Items filtered by date: December 2023

Achilles tendonitis is a common injury that affects both athletes and non-athletes alike. It is often the result of repeated stress on the Achilles tendon, the long tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel. Achilles tendonitis primarily strikes the younger and middle-aged population engaged in sports like running, gymnastics, and basketball. But it can also affect those leading a more sedentary lifestyle. One of the leading causes stems from an abrupt surge in physical activity, leaving the body little time to acclimate to the increased strain. Failure to stretch adequately before engaging in activities such as running or jumping on hard surfaces can increase the risk, particularly for those with tight calf muscles. Footwear choices play a pivotal role in Achilles tendon health. Wearing high heels for extended periods without proper support can contribute to the onset of Achilles tendonitis. Factors like flat feet, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain antibiotics also can predispose individuals to this condition. Further, those with excessive pronation or flat arches face an elevated risk due to the heightened demands placed on the tendon during regular walking. Whether involved in regular labor-intensive work or sporadic intense physical activities, individuals must be mindful of the strain placed on their Achilles tendon. If you have pain in the back of the heel, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. 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.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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.

Heel spurs are bony outgrowths at the base of the heel bone, and implementing targeted exercises is a proactive approach to managing heel spur pain. Stretching exercises, such as towel curls and toe stretches, help maintain flexibility in the foot's connective tissues, mitigating strain on the heel. Calf stretches, performed against a wall, alleviate tension in the Achilles tendon, and may help to reduce the impact on the heel spur. Rolling a frozen water bottle under the foot not only provides relief but also minimizes inflammation. Incorporating these exercises into a regular routine can contribute to the gradual alleviation of heel spur discomfort. It is imperative to approach these exercises with patience, allowing the body time to adapt and heal. Consultation with a podiatrist is advisable to tailor exercises to individual needs. If you have developed a heel spur, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat this condition.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Dr. John P. Beaupied from Palos Podiatry. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Palos Heights, IL . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Choosing the right walking shoes is essential for ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable walking experience. To find the perfect pair of walking shoes, start by determining where you plan to walk, whether it involves avid treks or easy strolls with your dogs on a short woodland path. Prioritize comfort, looking for shoes with a cushioned heel collar, insole, and midsole to maximize comfort during every step. Additionally, opt for shoes that provide flexibility, allowing your toes to move naturally and ensuring a smooth and steady walking motion. Consider the materials used in the shoes. Synthetic materials, often lighter in weight, provide durability without compromising performance during long walks. If you have wide feet, choose shoes with a larger toe box to prevent discomfort and allow ample room for natural toe movement. Check for sufficient arch support in the midsole to protect and support your feet during walks. Choose lightweight shoes to avoid fatigue and enhance endurance during long walks. Lastly, evaluate whether you need waterproof materials based on expected weather conditions. If you need help in navigating the various factors involved in selecting the right walking shoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a gait analysis, foot exam, and expert advice.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. John P. Beaupied from Palos Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

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.

Metatarsal joint pain, or pain in the ball of the foot, commonly results from misalignment of the joint surfaces. This puts pressure on the joint lining and destroys cartilage in the joints. Metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joint misalignment can be caused by rheumatoid arthritis, a disorder that inflames the joints. In rheumatoid arthritis, hammer toes can develop, which can worsen joint pain and misalignment. Fat tissue, which helps cushion the joints when bearing weight, can be pushed forward under the toes, resulting in a loss of cushioning in the ball of the foot. A lack of cushioning normally occurs as many people age. It can make people more susceptible to pain when the ball of the foot is stressed or injured repeatedly, by running or walking excessively. A loss of cushioning also may cause damage to the nerves of the foot and lead to the development of calluses. MTP joint pain can also result from osteoarthritis or stiffening of the joints of the ball of the foot, often at the big toe joint. Many people with these disorders have an abnormal motion of the foot while bearing weight and walking. Walking is painful for people with metatarsal joint pain. The skin over the joint may feel mildly warm to the touch, and swelling may be present. Over time, pain and stiffening can be disabling. If you are experiencing extreme pain in the ball of the foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. This specialized foot doctor can examine the foot and suggest appropriate treatment options. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot 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.

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 Palos Heights, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Metatarsal joint pain, or pain in the ball of the foot, commonly results from misalignment of the joint surfaces. This puts pressure on the joint lining and destroys cartilage in the joints. Metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joint misalignment can be caused by rheumatoid arthritis, a disorder that inflames the joints. In rheumatoid arthritis, hammer toes can develop, which can worsen joint pain and misalignment. Fat tissue, which helps cushion the joints when bearing weight, can be pushed forward under the toes, resulting in a loss of cushioning in the ball of the foot. A lack of cushioning normally occurs as many people age. It can make people more susceptible to pain when the ball of the foot is stressed or injured repeatedly, by running or walking excessively. A loss of cushioning also may cause damage to the nerves of the foot and lead to the development of calluses. MTP joint pain can also result from osteoarthritis or stiffening of the joints of the ball of the foot, often at the big toe joint. Many people with these disorders have an abnormal motion of the foot while bearing weight and walking. Walking is painful for people with metatarsal joint pain. The skin over the joint may feel mildly warm to the touch, and swelling may be present. Over time, pain and stiffening can be disabling. If you are experiencing extreme pain in the ball of the foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. This specialized foot doctor can examine the foot and suggest appropriate treatment options. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot 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.

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 Palos Heights, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.