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Metatarsal stress fractures occur when one or more of the long bones in the foot develop cracks from repetitive force, rather than a single injury. These hairline fractures can affect the head, shaft, or base of the metatarsal, and are especially seen in runners, basketball players, ballet dancers, and soccer players. Runners often develop stress fractures in the first and second metatarsals due to the repetitive bending forces placed on the forefoot. Basketball players are prone to avulsion-type fractures of the fifth metatarsal from sudden forces during jumping or rapid direction changes. Ballet dancers put intense compressive forces on the second and third metatarsals when dancing en pointe, which stresses the Lisfranc joints. Additionally, soccer players frequently experience torsional stress fractures of the fifth metatarsal, often referred to as Jones fractures. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, provide advanced imaging, and recommend treatment or surgery, if necessary. If you have metatarsal foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact John Killough, DPM from Regional Foot Center. Our doctor 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 Charleston and Effingham, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, as the top of the toe angles inward toward the lesser toes. This deformity can lead to pain, swelling, and redness surrounding the joint, making it difficult to find comfortable shoes. As the bunion grows, it can cause the other toes to become misaligned, leading to additional discomfort and potential problems with walking. The primary cause of bunions is often hereditary, but wearing tight, narrow shoes, especially high heels, can make the condition worse. Foot deformities, such as flat feet, can also increase the risk. A podiatrist can help diagnose and manage bunions. Conservative treatments include custom orthotics, padding, or recommending footwear changes to reduce pressure. In more severe cases, a podiatrist may suggest surgery to realign the joint and alleviate pain. If you have a bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, 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.

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

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. 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.