Items filtered by date: August 2023

Arthritis, defined as joint inflammation, can lead to stiffness, swelling, and pain in affected joints. Among the 100 or more types of arthritis, studies have shown that three significantly impact the foot and ankle. Osteoarthritis, the most common, stems from joint cartilage wear and tear over time. Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune disease, that affects joints throughout the body, with women being twice as susceptible. RA involves the immune system attacking and damaging the cartilage. Post-traumatic arthritis, akin to osteoarthritis, can emerge years after fractures or injuries. Gout, another inflammatory condition, arises from uric acid crystal deposits that are near or within the connective tissue of the joints and is particularly common in the big toe. Psoriatic arthritis can produce symptoms that are similar to RA and is linked to psoriasis, a skin disorder causing scaling and flakiness. Understanding these types of arthritis can empower individuals to manage their foot health amidst arthritis challenges. If you believe you have developed a form of arthritis that is affecting your feet or ankles, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, 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.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

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 care needs.

More people are using trampolines for fun and exercise, and this has led to more injuries, especially in children. Many of these injuries are broken bones in the legs. Little kids are at higher risk because they are still learning to balance. Some safety measures like padding and nets are used, but they have not stopped the injuries much. To be safer, it's recommended to have only one person jumping at a time, avoid doing flips, and have someone watching. Many injuries happen when multiple people jump together. Sometimes, bigger people on the trampoline can make smaller ones go too high, leading to hard falls. Some broken bones can lead to long-term problems. Special ankle injuries in young kids can be particularly serious and need surgery. If you or your kids use trampolines, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to learn how to best stay safe.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from American Surgeons Group. Our practitioners will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete 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 care needs.

Gout is a type of arthritis that often affects the joints of the big toe, and is caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals. There are four distinct stages of gout. The first stage, known as asymptomatic hyperuricemia, is characterized by high levels of uric acid in the blood without any noticeable symptoms. The second stage is acute gout that occurs when uric acid forms crystals which begin to deposit in the joints. This can lead to sudden and severe pain, swelling, and redness. If left untreated acute gout can progress to the third stage, known as intercritical gout, or the interval between gout attacks. During this phase, patients can experience periods of remission where symptoms subside, but it is essential to maintain proper management and lifestyle changes to prevent future flare ups. The final stage is chronic tophaceous gout, which occurs after repeated gout attacks. In this stage, large uric acid crystal deposits called tophi, can develop beneath the skin surrounding the joints and in other tissues. Tophi can lead to joint damage and deformities. Early detection and appropriate management are key to preventing the progression of gout. If you believe you have gout, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment options. 

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from American Surgeons Group. Our practitioners will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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 care needs.

Maintaining proper foot health is crucial for elderly individuals as it ensures comfort, mobility, and independence. If a senior has a caregiver, they can play a vital role in assisting them with their foot care between podiatrist appointments and pedicures. Incorporating a regular foot care routine can significantly benefit their overall well-being. Foot soaks can be a soothing and effective way to soften toenails before trimming them straight across and filing the edges. This helps prevent ingrown toenails and ensures proper nail maintenance. Moisturizing the feet regularly is essential to prevent cracked heels, which can be uncomfortable and lead to complications. Foot massages are not only a luxurious treat but also aid in improving blood circulation, relieving tension, and providing comfort to aging feet. Gently massaging the feet can be a relaxing and enjoyable activity for both seniors and caregivers. Choosing supportive footwear that fits well is essential for seniors. Ill-fitting shoes can cause discomfort and increase the risk of foot problems and falling. In addition to regular at-home foot care, regular check-ups and preventative care advice from a podiatrist can help identify and address potential foot issues before they become more significant problems.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and 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.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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 common reason why an ingrown toenail develops can be from wearing shoes that are too tight. It may also happen as a result of improperly trimming the toenails, or possibly from genetic reasons. An ingrown toenail is defined as the toenail growing into the skin instead of over it. It can become red and infected and is generally painful. When the toenail is trimmed in a curved fashion instead of straight across, it can become infected. Some people find it can help to soak the affected foot in warm water, followed by using a small piece of cotton to gently pull the skin away from the nail. While this can temporarily provide mild relief, many patients prefer to visit a podiatrist who can provide effective treatment for permanent relief. Ingrown toenails can be prevented by wearing shoes that fit correctly with plenty of room for the toes to move freely in. If you have developed this painful foot condition, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can perform minor surgery to repair or remove the nail if needed.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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.