A hammertoe is a deformity that causes one of the smaller toes to bend downward at the middle joint, creating a curled appearance. This condition develops when muscle imbalance places excessive pressure on the toe, often due to wearing tight footwear, foot structure issues, or arthritis. Over time, the toe may become stiff, painful, and difficult to straighten. Symptoms include swelling, redness, corns, calluses, and discomfort while walking. Wearing shoes with sufficient width, a flexible upper, and good cushioning can reduce pressure and improve comfort. Proper fit is essential to prevent worsening of the deformity. If you have symptoms of a hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective relief and management tips.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Crystal Lake Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Crystal Lake, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fasciitis, one of the most common causes of heel pain, often develops gradually. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot, becomes irritated or strained. Many people notice sharp pain near the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after sitting. The foot may look normal or slightly swollen, but it can feel tight after long periods of standing. Causes include overuse, unsupportive footwear, sudden increases in activity, or foot structure issues, such as high arches. A podiatrist can begin with a detailed exam and imaging to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment includes custom orthotics, shoe guidance, anti-inflammatory care, and targeted exercises to improve strength and flexibility. Early care can reduce chronic pain, restore mobility, and help prevent long-term foot problems. If you have plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from Crystal Lake Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Crystal Lake, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A tailor’s bunion, also known as a bunionette, develops at the base of the small toe when the 5th metatarsal bone shifts outward. This condition may be caused by inherited foot structure, repetitive pressure, or tight footwear that crowds the toes. Symptoms include aching pain, swelling, and irritation on the outside of the foot, along with signs such as redness, callus formation, and tenderness. The area may look like a small bony bump and can feel sore or burning, especially when wearing narrow shoes or walking for long periods. Over time, discomfort may interfere with daily activities. A podiatrist can help by starting with a careful examination and imaging when needed to confirm the diagnosis and assess bone alignment. Treatment usually begins with footwear changes, padding, and custom orthotics, and may progress to medications, targeted exercises, or corrective procedures when conservative care does not provide relief. If you have a painful tailor’s bunion, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Crystal Lake Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors 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 office located in Crystal Lake, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot blisters are small pockets of fluid that form on the skin of the feet, often as a result of friction or pressure. They commonly develop from wearing poorly fitted shoes, engaging in extended physical activity, or sustaining burns such as a sunburn or frostbite. Symptoms include redness, swelling, pain, and fluid filled bumps that can make walking uncomfortable. Risk factors include moisture, high activity levels, abnormal foot shape, and sensitive skin. While most blisters generally heal naturally, improper care can lead to infection or prolonged discomfort. A podiatrist can provide safe treatment, protect the skin, address underlying causes, and recommend footwear or other protective measures. If you develop frequent foot blisters, or if they become infected, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective relief and prevention solutions.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Crystal Lake Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often 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.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Crystal Lake, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.