Heel bone fractures, located in the calcaneus bone at the back of the foot, typically result from significant force, such as falling from a great height or a vehicle accident. A heel bone fracture also may be accompanied by injuries to the knees or spine. This type of fracture can cause swelling, tenderness, and an inability to bear weight on the affected foot. Diagnosing a heel fracture generally involves X-rays, although a CT scan might be used for more detailed imaging. Initial treatment includes rest, compression, and elevation, followed by a splint or cast after any exsisting swelling reduces. If the fracture disrupts joint alignment, surgery might be necessary to properly set the bones. Podiatrists are instrumental in diagnosing, treating, and managing rehabilitation for heel fractures. If you are experiencing severe heel pain after a trauma, it is suggested that you schedule an immediate appointment with a podiatrist.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Elie C. Daniel, DPM of Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

Corns form in the feet when skin is subjected to continuous pressure or friction, commonly on the toes and soles. At first, the skin thickens, creating a callus. But persistent pressure can transform this into a painful corn, which can be recognized by a raised, yellowish-beige surface and a defined hard core. Corns between toes are often softer and whitish due to moisture. Causes include wearing tight shoes, foot deformities, and joint diseases, which heighten pressure on specific areas. Risk increases with age and dry skin. Recognizing a corn is straightforward, but differentiation from similar issues like warts may require a podiatrist’s expertise. Effective treatment involves eliminating the source of the pressure, wearing shoes that fit properly, and possibly using pads or insoles. Removing a corn yourself is discouraged, as unsafe conditions can prompt an infection. If you have painful corns on the feet or toes, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Elie C. Daniel, DPM of Illinois. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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 and ankle needs.

Hammer toes, claw toes, or mallet toes are all results of the toes getting bent into odd positions. They usually look odd and can be painful and often affect the smaller toes. When the toe is bent downward and the middle joint raises up, it is known as a hammertoe. Hammertoes normally happen when bunions occur, and they most often affect the second toe.  Claw toes occur when the toes curl up because the middle joints are bent down, and they often affect the four smaller toes at the same time. When the joint closest to the tip of the toe bends downward, it forms a mallet toe. Wearing shoes that are too tight is the most common cause of these conditions, but they can also be linked to diabetes or arthritis. These toe conditions are usually painful and can cause other foot problems, like calluses. If you are struggling with one of these deformities, it is suggested you consult with a podiatrist who can offer treatment options and determine if surgery is necessary. 

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Elie C. Daniel, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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

A bunion is characterized by a protrusion at the base of the big toe. It manifests as a bony bump caused by the misalignment of the joint, often leading to the big toe pushing against the adjacent toes. Bunions vary in severity, classified into degrees based on visual cues. Mild cases exhibit slight deviations of the big toe, with minimal outward protrusion. Moderate bunions display more pronounced misalignment and a visible bump. Severe bunions are marked by significant joint displacement, causing the big toe to angle drastically toward the other toes. The visual features include redness, swelling, and sometimes pain surrounding the affected area, affecting mobility and comfort. If you have developed a bunion, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief and treatment remedies.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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.

Flat feet, or fallen arches, occur when the arches of the feet collapse, causing the entire sole to touch the ground. While some individuals have flat feet from childhood, others may develop them later in life. A primary cause of flat feet is genetics. If your parents or grandparents had flat feet, there is a higher likelihood of inheriting the condition. Additionally, injuries or stress to the feet's tendons and ligaments or standing for long periods of time can lead to flat feet. Symptoms may include foot pain, swelling, and difficulty with movement. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to reconstruct the arches. To accurately diagnose the extent of flat feet and determine what the most effective treatment plan is, it is important to consult a podiatrist. They can provide expert assessment, recommend appropriate interventions like custom orthotics, and ensure ongoing management to alleviate symptoms and improve foot function. It is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for personalized care and relief from flat feet.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Elie C. Daniel, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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 and ankle needs.