Toenail issues can develop for several reasons related to infection, nail growth patterns, or injury to the nail unit. The toenail helps protect the tip of the toe and supports balance while walking, but problems can affect both appearance and comfort. Common causes include fungal infections, ingrown toenails where the nail grows into the surrounding skin, and trauma from repetitive pressure or direct impact. Nails may become thick, discolored, brittle, or misshapen. The surrounding skin may appear red, swollen, or tender. In some cases, the nail may lift or develop drainage if infection is present. A podiatrist can evaluate the nail through examination to determine the underlying cause. Treatment options include antifungal medications, proper nail trimming techniques, minor procedures for ingrown nails, and guidance on footwear to prevent further irritation. If you are experiencing toenail issues, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for expert advice and guidance.

For more information about treatment, 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.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please 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.

Foot pain is a general term describing discomfort in any part of the foot that can affect daily movement and quality of life. Common causes are ingrown toenails, plantar warts, and gout. Ingrown toenails occur when the nail grows into surrounding skin and cause inflammation. Plantar warts are viral growths usually found on the sole of the foot. Gout is a form of arthritis caused by uric acid buildup. Peripheral neuropathy, which involves nerve damage that affects sensation, is another common cause of foot pain. Risk factors include improper footwear, poor hygiene, chronic conditions, and repetitive stress. In addition to pain, symptoms include swelling, redness, and difficulty walking. A podiatrist can diagnose the cause, provide targeted treatment, and prevent complications. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Michael Schwartzman, DPM from Illinois and Indiana . 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 West Chicago, IL and Whiting, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When the ankle suddenly feels weak or rolls unexpectedly, it is often a sign of instability in the joint. One of the main causes of ankle instability is previous injuries, especially repeated sprains that stretch or tear the ligaments that hold the bones together. These ligaments can become loose, making the ankle more likely to roll or collapse. Muscle weakness and reduced balance can also play a role, as the body may not react quickly enough to keep the joint in place. Some patients feel sudden pain that makes the ankle give out, even when the joint is not fully loose. A podiatrist can evaluate the ankle, assess how it moves, and use imaging to identify damage or alignment issues. Treatment options include bracing, custom orthotics, or surgery to restore strength and stability. If you are experiencing ankle weakness, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Michael Schwartzman, DPM from Illinois and Indiana . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and 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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper foot strike on a treadmill is important for efficient movement and reducing the risk of injury. Ideally, the foot should land in a balanced position beneath the body to support smooth and controlled motion. Overstriding, which occurs when the foot lands too far in front of the body, can increase stress on the joints and reduce efficiency. Overpronation refers to excessive inward rolling of the foot after landing, while oversupination is the outward rolling of the foot that limits shock absorption. Several factors can affect foot strike, including fatigue, which may alter foot mechanics and increase the likelihood of improper form. Incline treadmill training can help promote a more natural stride and improve positioning. A podiatrist can evaluate gait, identify imbalances, and recommend supportive footwear or custom orthotics. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for expert care and guidance.

If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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.