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Roller skating demands stability, control, and quick footwork, which can place strain on the feet and ankles. Poorly fitted skating boots are a common source of discomfort, causing blisters, pressure points, and nerve irritation. Tight boots may lead to lace bite or a pinched nerve on the top of the foot, while loose boots can result in instability, cramping, and fatigue from overcompensating. Over time, these issues may contribute to more serious conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, or metatarsal stress fractures. Malleolar bursitis may occur when pressure builds around the bony ankle area, and poor technique or muscle imbalances can worsen strain during turns and landings. A podiatrist can examine painful areas, assess footwear fit, recommend padding or custom orthotics, and offer guidance to reduce injury risk and improve comfort on skates. If you suffer from foot or ankle pain after roller skating, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with John Killough, DPM from Regional Foot Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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

Ingrown toenail infections occur when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, allowing bacteria or fungi to enter and cause infection. This condition is often caused by improper nail trimming, wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, injury, or poor foot hygiene. Symptoms include redness, pain, warmth surrounding the nail, and sometimes pus or drainage indicating infection. The affected toe may look swollen and inflamed, and the pain can make walking or wearing shoes uncomfortable. If left untreated, the infection can worsen and lead to more serious complications. A podiatrist can diagnose ingrown toenail infections through a physical examination and assess the severity of the condition. Treatment may include antibiotics, proper nail care, or minor surgical procedures to remove the infected portion of the nail. To prevent worsening pain and complications, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an expert evaluation and treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact John Killough, DPM of Regional Foot Center. Our doctor 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

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 offices located in Charleston and Effingham, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition caused by thickening of tissue surrounding a nerve between the third and fourth toes, often resulting in burning, tingling, or numbness. When conservative treatments are ineffective, surgery may be recommended.  A neurectomy involves removing the affected nerve to relieve pain, while decompression surgery releases pressure on the nerve by cutting surrounding ligaments. Recovery time varies depending on the procedure, typically requiring several weeks to regain full function and return to normal activities. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the neuroma, discuss surgical and non-surgical options, and provide post-operative care to ensure proper healing. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose Morton’s neuroma, and discuss surgical options with you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact John Killough, DPM of Regional Foot Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Peripheral nerve damage, often linked to diabetes, frequently affects the feet and ankles before other areas of the body. Peripheral nerve damage disrupts normal nerve function, and leads to tingling, burning sensations, numbness, or weakness. Many people describe it as a pins-and-needles feeling that often worsens at night. Loss of sensation in the feet increases the risk of unnoticed cuts, blisters, or sores, which can progress into infections or ulcers. Over time, untreated nerve damage may also contribute to changes in foot structure, bone stress, and joint pain. Because sensation is reduced, balance and walking can become difficult, further increasing the risk of falls and injuries. A podiatrist can perform detailed foot exams, check for circulation and skin changes, and recommend effective treatment to protect the feet from long-term damage. If you are experiencing foot problems related to peripheral neuropathy, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and ongoing managed care.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with John Killough, DPM from Regional Foot Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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