Stress fractures are tiny cracks in a bone that develop from repeated force instead of a single injury. They frequently affect the bones of the foot because these bones absorb pressure with every step. Running, jumping, or suddenly increasing activity can place more stress on the bones than they can safely handle. Wearing shoes that lack proper support can also contribute to the problem. Symptoms include pain that gradually becomes worse during activity, tenderness over one area of the foot, and swelling. The pain usually improves with rest at first but can become more constant as the injury progresses. Early evaluation is important because untreated stress fractures can become more serious injuries. Healing can take several weeks, depending on the location and severity of the fracture.

A podiatrist evaluates the foot, walking pattern, and areas of tenderness to determine whether a stress fracture is likely. Imaging tests can help confirm the diagnosis when necessary. Treatment includes protecting the injured foot, reducing pressure on the affected bone, and recommending shoes that provide proper support. A podiatrist also identifies factors that contributed to the injury, including abnormal foot mechanics or uneven pressure. Regular follow-up visits help monitor healing and guide a safe return to normal activities. Care is tailored to the location of the fracture and the patient's daily activity level.

Ignoring a stress fracture can increase the risk of a complete fracture and delay recovery. Some stress fractures heal on their own, while others require closer monitoring because of their location or severity. Early podiatry care helps protect the injured bone, improve foot function, and reduce unnecessary stress on surrounding tissues. Prompt diagnosis also supports better healing and lowers the chance of long-term complications affecting mobility. If you have symptoms of stress fractures, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Gelbmann Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

Unexplained ankle pain that develops without injury is often linked to internal conditions rather than external trauma. This type of pain may appear suddenly and interfere with daily activities, such as walking or standing. It is commonly associated with arthritis, autoimmune diseases, and biomechanical imbalances in the feet. These conditions can affect the ankle joint over time, even without a noticeable event. Recognizing the possible causes helps patients seek timely care and prevent further complications.

Symptoms depend on the condition affecting the ankle. Arthritis typically is noticeable with joint stiffness, swelling, and a gradual loss of flexibility. Autoimmune-related ankle pain may include redness, warmth, and ongoing inflammation that does not improve with rest. Foot alignment problems can lead to uneven weight distribution, causing pain during movement and a feeling of weakness in the ankle. Some individuals also report tenderness, mild swelling, or difficulty bearing weight. These signs should not be ignored, especially if they persist.

Risk factors include age-related joint changes, a history of autoimmune disease, and structural foot abnormalities. Individuals with flat feet or high arches are more likely to develop alignment issues that stress the ankle joint. Previous injuries can also increase vulnerability, even if symptoms were absent for years. The underlying causes often involve inflammation, cartilage breakdown, or improper joint mechanics. These factors can gradually lead to pain that appears without a clear trigger.

Managing unexplained ankle pain involves supportive care and medical evaluation. Wearing properly fitted shoes can improve stability and reduce strain on the joint. Maintaining joint flexibility and strength may also help prevent worsening symptoms. Early diagnosis allows for targeted treatment that may include orthotics or other therapies. If you have sudden ankle pain without injury, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment plan.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Gelbmann Podiatry. Our doctors 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 tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• 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 Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Toenail fungus is an infection that changes the appearance and strength of the nail. It usually begins at the edge of the nail and slowly spreads deeper. The affected nail can become yellow, white, or brown. It may also become thicker, brittle, or crumbly, making it harder to trim. In some cases, the nail can lift away from the skin underneath. Although the infection is not always painful at first, discomfort can develop as the nail thickens. Toenail fungus usually affects the big toe, but it can spread to other toenails. Because the infection rarely clears on its own, early evaluation by a podiatrist helps prevent it from becoming more difficult to treat.

Warm, damp environments allow fungus to grow more easily. People are at greater risk if they have athlete’s foot, damaged nails, or certain long-term health conditions like diabetes. Spending long periods of time in shoes that keep the feet hot and sweaty can also increase the chance of infection. A podiatrist examines the nail and may take a small sample to confirm that fungus is causing the problem before recommending treatment. This step helps identify the infection correctly because other nail conditions can look similar. An accurate diagnosis also helps guide the most effective treatment plan.

A podiatrist creates a treatment plan based on the severity of the infection and the condition of the nail. Treatment includes prescription antifungal medicine, medicated nail lacquer, and professional nail care. Regular follow-up visits allow the podiatrist to monitor healthy nail growth and adjust treatment when necessary. Early treatment helps reduce the chance of the infection spreading to other nails and improves the opportunity for a healthier-looking nail to grow back. If you have symptoms of toenail fungus, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

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 Gelbmann Podiatry. 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 offices located in Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A broken ankle is a serious injury that can affect the bones that form the ankle joint and make standing or walking extremely difficult. It often occurs after a fall, a sports injury, or a motor vehicle accident, although the severity can vary from one person to another. Some fractures involve a small crack in the bone, while others may cause the bones to shift out of their normal position. A broken ankle may also damage nearby ligaments and other soft tissues, making the injury more complex. Because ankle fractures can affect joint stability and long-term mobility, prompt evaluation and treatment are important. Early diagnosis may also help reduce the risk of complications and support proper healing.

Symptoms of a broken ankle usually develop immediately after the injury. Many people experience severe pain, swelling, or bruising around the ankle. Others find it difficult or impossible to put weight on the affected foot. The ankle may appear misshapen if the bones have moved out of alignment. Some individuals also notice tenderness or reduced range of motion because of pain and swelling. Since a severe sprain and a broken ankle can produce similar symptoms, a professional examination and imaging studies are often needed to confirm the diagnosis. Receiving timely care can help protect the joint and improve recovery.

A podiatrist is trained to diagnose and treat broken ankles and other foot and ankle injuries. During an evaluation, the podiatrist examines the ankle, reviews the injury, and determines the most appropriate treatment plan based on the type of fracture. Treatment focuses on restoring proper alignment, protecting the injured area, and supporting normal healing. Ongoing care also helps monitor recovery and improve ankle function as healing progresses. If you are experiencing severe ankle pain, swelling, or difficulty bearing weight after an injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Gelbmann Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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