Chicago Heights, and Mokena, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.