Plantar fasciitis can cause significant discomfort, and using orthotics and dorsal night splints offers effective relief. Orthotics provide customized support to the arch of the foot, helping to distribute pressure evenly and reduce strain on the plantar fascia. They can alleviate pain during daily activities and improve overall foot alignment. Dorsal night splints are designed to keep the foot in a gentle, extended position while sleeping, which helps to stretch the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon. This continuous gentle stretch can significantly reduce morning pain and stiffness. These interventions work together to promote healing, enhance comfort, and reduce persistent foot pain. Incorporating orthotics and dorsal night splints into a treatment plan can lead to improved mobility and a better quality of life for those affected by plantar fasciitis. If you are suffering from plantar fasciitis, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if this type of orthotic is right for you.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Elie C. Daniel, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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.

Plantar warts are small, rough growths that occur on the soles of the feet, caused by the human papillomavirus. These warts can be uncomfortable and often appear as hardened, raised areas with small black dots, which are actually tiny blood vessels. Symptoms typically include pain or tenderness when walking or standing, making daily activities challenging. Diagnosis usually involves a physical examination by a podiatrist, who may confirm the presence of a wart based on its appearance and location. In some cases, a biopsy may be performed to rule out other conditions. Preventing plantar warts involves maintaining foot hygiene, wearing appropriate footwear in communal areas, and avoiding direct contact with warts on other individuals. If you have developed this potentially painful condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you appropriate treatment solutions. 

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Elie C. Daniel, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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.

Nurses, doctors, and other healthcare workers spend long hours on their feet, which makes finding proper footwear essential for both safety and comfort. Footwear for hospital workers should provide adequate support, cushioning, and shock absorption to reduce stress on the feet, legs, and joints. Features like non-slip soles, breathability, and lightweight materials can help minimize foot pain and reduce the risk of slips, blisters, and foot fatigue. It is also important to choose shoes with proper arch support, which can help prevent plantar fasciitis as well as improve posture. A well-fitted shoe that allows for some foot swelling during long shifts is key to avoiding corns and calluses. A podiatrist can help assess your specific foot type and recommend shoes that best meet your needs, reducing the likelihood of developing foot problems. If you have foot problems related to your job in healthcare, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Elie C. Daniel, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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.

Gout and bunions are common sources of big toe pain, but they arise from very different causes. Gout is an inflammatory arthritis caused by uric acid crystals that accumulate in the joint. This leads to sudden and intense pain, swelling, and tenderness, particularly in the big toe. Gout often strikes unexpectedly and can be worsened by consuming foods and beverages rich in purines. Bunions are bone deformities that develop gradually due to biomechanical issues in the foot. They occur when the big toe pushes against the second toe, causing a bony bump on the side of the foot. A podiatrist can provide relief for bunions by recommending custom orthotics, shoe modifications, and, if necessary, surgery to alleviate pain and correct the deformity. Both gout and bunions can be managed with proper care from a podiatrist for long-term relief. If you are experiencing big toe pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with 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.