Blog

At Illinois Foot & Ankle Clinic, we strive to provide the best care for our patients, and we are excited to share that our founder, Dr. Alex Yanovskiy, DPM, was recently featured in an interview with Healthy Life Academy! In this insigh...

Blisters on the feet, though seemingly minor, can lead to more serious complications if not treated properly. These small pockets of fluid form as a result of friction or pressure, commonly from wearing ill-fitting shoes or increased physic...

Surgical debridement is a critical  procedure in foot wound care, involving the removal of dead, damaged, or infected tissue to promote healing. It is commonly used for severe wounds, ulcers, and burns where other methods may not be ef...

Ingrown toenails, a condition where the nail grows into the skin surrounding it, can affect certain people due to a combination of genetic predispositions, lifestyle choices, and physical activities. People can inherit toenail shapes that a...

Athlete's foot, a fungal skin infection of the foot, can become severe and cause blisters or ulcers. Severe athlete’s foot can be a persistent and debilitating condition that significantly impacts a patient’s quality of life. Th...

A fractured bone occurs when external force exceeds bone strength, resulting in pain, limited function, and potential bleeding. Bones are composed of calcium reinforced connective tissue with bone marrow producing blood cells. Bones support...

In our modern world dominated by concrete and cement, the demise of shoes seems unlikely. This reliance, however, has led to chronic back and foot pain. Podiatrists play an important role in addressing these issues. Wearing improper or ill-...

Corns can develop on many parts of the feet, although certain areas are more prone to corn formation due to increased pressure, friction, or rubbing against footwear. One common location for corns is on the tops of the toes, particularly ov...

Daily wear and tear can harm your toes, which are essential for balance and movement. Hammertoe is a toe problem where the middle joint bends upward, making the toe look like a hammer. Toes have muscles on top to stretch them and muscles un...

Peripheral neuropathy can lead to significant medical complications, particularly affecting the feet, heart, and circulation. Diabetic polyneuropathy, a common variant, often results in diabetic foot ulcers, slow-healing skin wounds or sore...

Plantar fasciitis, a common and painful foot condition, is influenced by various risk factors. Age plays a role, with the condition being more prevalent in individuals between 40 and 60 years old, as the plantar fascia tends to lose elastic...

Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, affects many people, causing thickened, crumbling, and discolored nails. While traditional treatments have limitations, laser therapy has emerged as a promising solution. Laser treatment for fungal toenails...

Numerous studies now highlight the connection between body weight and foot health. They suggest that a high body mass index, or BMI, can profoundly influence foot structure and function, thereby increasing the risk of painful conditions. Th...

Heel spurs, also known as calcaneal spurs, are bony outgrowths on the bottom of the foot, often extending from the heel toward the arch. These pointy, hooked, or shelf-like formations, when seen on X-rays, can measure up to half an inch. He...

Lateral foot pain can be the result of various conditions, each with distinct features and treatments. Ankle sprains, often caused by rolling the ankle, result in ligament tears, possibly leading to side foot pain, swelling, and instability...

Athlete's foot, a common fungal infection of the skin, often affects the spaces between the toes. This condition is caused by various fungi, including trichophyton and epidermophyton, thriving in warm and moist environments such as locker r...

The main cause of foot ulcers in diabetic patients is often minor injuries happening when they cannot feel their feet properly. This happens due to a condition called peripheral sensory neuropathy. In simpler terms, it means their nerves do...

Taking care of your feet as a runner is essential for a comfortable and injury-free experience. Start by carefully choosing your gear, especially your footwear, to prevent running injuries. Ensure a snug fit around the heel and instep to pr...

Cuboid syndrome, a relatively lesser known foot ailment, involves the dislocation or subluxation of the cuboid bone, which is one of the seven tarsal bones in the foot. This condition typically occurs when there is excessive stress on the f...

Foot arthritis, a condition affecting the joints in the feet, often begins its onset with inconspicuous signs that warrant attention. Persistent morning stiffness, particularly in the feet, can be an early red flag. Individuals may notice i...

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the joints, and the feet are often one of the first areas to display symptoms. Understanding the signs of RA in the feet is essential for early diagnosis and effe...

Studies have shown the majority of workplace related injuries that affect the feet are punctures, crushing, sprains, lacerations, slips, trips, and falls. Stepping on nails, shards of glass, or other sharp objects can result in puncture wou...

Children's feet go through remarkable transformations, shifting from their spongy, soft state in the pre-crawling phase, to rapidly growing during their initial years. As children move into the crawling stage, their feet become more delicat...

Peripheral neuropathy is a complex condition that affects the peripheral nervous system, leading to a range of symptoms that can significantly impact the feet. This disorder results from damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cor...

Our feet bear the weight of our entire beings, making them the foundation of our bodies. Incorporating stretching and exercising into your routine can provide many benefits, including proper foot health. Begin with toe stretches by curling...

Diabetic foot complications can be debilitating, but choosing the appropriate footwear can help to manage the symptoms. Diabetic shoes are specially designed with extra depth and a roomy toe box to accommodate custom orthotics or insoles. T...

Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that can greatly improve the quality of life for anyone with ankle pain and discomfort. This procedure involves making small cuts around the ankle and looking inside the incisions with an...

Cuboid syndrome, though relatively rare, is a painful condition that affects the cuboid bone in the foot. Understanding its causes and recognizing the symptoms is crucial for timely diagnosis and effective treatment. One of the primary caus...

Plantar fasciitis is a prevalent foot condition characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel to your toes. This vital ligament supports the arch of...

Blisters are fluid-filled pockets that typically form in the skin's upper layers after injury, commonly on feet. The fluid cushions the damaged area, aiding healing. Most blisters contain clear serum and heal naturally in three to seven day...

The bones in your toes are called phalanges, consisting of two or three segments, depending on the toe. These toe bones connect to the metatarsals in your foot through joints with cartilage that allows for smooth movement. Further, the body...

Pain in the arch of the foot can affect daily activities and cause discomfort. A common cause of arch pain is plantar fasciitis, which often occurs due to flat feet. This condition involves the overstretching of the plantar fascia, leading...

Recovering from an ankle sprain is an important way to prevent lingering weakness and instability in the ligaments. To enhance your ankle's range of motion after a sprain, the ABC's exercise has proved effective. While seated, trace the alp...

Selecting the right running shoes is a crucial step in ensuring a comfortable and injury free running experience. Various types of running shoes cater to different needs and preferences. Neutral running shoes are suitable for those people w...

New parents experience a mix of excitement and nervousness as they welcome their baby. They diligently observe their child's movements to monitor developmental progress. One crucial aspect of this assessment is the Babinski reflex, also kno...

Fallen arches is a condition that is termed posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, or PTTD. It also may be referred to as adult-acquired flat feet. Many people with flat feet suffer little or no problems. But others may experience pain if a t...

The strong band of tissue that runs from the calf muscles to the heel bone is known as the Achilles tendon. When this tendon is overused, which is frequent among runners, dancers, and other athletes, it can become inflamed and extremely pai...

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that gradually develops for various reasons. These can include wearing shoes that do not fit correctly or from gaining weight. Standing on hard or uneven surfaces for most of the day or from rece...

A lateral ankle sprain is considered the most common type of ankle injury. This can happen when the ankle rolls inward and can affect the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments. These ligaments are on the outside of the body and...

Various foot conditions can make movement difficult. Chief among them is cracked heels. As one ages, skin becomes thinner and dryer and the skin on the heels can form calluses, or dead skin, and can develop cracks. This often happens becaus...

One of the most effective methods of measuring the feet is by using a Brannock device. It was invented in 1925 by Charles Brannock, and has improved traditional foot-measuring techniques. This device is described as a base plate that has gr...

Abrasions are surface skin wounds or injuries. Typically, they can easily be treated at home, but if the abrasion is deep it may require medical care. Minor or superficial abrasions generally affect the top layer of skin and do not bleed. D...

Toe pain can happen for various reasons, and may develop suddenly or gradually. It is helpful to find out why the toe pain has happened, which can make it easier in choosing the appropriate treatment. Having a bunion can cause toe pain to d...

Many people with diabetes develop foot pain that directly results from their disease. One such condition is diabetic neuropathy, which is caused by nerves that have been damaged by high levels of blood sugar. The cause of severe foot pain i...

Caring for a child can present a whole host of challenges to new parents. One of these challenges is caring for the child’s feet. Some new parents might notice that their child’s feet have an unpleasant odor. Importantly, many c...

Having swollen feet is uncomfortable. There are various reasons why this condition can happen, ranging from pregnancy to eating foods that are laden with sodium. Swollen feet can also be accompanied by skin that is tight, puffy, and shiny,...

There are people who believe that flip-flops can be a lazy shoe to wear. This may be a result of the fact they are disposable and overly casual. Despite these beliefs, sales for these types of shoes have increased among men and women across...

Swelling in the ankles, also known as edema, is not uncommon and has many causes. A sprained ankle is one of the most common causes of a swollen ankle, as are sitting for prolonged periods, airplane travel, pregnancy, and obesity. Certain m...

Having a vitamin deficiency may be a cause for cracked heels to develop. It can be an unsightly and uncomfortable foot condition. Mildly cracked heels affect the top layer of the skin, and it is generally a painless ailment. Fissures are de...

There is no mistaking a bunion. It is easily noticed by the hard bump that forms on the side of the big toe. It is considered to be a deformity and can happen from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room in the toe area. It may also oc...

Many people know to exercise their body, and it can be a surprising fact that the feet are sometimes neglected. They are considered to be the foundation of the body and are responsible for providing stability and balance. Performing light e...

Children’s feet differ greatly from adult feet. When comparing the two, the shapes are different. In the first year, the cartilage is soft, and there are additional fat pads on the soles. This can give the feet added flexibility that...

Many people, ranging from young children to senior citizens, may like to sit with their legs crossed at the knee while sitting in a chair. Individuals often sit in this position frequently, and it may come naturally. However, sitting in thi...

Many professions require standing during the work day, and there are specific types of shoes that can help to protect the feet. It is beneficial to choose shoes that are specific for the job that is done, and these may range from having ste...