Ankle sprains or strains are common injuries involving damage to the ligaments, tendons, or muscles that support the ankle joint. A sprain affects ligaments, while a strain involves muscles or tendons. These injuries often occur due to poor athletic conditions, muscle and ligament fatigue, or not warming up before activity. Being overweight can also increase stress on the ankle, raising the risk of injury. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Ankle sprains can limit movement, if not treated properly. A podiatrist can provide accurate diagnosis, recommend rehabilitation, and offer support such as bracing or orthotics. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if it is a sprain or a strain, and offer effective relief and treatment solutions. 

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, 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.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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.

Heel pain is a common foot problem that can make walking uncomfortable and limit daily activities. Two frequent causes are plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes irritated where it attaches to the heel. Patients often notice sharp pain with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. Achilles tendonitis affects the large tendon at the back of the heel and ankle. This condition may cause stiffness, swelling, and a dull or burning pain that worsens with activity. Both problems may develop from overuse, tight calf muscles, improper footwear, or changes in activity level. The heel may feel tender to the touch, and walking or climbing stairs can become difficult. A podiatrist can diagnose the cause of heel pain through examination and imaging. Treatment may include supportive footwear, custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory care, and targeted exercises to improve flexibility and strength. If you have ongoing heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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.

A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that develops on the foot as a serious complication of diabetes-related nerve damage and poor circulation. Reduced sensation in the feet may prevent a person from noticing small injuries, which can gradually develop into ulcers if untreated. Symptoms include redness, drainage, swelling, and slow-healing skin breakdown. Risk factors involve long-term diabetes, nerve-related changes, reduced blood flow, wearing poorly-fitted footwear, and inadequate foot care. Proper care includes daily foot inspections, maintaining clean and dry skin, supportive footwear, and seeking early medical attention for any skin changes. A podiatrist can evaluate circulation, treat wounds, and guide preventive care. If you have diabetes and if foot wounds or skin changes appear, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Gelbmann Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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.

Mechanical foot pain occurs when bones, joints, tendons, or ligaments are placed under repeated stress. This type of discomfort often results from poor alignment, overuse, wearing improper footwear, or age-related changes in the foot structure. Patients may experience sharp heel pain, arch strain, or forefoot discomfort that worsens with activity. Recent advances in care focus on identifying the exact source of strain and correcting it with targeted treatment. Digital gait analysis allows providers to study walking patterns in real time. Custom-made orthotics are now designed using precise scanning technology to improve weight distribution and reduce joint stress. Shock wave therapy has become a non-invasive option provided by some podiatrists that stimulates tissue repair in chronic conditions. In some cases, regenerative-based treatments are used to support healing in soft tissue injuries. Early evaluation improves long-term outcomes and prevents worsening symptoms. If you have ongoing foot pain that limits daily activity, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper 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 Gelbmann Podiatry. 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 offices located in Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.