Items filtered by date: May 2025

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, causing the joint to stick out and often push the toe inward. This condition develops slowly over time and may be caused by inherited foot structure, arthritis, or wearing tight, narrow shoes. Bunions can lead to pain, swelling, and difficulty finding comfortable footwear. The skin over the bunion may become red or irritated, especially after long periods of walking or standing. Wearing shoes with a wide toe box or using padding can help manage symptoms. In more advanced cases, custom orthotics or surgery may be recommended to correct the deformity. Early attention is key to preventing the bunion from worsening. If you have a painful bump on the side of your big toe or notice changes in the shape of your foot, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment options.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Elie C. Daniel, DPM of Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

Foot pain can limit daily movement and may stem from a variety of medical conditions that affect the toes, soles, and ankles. Common causes of foot pain include bunions, fallen arches, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, and plantar fasciitis. Bunions are bony growths at the base of the big toe that may lead to joint pain and swelling. A podiatrist may recommend surgery if the condition interferes with walking. Fallen arches, or flat feet, can create strain in the arch and ankle and may be managed with wearing supportive footwear and medical treatment to improve alignment. Hammertoes involve an abnormal bend in the smaller toe joints, often leading to irritation or pressure against shoes. In some cases, surgery may be needed to correct this deformity. Ingrown toenails develop when the edge of a nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain and sometimes infection, which may require part of the nail to be removed. Additionally, plantar fasciitis results from tiny tears in the band of tissue beneath the foot and often causes sharp heel pain. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Elie C. Daniel, DPM from Illinois. 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 offices located in Princeton, Peru, and Mendota, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A painful bump on your big toe can make walking uncomfortable and limit your mobility. Common causes include bone spurs, bunions, bursitis, corns, and gout. Many of these are made worse by wearing poor footwear, arthritis, or excess weight. Bone spurs and bunions develop when bone or joint structures change, often due to pressure or misalignment. Bursitis is inflammation of the fluid-filled sac near joints, and corns are thickened skin from friction. Gout is a form of arthritis caused by uric acid buildup and can strike suddenly with intense pain and swelling. Symptoms may include tenderness, swelling, redness, and difficulty wearing shoes. The pain can range from dull and aching to sharp and throbbing. A podiatrist can diagnose the exact cause of your toe pain and create a treatment plan. Options may include custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory treatments, footwear changes, or, in severe cases, surgical correction. If you are have a painful bump on your big toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment to see a podiatrist.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Elie C. Daniel, DPM of Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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

Keeping the feet flexible and strong is essential for overall mobility and balance. One simple method is practicing toe stretches by gently pulling the toes upward and downward to loosen tight muscles. Improving toe flexibility further enhances foot strength and reduces the risk of injury. A foot massage stretch, where you knead and press into the soles, helps to release tension and promote blood flow. Using a tennis ball to stretch the plantar fascia is another effective technique. This is done by rolling the ball under the foot as it targets deep tissue, which eases discomfort. Additionally, walking barefoot on safe, natural surfaces like grass or sand encourages the feet to move naturally, strengthening muscles and improving balance. If foot pain arises, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on effective foot stretches.

Why Stretching Is Important for Your Feet

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Elie C. Daniel, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first to determine if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous exercise, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising to ice and rest the foot. It is advised that you then see a podiatrist for help.

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