Items filtered by date: October 2024

Corns and calluses are foot conditions that develop as a protective response to friction or pressure on the skin. Corns typically appear on the top or sides of toes, while calluses form on the soles of the feet. These areas of thickened skin are generally not serious, but they can become uncomfortable or painful if left untreated. Wearing ill-fitting shoes are often a cause, as they can create repeated rubbing against the skin. Corns and calluses can also develop from underlying foot conditions like bunions or hammertoes. A podiatrist can identify the cause and help alleviate pain by removing the thickened tissue. Methods to prevent corns and calluses from returning include wearing proper footwear and addressing any foot deformities or abnormal gait patterns. Regular foot exams are recommended, particularly for individuals with diabetes, to prevent complications. If you have problematic corns or calluses on the feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Michael Schwartzman, DPM of Illinois and Indiana . 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 West Chicago, IL and Whiting, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Heel spur surgery is often considered when conservative treatments fail to alleviate persistent pain caused by heel spurs. Heel spurs develop when calcium deposits form on the heel bone, leading to discomfort during walking or standing. Two common surgical procedures are inferior heel spur resection and posterior heel spur resection. The former targets spurs on the bottom of the heel, while the latter addresses spurs located at the back of the heel. Surgery is typically recommended for individuals experiencing severe pain that hinders daily activities or those who have not responded to medications or orthotics. However, certain individuals may not be ideal candidates for surgery, including those with underlying health issues or infections. If you have a heel spur, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine if heel spur surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Michael Schwartzman, DPM of Illinois and Indiana . Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in West Chicago, IL and Whiting, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Tailor’s bunion, or bunionette, is a bony bump that forms on the outside of the foot near the base of the little toe. Unlike a traditional bunion, which affects the big toe, a tailor’s bunion results from the little toe pushing towards the fourth toe, causing the joint to protrude. This condition is often caused by wearing tight or narrow shoes that compress the toes, as well as genetic factors that contribute to abnormal foot mechanics. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and redness surrounding the bunionette, which can make wearing shoes uncomfortable. The bump can also cause calluses to develop on the affected area due to increased friction. For persistent issues or severe discomfort from a bunionette, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to explore treatment options.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Michael Schwartzman, DPM of Illinois and Indiana . 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 West Chicago, IL and Whiting, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.