Tag Archives: housecalls podiatrist Chicago

heel pain

Heel Pain Treatments

Foot pain, , , , , ,

There are several treatments available for heel pain, depending on the underlying cause of the pain. Here are some common treatments:

  1. Rest: Avoiding activities that exacerbate the pain can help the heel heal.
  2. Ice: Applying ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day can help reduce inflammation and pain.
  3. Stretching: Stretching exercises can help to relieve tension in the foot and ankle muscles.
  4. Orthotics: Custom-made shoe inserts can help to distribute the weight more evenly on the foot, reducing pressure on the heel.
  5. Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to improve flexibility and strength in the foot and ankle, which can reduce pain and improve function.
  6. Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
  7. Corticosteroid injections: In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be used to reduce inflammation and pain.
  8. Surgery: Surgery may be necessary in rare cases, such as for severe cases of plantar fasciitis or heel spurs that do not respond to other treatments.

It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment for your specific condition.

Please call us to schedule our podiatrist visit:  312-998-0974

toenail fungus

Toenail Fungus Laser Treatment

Toenail Fungus, , , ,

Toenail Fungus. Laser Treatment

Toenail fungus laser treatment is a medical procedure that uses a laser to target and eliminate fungal infections in the toenails. The laser heats up the infected area, which destroys the fungus and promotes healthy nail growth.

The procedure usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour and is performed by a podiatrist or dermatologist. It is typically painless, but some patients may experience a warming or tingling sensation during the treatment.

Toenail fungus laser treatment is considered a safe and effective alternative to traditional treatments such as topical antifungal medications or oral medications that can have side effects. However, it can be more expensive and may not be covered by insurance.

It’s important to note that toenail fungus laser treatment may not work for everyone, and it may take several treatments to fully eliminate the infection. In addition, good nail hygiene practices such as keeping feet clean and dry, avoiding tight-fitting shoes, and regularly trimming nails can help prevent future infections.

Schedule visiting foot doctor appointment by calling:  312-998-0974

Morton's Neuroma

Morton’s Neuroma

Foot pain, , , , ,

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that impacts the ball of your foot.

Neuromas are thickenings of nerve tissue that are the result of compression and irritation of the nerve. This compression creates swelling and enlargement of the nerve, which can lead to permanent nerve damage if left untreated. A neuroma can occur anywhere in the body. The most common type of podiatric neuroma is a Morton’s neuroma. Most commonly, a neuroma is the condition where the nerve between the two toes inward from your pinky toe that becomes irritated and enlarged. Since our nerves allow us to process and feel pain, you can imagine how an enlarged nerve trapped between two solid bones would be a painful experience. Neuromas can be so painful that some people wind up visiting urgent or emergency care centers thinking that they have broken their foot! Sometimes this isn’t far from the truth, either.

What Causes Morton’s Neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma can develop when you overwork your digital nerve. Common causes of the foot condition include:

  • Wearing high heels
  • Wearing tight shoes or shoes with a narrow toe box
  • Doing sports that involve constant repeated flexion of the ball of the foot, such as running

 

Some neuromas respond well to conservative treatment options aimed at reducing the pressure and irritation around the nerve so inflammation and pain can resolve. Often, switching to footwear that fits properly can provide significant relief of symptoms while also reducing the pressure that causes nerve inflammation. Avoiding high heels is also important since the sloped shape of the shoe can significantly increase pressure on the ball of the foot where neuromas are most likely to occur.

Our podiatrists use advanced and innovative European neurolitic dehydrated alcohol injections to shrink neuromas and provide long-term , non-surgical solutions wherever possible.

Custom orthotics and Gel silicon toe cups ( latter currently available ONLY at our mobile services ) can be very effective in helping relieve pressure on nerve tissue so pain and inflammation can resolve. Pain medications including both oral medicines and injected solutions such as European homeopathic as well as Dehydrated Alcohol, Plasma PRP or Steroids can also be effective in providing immediate relief for symptoms, including both pain and inflammation. Other techniques like extracorporeal shockwave therapy can also be effective in treating neuromas and relieving symptoms. When surgery is necessary, the doctors use minimal incision/no scar surgeries to improve recovery time and reduce the risk of scarring.

Please call to schedule our foot doctor visit: 312-998-0974

Read more: https://chicagohomefootcare.com/services/neuromas

bunion surgery

Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery

Bunions, , , , , , , ,

Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery

A bunion is an enlargement of the bone or tissue around a joint at the base of the big toe or at the base of the little toe. Bunions often form when the joint is stressed over a prolonged period. Bunions can be painful and make daily activities a challenge, as they can cause irritation, swelling and stiffness in the toe joints over time.

Modern minimally invasive bunion surgery allows smaller incisions and facilitates easier recovery for patients. Modern advances in minimally invasive bunion surgery techniques and technology have allowed for tiny incisions, a walking recovery, less postoperative pain, shorter operative time and an overall easier recovery.

With this technique, there is no need to open the joints which spare blood supply to the bones, so patients don’t have inner and external scar tissue as they would with traditional bunion surgery. This means a reduced time in physical therapy and less need for the painful break-up of scar tissue in the big toe joint.

Traditional bunion surgery involves a long incision of 5cm on the outer aspect of the big toe and foot. In our minimally invasive surgery there are several incisions of approximately  2mm.

Call to schedule our house calls podiatrist visit: 312-998-0974

Lear more:  https://chicagohomefootcare.com/services/bunnionshammertoes

Ingrown Toenails treatment

Ingrown Toenails

Foot pain, , , , ,

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are a common foot problem. They develop when the edge of your toenail grows into the skin of your toe, and they’re often painful. Ingrown toenails can cause minor discomfort or terrible pain, depending on how much they have grown. For many lucky people, an ingrown nail will resolve by itself, without any treatment.

An ingrown toenail can be as a result of one or more of the following reasons:

Constant stress to the toes: This can occur with athletes who kick things all the time. It is also common with people who do ballet and people who wear shoes that pinch their toes

Trauma to the toe: A stubbed toe can develop an ingrown nail. Dropping a heavy object on a toe can also result in an ingrown nail

Cutting the toenails the wrong way: Toenails should be cut straight across. Trying to round the toenail at the corners can cause it to grow into the folds of the toes

Thickened toenails: Some people have naturally thick nails. So do many older people. Thick toenails are more likely to become ingrown

A hereditary trait: Some people have a genetic trait (like nails that fan sideways) that causes their toenails to become ingrown

How is an ingrown toenail treated?

Minor ingrown toenails can heal on their own as the nail grows out. However, severe or infected ingrown nails require professional medical care.

It’s important to learn the signs of an ingrown nail infection so you know when it’s time to visit a foot doctor. If you have an ingrown toenail, you can experience one, many, or all of these symptoms:

  • Drainage, like blood or pus
  • Significant swelling
  • Warmth
  • Worsening pain
  • Toe pain and sensitivity where your toenail and skin meet
  • Swelling of the skin that surrounds your nail
  • Redness
  • Signs of infection, such as bleeding and pus drainage

If your nail is infected, it won’t heal on its own. The only way to treat the infection and prevent painful complications is to visit a podiatrist from Chicago Home Foot Care  for ingrown nail care. There are options when it comes to treating ingrown toenails.

Call our housecall podiatrist in Chicago:  312-998-0974

 

hammertoes

What is Hammertoe

Hammertoes, , , , , , ,

What is a Hammertoe?

Wearing shoes that fit your feet and are comfortable can avoid many problems. Hammertoes are one such problem that can develop from wearing shoes that have pointy toes, are too tight, or that otherwise put pressure on your toes.  Hammertoes get their name because the middle joint of the toe gets stuck in an upward bent position, creating a deformity resembling a hammer. It usually affects the toe next to your big one or your little toe. Many times, a person with hammertoe also suffers from corns, blisters, or calluses on the top of the hammertoe because of its excessive rubbing against a shoe.

Hammertoe might affect one toe or several. It can quickly cause additional complications when the toe or toes rub against your shoes, so it’s critical that you see a podiatrist right away. If you’ve tried conservative treatments but still suffer discomfort, it may be time to discuss surgical options for hammertoe.

Your toes contain 28 joints that connect your toe bones to the tendons, muscles, and ligaments that help you move. If the muscles in your toes weaken, these joints and structures in your feet experience an increase in pressure.

Symptoms

  • Painful and/or difficult toe movement
  • Swelling
  • Joint stiffness
  • Calluses/Corns
  • Physical deformity

Risk Factors

  • Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
  • Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
  • Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
  • Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Regularly wearing certain shoes, like high heels or shoes with a narrow toe box, can also increase your risk of getting hammertoes.

Our doctors utilize hidden MINIMAL INCISION APPROACH when performing surgery. They realize that Aesthetics is just as important in addition to comfort and structural realignment of bunion deformities.

If you have any symptoms of hammertoes call us: 312-998-0974

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Bunion surgery

Minimal Incision Bunionectomy

Bunions, , , , , , , , , ,

Minimally Invasive Bunionectomy

Board certified foot and ankle podiatrists and surgeons at Chicago Home Foot Care are utilizing a bunion surgery that allows immediate weight-bearing, minimal incision, and return to a regular shoe and athletic activity including running and all sports in just weeks.

Depending on the size of the enlargement, misalignment of the toe, and pain experienced, conservative treatments may not be adequate to prevent progressive damage from bunions. In these cases, bunion surgery, known as a bunionectomy, may be advised to remove the bunion and realign the toe.

Our doctors utilize hidden MINIMAL INCISION APPROACH when performing surgery. They realize that Aesthetics is just as important in addition to comfort and structural realignment of bunion deformities.

Benefits of minimal incision bunion surgery:

  • Reduced pain
  • Reduced discomfort
  • Reduced recovery time
  • Reduced infection risk
  • Local anesthesia rather than general anesthesia
  • Minimal blood loss
  • Shorter duration of the procedure
  • Availability to patients who may be deemed too at risk for traditional surgery
  • Immediate ambulation
  • Minimal scarring
  • Performed on an outpatient basis

Call our housecall podiatrists in Chicago to schedule foot doctor visit to your house: 312-998-0974. 

Request an appointment with our mobile podiatrist

Serving patients near me: 60007 60018 60106 60131 60176 60290 60601 60602  60603 60604 60605 60606 60607 60608 60609 60610 60611 60612 60613 60614 60615 60616 60617 60618 60619 60620 60621 60622 60623 60624 60625 60626 60628 60629 60630 60631 60632 60633 60634 60636 60637 60638 60639 60640 60641 60642 60643 60644 60645 60646 60647 60649 60651 60652 60653 60827 60804 60701 60706 60707 60803 60699 60697 60002 60010 60089 60015 60020 60030 60031 60035 60040 60041 60044 60045 60047 60048 60069 60046 60060 60064 60088 60061 60083 60084 60085 60087 60096 60099 60101 60502 60504 60103 60106 60108 60527 60188 60514 60561 60515 60516 60126 60519 60137 60139 60521 60143 60532 60148 60157 60540 60563 60565 60523 60172 60181 60555 60184 60185 60559 60187 60189 60190 60191 60517

wearing high heels

Wearing High Heels

Foot pain, , , , , , , , ,

High Heels Problems

While podiatrists strongly advise patients to avoid wearing high heels, the reality is many patients will continue to wear them. Women wear high heels for special occasions like weddings, birthdays etc.

The higher the heel the more pressure your foot will apply to the ball of your foot and your toes. The higher the heel, the worse the problem. A one-inch heel exerts about 22% -25% more pressure on the ball of your foot than a flat shoe. With a three-inch heel, there’s more than 75% more pressure on your forefoot!

High heels pitch your weight unnaturally forward, throwing off the mechanics of your entire body. When you have good posture, your weight is equally balanced throughout the soles of your feet, and you have a neutral spine with your shoulders centered over your hips and knees. Your weight is then distributed evenly across your supporting muscles and ligaments.

Wearing high heels over prolonged periods of time may worsen the condition of our feet.
High heels can become ‘killer’ high heels causing problems such as blisters, corns and calluses to serious foot, ingrown toenails, joint pain, bunions, Morton’s neuroma and plantar fasciitis, knee and back pain.

High heels shift the weight of our body forward, onto the ball of our feet and our toes,
making them absorb all the pressure when we walk around or stand.

Keep High heel for special occasions!

If you experience any of these conditions, call us : 312-998-0974 or
visit website to schedule our foot doctor visit to your home: https://chicagohomefootcare.com

Plantar fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis

Foot pain, , , , , ,

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. Plantar fasciitis affects as many as one in ten people in their lifetimes.  Although it affects all age groups, sexes, and ethnicities, there is a higher prevalence in women between 40 and 60 years of age. Because it is so common, many people think plantar fasciitis is both unavoidable and untreatable.

Symptoms Of Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is often mistaken for heel spurs. It causes pain on the sole of your foot, and has been described by sufferers as a stabbing pain in the bottom of their feet.

Symptoms of plantar fasciitis can include:

  • Sharp pain in your foot
  • Significant pain when you first get up in the morning
  • Foot pain after exercise
  • Foot pain after standing or sitting for long periods

Some Tips to Reduce Risks of Plantar Fasciitis

 Plantar fasciitis strikes without warning, but there are things you can do to increase your chances of staying healthy. Here are some suggestions from our doctors:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight will protect feet and ankles from numerous afflictions. Eat a well-balanced diet rooted in lean protein, whole grains, colorful fruits, and vegetables.

  • Wear sensible comfortable shoes. High heel shoes also make you vulnerable to plantar fasciitis.

  • Alternate high-impact start-and-stop athletic activities like tennis or basketball with lower-impact options like swimming and bicycling.

  • Stretch before and after exercise and even when you’re just watching television at home. Stretching helps keep soft tissues supple and healthy.

Our podiatrists at Chicago Home Foot Care have a great experience in treating plantar fasciitis as it is the leading cause of heel pain. Call us today if if you’re experiencing pain in your heel or foot: 312-998-0974. Or schedule our podiatrists home visit  here:  https://chicagohomefootcare.com

Athlete’s Foot

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Healthy Foot, , , , , , , , , , ,

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the upper layer of the skin of the foot, especially when it is warm, moist, and irritated.  The same fungus may also grow on other parts of the body. However, the feet are most commonly affected, especially between the toes. Despite the name, athlete’s foot can happen to anyone. It can result in flaky skin, cracking, and itchiness on the soles of the foot and between the toes.

Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot

The most common symptom is cracked, flaking, peeling skin between the toes or on the side of the foot. Other symptoms can include:

  • Red and itchy skin
  • Burning or stinging pain
  • Blisters that ooze or get crusty

If the fungus spreads to your nails, they can become discolored, thick, and even crumble.

How Long Does Athlete’s Foot Last?

Most mild cases of athlete’s foot clear up within 2 weeks. But treatment can go for several weeks or longer if the infection is more serious or affects the toenails.

Athlete’s Foot Treatments

Treatment for athlete’s foot depends on its type and severity. Most cases can be treated at home with antifungal medicines. They kill the fungus or slow its growth. You also need to keep your feet clean and dry.
Over-the-counter antifungal lotions, creams, or sprays usually are used first. These include clotrimazole (Lotriderm) and tolnaftate (Tinactin).
Prescription antifungals may be tried if non-prescription medicines don’t help. Some prescription antifungals are put directly on the skin. Others are taken as a pill.
If you have a severe infection that doesn’t improve, your doctor may prescribe antifungal pills. They are used only for severe cases.

Call 312-998-0974 to schedule a visiting doctor to come to your home