Items filtered by date: May 2025

Foot pain can come from a number of problems, and not all of them start in the foot. In some cases, pressure on nerves in the lower back can cause pain that travels down into the feet. More often, foot pain is caused by stress, overuse, or pressure in the wrong areas. Pain in the heel may occur when the thick band of tissue that supports the arch becomes irritated. Tendons, which connect muscles to bones, can also become sore from repeated movement. Sprains and strains are common in people who are active or play sports and can affect the muscles, joints, or ligaments in the foot or ankle. Conditions like arthritis may cause pain and swelling in the joints. Tight or unsupportive shoes may also lead to pain by putting pressure on the toes or heels. A podiatrist can examine your foot, order tests if needed, and suggest medical treatment or surgery, if needed. If you experience foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Crystal Lake Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors 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 office located in Crystal Lake, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Osteoarthritis of the big toe occurs when the cartilage in the main toe joint wears down, often due to aging or repeated stress on the feet. This can lead to pain, swelling, stiffness, and a limited range of motion, especially during walking or standing. The joint most commonly affected is the metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joint, located at the base of the big toe. People may experience pain that worsens with activity and can have difficulty in bending the toe. A podiatrist can evaluate the MTP joint with imaging tests and conduct a physical exam to confirm the diagnosis. Depending on the severity, treatment options include anti-inflammatory medication or corticosteroid injections to help reduce swelling and relieve pain. If the condition progresses and causes ongoing discomfort, surgery may be needed to remove damaged tissue or realign the joint. This can help improve movement or reduce pain when other approaches have not worked. If your big toe joint becomes painful, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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 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 contact our office located in Crystal Lake, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Toenail fungus often starts as a small change in color or texture. The nail may look yellow, white or brown, and become thick, brittle, or crumbly over time. It can spread to other nails and may cause odor or discomfort. Fungal infections thrive in warm, moist places such as sweaty shoes or public showers. Early treatment can stop it from getting worse. Creams may help in mild cases, but deeper infections often need prescription medication. Keeping nails trimmed, dry, and clean helps prevent infection. Avoid walking barefoot in shared spaces and change socks often. Toenail fungus rarely goes away on its own. If your nail is changing in appearance or causing discomfort, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for professional treatment.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, 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.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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

Poor foot circulation can result from several underlying health conditions and often leads to discomfort and more serious complications, if left untreated. Peripheral vascular disease is a common cause, where narrowed blood vessels reduce blood flow to the limbs, often leading to pain, numbness, or a cold sensation in the feet. Heart disease can also impair circulation by limiting the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently throughout the body, including the lower extremities. Raynaud's syndrome affects circulation by causing the small arteries in the feet to constrict, especially in response to cold or stress, leading to color changes and a feeling of coldness or tingling. Symptoms of poor circulation include swelling, cramping, slow healing wounds, and a heavy or fatigued feeling in the legs and feet. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Crystal Lake Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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.