Pain on the Top of the Foot

Extensor tendinopathy is a condition that affects the tendons on the top of the foot, which help lift the toes and stabilize the foot while walking or running. When these tendons become irritated or overworked, they can cause pain and swelling across the top of the foot or around the ankle. The discomfort often worsens with activity, especially when running uphill, climbing stairs, or wearing tight shoes that put pressure on the tendons. This condition can develop from overuse, sudden increases in exercise, wearing poor footwear, or foot structures that place extra strain on the tendons. Rest, supportive shoes, and targeted stretching exercises may ease symptoms, while more persistent cases might benefit from orthotics, or other targeted treatments. If pain on the top of your foot is interfering with daily life or activity, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for diagnosis and a treatment plan that supports relief and healing.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with One of our podiatrists from Mitchell Foot & Ankle. Our doctors 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 office located in Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Preventing Falls and Protecting the Lower Limbs

Falls are a major concern for older adults, and the lower limbs are often the most affected areas when they occur. Injuries may include ankle sprains, hip fractures, and damage to the knees or feet, all of which can greatly limit independence. Weak muscles, poor balance, and unstable footwear increase the risk of falling, as do chronic conditions such as arthritis or neuropathy. Preventive strategies focus on building strength, improving balance, and creating a safe environment at home. Wearing supportive shoes with nonslip soles, the removal of loose rugs, and adequate lighting can make daily movement safer. Stretching and strengthening the calves, ankles, and thighs help maintain stability, while regular checkups ensure that foot or joint problems are addressed early. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury from falling, or are concerned about your risk of falling and its impact on your lower limbs, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for evaluation and preventive care.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with One of our podiatrists from Mitchell Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

  • Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
  • Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
  • Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
  • Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
  • Utilizing a walker or cane
  • Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
  • Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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A Gentle Look at Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail may seem like a small concern at first, but it can quickly turn into a painful issue, if not addressed. This condition occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to tenderness, swelling, and sometimes infection. Common causes include wearing shoes that are too tight, trimming nails too short, genetic predisposition, or injury to the toe. Simple steps, such as keeping feet clean, choosing properly fitted footwear, and cutting nails straight across can reduce the risk of developing one. Warm water soaks can provide temporary relief, but recurring cases should not be ignored. Left untreated, an ingrown toenail may progress into a more serious problem that interferes with walking comfortably. If you are struggling with an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist to ensure proper care.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact One of our podiatrists of Mitchell Foot & Ankle. Our doctors 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 office located in Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Get Professional Care for a Broken Foot or Ankle

Constant care and regular evaluation are important for a foot or ankle fracture. If left untreated, foot or ankle fractures can worsen over time and create more serious problems.

Don't wait to be examined if you believe you've experienced a foot or ankle fracture.

Three Stretches for Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition in which the plantar fascia ligament, which connects the heel bone to the toes, becomes inflamed, typically due to injury from overuse. The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain in the heel and the arch of the affected foot. If you have this condition, performing certain stretches may help aid in your recovery from plantar fasciitis. The gastroc stretch helps stretch out the gastroc muscle and Achilles tendon. The soleus stretch helps stretch the soleus muscle and Achilles tendon. The flexor hallicus longus stretch helps stretch the bottom of the foot, inside of the ankle, and back of the calf. To learn more about how stretching can help you in your recovery from plantar fasciitis, please speak with a podiatrist. 

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact One of our podiatrists  from Mitchell Foot & Ankle. Our doctors 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 office located in Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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