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Ankle sprains are common injuries caused by sudden twisting or rolling of the ankle, often during sports or uneven walking. Inversion sprains affect the outer ligaments of the ankle, while eversion sprains impact the inner ones. Sprains are categorized into three grades. A mild sprain, or Grade 1, causes slight swelling and discomfort. A moderate sprain, or Grade 2, results in partial tearing with pain, bruising, and difficulty walking. A severe sprain, or Grade 3, involves complete tearing of ligaments, significant swelling, and ankle instability. A podiatrist can diagnose the severity, provide targeted treatment, and recommend therapies to restore strength and mobility. If you have sustained an ankle sprain, it is recommended that you schedule an emergency visit with a podiatrist today for a comprehensive evaluation and expert care.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact John Killough, DPM from Regional Foot Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

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

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Charleston and Effingham, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of the foot, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. It involves a thickening of the tissue surrounding one of the nerves leading to the toes, often caused by pressure or irritation. Common culprits include wearing tight shoes, high heels, or participating in high-impact sports. Morton’s neuroma is more common in women, likely due to footwear choices. Symptoms typically include a sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot, tingling or numbness in the toes, and the sensation of standing on a pebble. There is usually no visible swelling, but the discomfort can be intense and persistent. Podiatrists may recommend footwear changes, custom orthotics, targeted exercises, or corticosteroid injections. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the affected nerve. If you have pain in this part of your foot,  it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat Morton's neuroma.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact John Killough, DPM of Regional Foot Center. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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.

As people age, foot problems can become more frequent and affect mobility and comfort. Common foot issues for seniors include plantar fasciitis, which causes heel pain, arthritis that leads to joint stiffness, corns from pressure or friction, and diabetic foot problems that may result in poor healing or loss of sensation. Toenail issues, such as fungal infections or thickened nails, can also cause discomfort. These conditions may impact balance and increase the risk of falls. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing problems, providing treatment, recommending proper footwear, and managing chronic conditions. If you are experiencing ongoing foot pain or changes, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for expert care and support for your long-term foot health.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact John Killough, DPM from Regional Foot Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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.

Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in growing children, especially those who are active in sports. It occurs when the growth plate at the back of the heel becomes irritated from repetitive impact or tight calf muscles. Children may complain of pain during or after activity, and the heel may feel tender when pressed. Rest is important to allow healing, and switching to low-impact activities can reduce stress on the heel. Wearing supportive shoes with cushioning, heel lifts, or custom inserts may also help ease discomfort. Stretching exercises for the calves and Achilles tendon can improve flexibility and reduce tension. Most children improve with time and simple care, but the condition can return if stress on the heel continues. If heel pain persists or affects your child’s ability to stay active, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see John Killough, DPM from Regional Foot Center. Our doctor 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 offices located in Charleston and Effingham, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Maintaining everyday foot health is essential for a good quality of life, productive work, and regular physical activity. Healthy feet support your entire body and keep you moving comfortably. Simple habits, such as not sharing shoes, performing gentle foot stretches, and keeping shoes dry, help prevent infections and discomfort. Moisture in shoes can lead to fungal issues, while wearing tight or improper footwear can cause pain or long-term damage. A podiatrist can help identify underlying problems, offer preventive care, and recommend the best practices for daily foot maintenance. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions and offer additional guidance of everyday foot care tips.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact John Killough, DPM from Regional Foot Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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.