Foot and ankle trauma refers to significant injuries resulting from accidents, falls, or high-impact events. In severe cases, known as complex trauma, fractures are accompanied by extensive soft tissue damage, nerve or blood vessel injuries, and joint disruption. These injuries pose a high risk for complications, including poor healing, infection, or long-term disability. Complex trauma often occurs alongside other serious injuries in polytraumatized patients, making treatment decisions even more challenging. In such cases, healthcare providers may need to consider reconstructive surgery or amputation to ensure the patient’s overall well-being. Prompt and specialized care is essential for the best outcome. If you have experienced a traumatic foot or ankle injury, it is strongly suggested that you see a podiatrist immediately. Doing so can significantly improve recovery, reduce complications, and help restore function and mobility.

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with Dr. John P. Beaupied from Palos Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Muscle strains
• Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
• Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

• Bruising
• Inflammation/ Swelling
• Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.

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

Foot corns are thickened areas of skin that develop on the feet due to repeated friction or pressure. They typically form on the tops, sides, or between the toes from wearing ill-fitting shoes that rub against the skin. The friction causes the skin to harden in response, forming a corn. Corns can also develop due to abnormal foot mechanics, such as having a toe that constantly rubs against the inside of a shoe. Symptoms of foot corns include pain, tenderness, and visible thickened skin that may have a central hard core. The skin around the corn can become inflamed and irritated, causing discomfort when walking. While corns are not usually serious, they can be painful and may lead to further foot problems if not treated properly. If you have developed a foot corn, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can safely treat this uncomfortable condition.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. John P. Beaupied of Palos Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition affecting the ball of the foot, often between the third and fourth toes. It occurs when the tissue surrounding a nerve becomes thickened, causing pain, burning, or a sensation of something being wedged in the shoe. The pain can worsen when walking, standing, or wearing tight shoes. The primary cause of Morton’s neuroma is excessive pressure or irritation on the nerve, often from wearing high heels, tight shoes, or engaging in repetitive activities like running. Foot deformities, such as bunions or hammertoes, can also increase the risk. A podiatrist can help diagnose Morton’s neuroma through a physical exam and imaging tests. Treatments may include wearing custom orthotics, padding, or shoe modifications to reduce pressure on the affected area. In more severe cases, corticosteroid injections or even surgery may be recommended. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. John P. Beaupied of Palos Podiatry. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

Swollen feet can be an uncomfortable issue, often caused by injuries or edema. Edema refers to the accumulation of fluid in the tissues, leading to swelling. People who are more likely to experience swollen feet include those with recent injuries, such as sprains or fractures, which can cause localized swelling. Edema can also result from conditions like pregnancy, heart disease, kidney disease, or prolonged standing or sitting. The causes of swollen feet vary, but other contributing factors include poor circulation, high salt intake, or side effects from medications. In some cases, swelling may be a sign of a more serious underlying issue, such as blood clots, infections, or vascular problems. While mild swelling may improve with rest, elevating the feet, or wearing compression socks, persistent or severe foot or ankle swelling should be evaluated by a podiatrist. This type of doctor can help diagnose the cause of the swelling and recommend appropriate treatments. If you are experiencing swollen feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. John P. Beaupied of Palos Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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