Tag Archives: housecalls podiatry Chicago

ankle pain

What Causes the Ankle to Lock?

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What Causes the Ankle to Lock?

Housecall podiatrists at Chicago Home Foot Care treat ankle pain. The ankle is a complex and hard-working joint that bears multiple times the weight of your body with each step. Sometimes an ankle sprain or other condition will stop the joint from doing its work, and the ankle joint seems to lock up.

The term “ankle lock” can refer to a few different situations involving the ankle joint and cause ankle pain. It’s important to distinguish between these situations, as they have different causes and implications:

  1. Ankle Joint Locking due to Injuries or Structural Issues: Sometimes, the ankle joint can feel like it’s “locking” due to injuries or structural issues. This could be the result of a torn ligament, a bone fragment, or even a dislocation. These conditions might cause a sensation of the joint getting stuck or locked in a certain position. Conditions like ankle impingement or loose bodies within the joint can also lead to similar sensations.
  2. Ankle Joint Instability: On the flip side, if the ligaments supporting the ankle are injured or weakened, it can lead to a sense of instability. This instability can sometimes manifest as a feeling of the ankle giving way or “locking” as the joint moves in ways it’s not properly stabilized to handle.
  3. Muscle Cramps or Spasms: Muscle cramps or spasms in the calf or ankle muscles can lead to a sensation of “locking.” When a muscle suddenly contracts and doesn’t relax properly, it can cause discomfort and a sensation of immobility.
  4. Achilles Tendon Issues: Problems with the Achilles tendon, such as tendonitis or a partial tear, can cause pain and stiffness in the ankle area, potentially giving rise to a feeling of “locking.”
  5. Synovitis: Synovitis is inflammation of the synovial membrane that lines the joint. This inflammation can lead to swelling and reduced joint movement, which might be interpreted as the joint “locking.”
  6. Neurological Issues: In some cases, neurological conditions can affect the perception of joint movement and position. Conditions like dystonia, where muscles contract involuntarily, could potentially cause a sensation of “locking.”

If you are experiencing a recurring sensation of your ankle locking or have concerns about your ankle’s health, call housecall podiatrists at Chicago Home Foot Care at 312-998-0974. Our Chicago podiatrists can provide a proper diagnosis based on your symptoms, medical history, and potentially recommend imaging studies or other diagnostic tests to identify the underlying cause and determine the appropriate treatment.

Heel pain

Heel Pain Reasons

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Heel Pain

Heel pain can be caused by a number of different conditions. Some of the most common causes of heel pain include:

  1. Plantar fasciitis: This is the most common cause of heel pain. It is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes. Plantar fasciitis is usually felt as a sharp pain in the heel when first getting up in the morning or after sitting for a long period of time.
  2. Achilles tendonitis: The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body and connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Achilles tendonitis is caused by overuse or strain of the tendon and is typically felt as a dull ache in the back of the heel.
  3. Heel spurs: Heel spurs are bony growths that form on the heel bone. They are often caused by long-term plantar fasciitis or other conditions that put stress on the heel bone.
  4. Bursitis: Bursitis is inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions the joint. In the heel, bursitis can occur at the back of the heel or beneath the heel bone.
  5. Stress fractures: Stress fractures are small cracks in the bone that are caused by repetitive stress or overuse. They are more common in athletes or people who do high-impact activities.
  6. Sever’s disease: This is a condition that affects growing children and adolescents. It is caused by inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone.

If you are experiencing heel pain, it is important to see a doctor or a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

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

Bunion surgery

Bunions

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BUNIONS

What Are Bunions?

A bunion (hallux valgus) is often described as a bump on the side of the big toe. Bunions can be caused by multiple reasons that include genetics, foot structure, an imbalance in foot muscles and narrow shoes. A bunion is a foot deformity that typically occurs at the joint where the big toe meets the rest of the foot. While this lump is the most noticeable symptom of a bunion, the condition is a result of a shift in the bony framework in the front of a person’s foot.

What Are the Symptoms of a Bunion?

  • Pain in the outer base of the big toe
  • A noticeable bump along the big toe joint
  • Redness around the big toe
  • Burning sensation on the side of the big toe
  • Inability to move the big toe
  • Swelling in the big toe
  • Big toe pain that worsens over time
  • Big toe pain that worsens with tight shoes or high heels

If your bunion isn’t already painful, it likely will become painful after a period of time. If it’s already causing you discomfort, that pain may worsen over time. Chronic pain can impact you physically as well as mentally, so it’s important to get the treatment you need to prevent it.

Who Might Get a Bunion?

Up to 1 in 3 Americans have bunions. The foot problem is more common in older adults, especially women. Bunions can form on one or both feet.

Bunions Treatments

Two main options are available to actively treat bunion: Medications and surgery.

Medication

Medication can help with pain and swelling.

  • Pain-relieving medications: Ibuprofen, for example, can reduce pain and swelling. They are available over-the-counter.
  • Cortisone injections: These can relieve swelling, particularly in the fluid-filled pads that cushion the bones. A doctor will advise about these.

Surgery

Some people with bunions may need surgery.

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.

Some conservative treatments often include switching to wider footwear to accommodate the size of the bunion can bring relief, wearing silicone bunion shields, use bunion pads or orthotics (shoe inserts).

If you have pain when you’re walking in flat shoes that should feel comfortable, make a request for an appointment with our podiatrist in comfort of your home: 312-998-0974. It could be a bunion or some other problem.

senior feet care

Taking Care of Senior Feet

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Senior Foot Care

Aging feet need extra care. Aging takes a toll on the feet. But with a long caregiving To Do list, out-of-sight tasks like foot care can be easily forgotten.

Over time, feet flatten and become wider. The fatty padding naturally wears down. That leaves the bones and joints of the feet more exposed to wear and tear.

Many seniors require regular pedicures or trips to the podiatrist to properly care for their feet, but a few simple at-home steps can help keep their feet well maintained between appointments.

Keep Feet Clean

Depending on whether your older adult bathes on their own or needs help, their feet may only get washed once in a while during the week.

Since good foot hygiene is critical to preventing fungal, viral, and bacterial infections, routine foot cleaning may need to happen outside of the bath or shower.

Making a regular habit of simple foot wipedowns with warm water, soap, and a washcloth will do the trick. And if done at night, it can even promote relaxation prior to sleep.

Pamper Your Skin

As we age, the skin on our feet becomes thinner and drier. After a shower or bath, treat your feet to a massage with your favorite lotion or cream. Avoid leaving lotion between your toes as this can promote the growth of fungal infections.

For rough patches, try an exfoliating foot scrub. You can also apply a thick lubricating cream at bedtime, then sleep with cotton socks on your feet. If you wear sandals, remember to use sunscreen on the tops of your feet.

Take Good Care of Your Nails

Keep toenails trimmed so the edges are even with the tips of the toes. Nails become drier and more brittle as we age, so they’re usually easier to trim after softening in a foot soak. Trim straight across to help prevent ingrown toenails.

Wear the Correct Shoes

Years of fashionable high heels and pointy-toed shoes eventually catch up with us. The result can be corns, bunions, curled toes or other painful problems. Now is the time to look for shoes that provide comfort and good support.

As we get older, our feet become wider and a bit longer, so double-check your size before buying new shoes. It’s also a good idea to shop for shoes in the evening as our feet tend to swell a bit as the day goes on.

Get medical attention when needed

However, delaying medical care often makes treatment more difficult. Contact podiatrist if  you have foot pain or you suspect that you have any of these common foot conditions like bunions, hammer toes, discolored toenails, corns, and calluses.

Chicago Home Foot Care provides podiatrist housecalls for elderly and homebound people. Contact us to request an appointment: 312-998-0974  https://chicagohomefootcare.com/

Cracked heels

Cracked Heels

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Cracked Heels Treatments

Dry, cracked heels are not only unsightly, but they can also be a source of pain and embarrassment.  Do you suffer from dry, cracked heels when you wear open heeled sandals? These cracks, known as heel fissures, are caused when excess pressure is placed on dry skin and calluses on the bottom of the foot. They generally aren’t painful at first, but they can be unsightly. If the cracks become deep enough, they can begin to cause pain or even bleed and lead to infection.

The skin on the heels may become dry for a variety of reasons, and this can precede a condition that is known as cracked heels. Standing for extended periods of time throughout the day, and frequently wearing shoes that have an open back are some ways this ailment may develop. There are also medical conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, or a thyroid disorder that can cause cracked heels.

If you are suffering from heel fissures, here are some helpful home remedies:

  • Moisturize your feet daily
  • Increase your water intake to keep your body hydrated
  • Wear clean socks and closed shoes as much as possible
  • Limit time in the shower as hot water dries out the skin
  • Avoid barefoot walking, especially on hard surfaces
  • Use a pumice stone in the shower to help remove dead skin & soften calluses

It is important to seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 312-998-0974 to schedule podiatrist visit to your home. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Morton's neuroma

Morton’s Neuroma

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Morton’s Neuroma: Symptoms,  Treatment

One of the most common types of neuroma in the feet is Morton’s neuroma, a painful swelling that occurs in the ball of the foot.  Morton’s neuroma most commonly occurs between the third and fourth toes because space here is narrower compared to the other spaces between the toes. A Morton’s neuroma develops due to pressure, irritation, or injury to the nerves that go into your toes.

Feel like you tried everything to treat your Morton’s Neuroma but still feel the pain with walking. Still having burning pain or the feeling of walking on a marble? Chicago Home Foot Care is proud to offer pain medications including both oral medicines and injected solutions such as European homeopathic as well as Dehydrated Alcohol, Plasma PRP, custom orthotics and gel silicon toe cups 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.

Most patients with a Morton’s neuroma respond very well to shoe gear changes, custom orthotics, padding, anti-inflammatories, and/or a steroid injection. If a patient is still experiencing burning pain or pain to the ball of the foot  neuroma alcohol sclerosing injection therapy may be the answer you are looking for.

Call Chicago Home Foot Care  312-998-0974 to schedule housecalls podiatrist visit to your home in Chicago.