Items filtered by date: November 2021

A small hairline fracture is also referred to as a stress fracture. While stress fractures can occur in the pelvis, thigh bones, and shins, they most commonly occur in the lower legs, particularly affecting the bones of the midfoot. Stress fractures may occur in the foot because it is no longer able to bear weight. They are not commonly a result of a specific injury, but they are usually a result of overuse or repetitive motion. Because of this, athletes like runners, soccer players, and dancers are more likely to develop stress fractures. A common sign of a stress fracture is a sharp pain that is felt when bearing weight that will persist overtime or get worse as the fracture also worsens. Those who are experiencing foot pain and believe that they may have a stress fracture should consult with a podiatrist for treatment.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Dr. John P. Beaupied from Palos Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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.

When the toenail curls downwards and into the skin surrounding the nail, it is referred to as an ingrown toenail.  Common signs of an ingrown toenail include pain, redness, and swelling. Ingrown toenails can become infected if they are not treated. Ingrown toenails can form from a variety of reasons, such as shoes that are too tight, not properly trimming the toenails, excessively sweaty feet, or trauma to the toe. Patients who are struggling with an ingrown toenail may be able to find relief by soaking their feet in warm water for around 15 minutes a few times a day. However, ingrown toenails that persist should be looked at by a podiatrist in order to prevent an infection.   

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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.

Ankle discomfort can manifest as pain, stiffness, swelling, bruising, redness, tingling, or an inability to put weight on the ankle. There are several possible causes of ankle pain with the most common being sprains and strains of the ankle’s ligaments, and fractures of one or more bones in the ankle. Achilles tendon ruptures are another possible cause of ankle pain. They can occur when the Achilles tendon tears away from the heel bone which can cause swelling, bruising, and pain in the ankle. Rheumatoid arthritis, where the body’s immune system attacks the lining on the inside of the joint capsule, can occur in the ankle joint and be quite painful. Another form of arthritis—gout—causes a painful buildup of hardened uric acid crystals to deposit on joints, which can occur not only in the big toe, but the ankle joint as well. A bacterial infection (sometimes referred to as septic arthritis) may also set in the ankle joint, causing cartilage and bone damage, and pain. It is highly suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist to determine the source and receive treatment for any ankle pain or discomfort you may be experiencing.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. John P. Beaupied from Palos Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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.

Blisters form between layers of injured skin as a way of cushioning the injury and protecting it from further damage. When friction or some other irritant damages the upper layer of skin (epidermis), it can tear away from underlying layers of skin. The space that is created between the layers then fills up with fluid (serum). Most blisters occur as a result of friction caused by ill-fitting shoes or socks. Other causes of blisters include burns, frostbite, irritants such as insect bites, chemicals and other toxins. Medical conditions like diabetic neuropathy and eczema, as well as certain autoimmune deficiencies, can weaken the outer layer of skin which increases the risk of blisters forming. Aside from removing pressure from the affected area, it is best to leave a blister alone to allow it to heal naturally, which usually happens within a few days. However, if the blister worsens by becoming discolored or excessively inflamed, it may indicate that an infection is present and a podiatrist should be consulted right away.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, 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.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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.

Corns are rough, round, hardened masses of dead skin that develop on your feet from repeated pressure and friction. They can form on different parts of the foot and cause pain when irritated or rubbed against. There are three varieties of corns: hard, soft, and seed. Hard corns are just that—hard—and typically develop on the toes, while soft corns are often found between the toes and have a rubbery texture. Seed corns are smaller than hard or soft corns and usually form on the soles of the feet. Ill-fitting footwear often causes corns to develop. However, other conditions and circumstances that precipitate gait abnormalities, or activities that concentrate pressure in a given area, may also be to blame. Some of these contributing factors include genetic foot deformities (or acquired ones like bunions), bad posture, and certain physical activities such as running and walking. Changing footwear, wearing corn pads, and trimming your nails may help you manage the pain, but for long term solutions and advanced treatment, consult with a podiatrist.

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.