An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, redness, and sometimes infection. This common problem can make even the simplest tasks uncomfortable, especially when wearing shoes. A podiatrist can relieve the pressure by gently lifting or trimming the affected nail, and treating any infection that may be present. For more advanced cases, a minor in-office procedure can prevent the nail from growing inward again. Wearing shoes with adequate toe room and trimming nails straight across can help reduce future problems. Proper care not only eases discomfort, but also restores confidence in walking and daily movement. If you notice swelling, pain, or drainage around your toenail, it is suggested you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Chicago Foot Specialists. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

The foot and ankle contain a complex network of bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments that work together to support movement and balance. Each step begins with the heel striking the ground, followed by a smooth transition through the midfoot and a push-off from the toes. The ankle acts as a hinge, allowing the foot to move up and down, while the arch absorbs shock and adapts to different surfaces. Proper alignment and flexibility are key to efficient motion and injury prevention. When any part of this system is out of balance, pain or instability may develop, affecting the entire body’s mechanics. If you notice discomfort, changes in your gait, or recurring ankle or foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to ensure your biomechanics are functioning correctly and to maintain healthy, pain-free movement.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Chicago Foot Specialists. Our practitioners 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 office located in Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in growing children and adolescents. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress, often from running or jumping. Risk factors include rapid growth, tight calf muscles, and participation in high-impact sports. Symptoms include heel pain, swelling, and discomfort during physical activity. A podiatrist can diagnose Sever’s disease, recommend rest, stretching exercises, supportive footwear, and custom orthotics to relieve pain and prevent recurrence. If your child complains of heel pain or limps after activity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for accurate evaluation and appropriate treatment. 

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Chicago Foot Specialists. Our practitioners can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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

For those who work on their feet all day, wearing the right shoes is essential for comfort, safety, and overall health. Proper footwear offers stability and cushioning while providing the only interaction between your body and the ground. Shoes with safety features, such as slip-resistant soles and arch support, help prevent injuries and fatigue. Wearing the wrong shoes can lead to foot problems like plantar fasciitis, calluses, and lower back pain. A podiatrist can evaluate your feet, recommend supportive footwear, and provide custom orthotics for added relief. If you have developed foot pain during your work day, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions and guide you on the proper shoes to wear for optimum foot health.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Chicago Foot Specialists. Our practitioners will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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