Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries affecting the foot and ankle. They often occur when the foot suddenly rolls inward on uneven ground or during sports that involve jumping or quick direction changes. This motion can stretch or tear the ligaments, which are strong bands of tissue that hold the ankle bones together and keep the joint stable. People with high arches, loose joints, or a history of past sprains may have a higher risk of ankle sprains. Symptoms typically include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking or placing weight on the foot. Ankle sprains are usually classified as mild, moderate, or severe, depending on how much the ligaments are damaged. A podiatrist can evaluate the injury, determine its severity, order imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis, and develop a treatment plan to restore strength and stability. If you have injured an ankle, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Michael Schwartzman, DPM from Illinois and Indiana . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term autoimmune disease that can strongly affect the feet and ankles. An autoimmune disease means the immune system, which normally protects the body, mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissue. In rheumatoid arthritis, this attack causes inflammation in the thin lining inside joints. As swelling continues, joints in the toes, mid-foot, and ankles may become painful, stiff, and unstable. People may notice warmth, redness, or difficulty walking, especially in the morning. Over time, the condition can change foot shape, leading to deformities such as drifting toes or flattened arches. Tendons, which are strong bands that help move the foot, may also weaken. Because symptoms can develop slowly and resemble other problems, proper diagnosis is important. A podiatrist can perform a detailed exam, review imaging or blood test results, and develop a care plan to protect joint function and mobility. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Michael Schwartzman, DPM of Illinois and Indiana . Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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.

Hammertoe is a foot-related deformity in which one or more of the smaller toes develops a bend at the middle joint, causing the toe to rise up in the middle rather than lie flat. This condition often develops from a muscle-related imbalance that places abnormal pressure on the toe joints over time. Causes include poorly fitted footwear, inherited foot structure, or prolonged pressure on the forefoot. Symptoms include pain along the top of the bent toe when wearing shoes, irritation from friction, and corns forming on the top of the toe joint. Risk factors include wearing tight or high-heeled shoes and having certain foot shapes. A podiatrist can evaluate the deformity and recommend treatment. If you have symptoms of hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for prompt, effective care.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Michael Schwartzman, DPM from Illinois and Indiana . 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 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.

A blood blister is a raised pocket of skin filled with blood that forms when small blood vessels beneath the surface are damaged. On the foot, this often occurs when the skin is pinched or crushed by tight shoes, repetitive friction, or sudden trauma. Athletes, people who stand for long periods, and those wearing ill-fitting footwear face higher risk. Symptoms include swelling, tenderness, redness, and discomfort while walking. Unlike clear blisters, blood blisters appear dark red or purple. A podiatrist can evaluate the injury, relieve pressure safely, help prevent infection, and recommend proper footwear or protective padding. If you have a painful foot blister, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief, treatment and prevention tips.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, 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.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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.