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Corns on the feet are thick, hardened areas of skin that develop in response to repeated pressure and friction. They can appear on the tops or sides of the toes, between the toes, or on the bottoms of the feet. Corns can look rough, raised, and slightly yellow. Some become tender or painful when touched. Shoes that fit too tightly can create repeated rubbing that leads to corns. Standing or walking for long periods of time can also place enough pressure on certain areas to cause them.

Foot structure and the way a person walks can increase the chance of developing corns. A corn can form as the skin tries to protect itself from continued pressure, but the thickened area itself can eventually become painful. Discomfort can become more noticeable when shoes press against the corn. Corns can also return when the source of friction remains. Properly fitting shoes can help reduce pressure on sensitive areas. However, recurring or painful corns can signal a foot problem that deserves a closer evaluation.

A podiatrist can examine a corn and determine what is creating excess pressure on the affected area. Treatment can include carefully removing layers of hardened skin with sanitized instruments. Patients should not cut corns themselves because doing so can damage healthy skin and increase the risk of infection. A podiatrist can also assess foot shape and walking patterns to identify factors that contribute to repeated corns. Recommendations can include wearing properly fitting shoes, protective padding, or other methods that reduce pressure. Podiatric care is especially important when a corn keeps returning or causes significant pain. If you have developed of corns on the feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions. 

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Eveleigh Williams, DPM of Sole 2 Sole, PC. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Achilles tendon injuries affect the thick band of tissue that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. This tendon supports walking, running, and jumping, making it essential for daily movement. Injury can range from mild inflammation to a complete tear. Symptoms include a sharp pain in the back of the ankle, a burning ache after activity, and swelling near the heel. Some individuals may also feel a sudden pop during injury, followed by difficulty bearing weight or pushing off the foot.

Risk factors for Achilles tendon injuries include repetitive strain from sports, such as running or basketball, sudden increases in physical activity, and inadequate warm-up routines. Tight calf muscles and limited ankle flexibility can increase tension on the tendon. Poor posture and unsupportive footwear may also contribute to long-term stress. Age plays a role, as the tendon becomes less flexible over time. High stress during the workday and prolonged standing can further strain the lower leg and increase injury risk.

The most common causes involve overuse, sudden forceful movement, or gradual wear and tear that leads to micro-injury. Small tears can develop into tendinitis or progress to a partial or complete rupture. The Thompson test is a widely used clinical method to assess possible rupture. During this test, the patient lies face down with feet hanging off the edge of a table. The podiatrist squeezes the calf muscle to observe foot movement. A normal response is a downward motion of the foot, while little or no movement may indicate a rupture.

Understanding early symptoms and testing methods can help prevent serious complications and support faster recovery. Timely care improves healing and restores function. If you have an Achilles tendon injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Eveleigh Williams, DPM of Sole 2 Sole, PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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

Plantar fasciitis develops when tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes irritated or damaged. This strong band connects the heel to the front of the foot and supports the arch. The resulting pain can make standing, running, or walking difficult. A podiatrist can examine the foot, review the patient’s health history, and diagnose the problem. In most cases, treatment from a podiatrist can help to reduce strain and improve foot function. However, surgery is an option when heel pain remains severe after months of professional care and limits activities.

The surgery is called a plantar fasciotomy, also known as a plantar fascia release. The podiatric surgeon detaches part of the fascia from the heel bone, which reduces built-up tension in the damaged tissue. Endoscopic surgery uses tiny cuts and a small camera to guide the surgeon. The choice depends on the patient’s health, symptoms, and the surgeon’s recommendation. Both approaches are outpatient procedures, so patients can return home the same day. Risks include infection, nerve injury, and continued heel pain. A podiatrist can explain the benefits and risks.

Recovery follows a plan created by the surgeon and podiatrist. Patients must protect the incision and follow instructions about placing weight on the foot. Many people can bear weight within two to three weeks, although timing depends on the procedure and wound healing. Full recovery takes about two months. Follow-up visits allow the podiatrist to check healing, evaluate foot movement, and address swelling or tenderness. Patients should call the medical office if they notice increasing pain, drainage, or fever. Gradual improvement is expected, but discomfort can remain as the tissue heals. The care team will explain when it is safe to return to work, exercise, and wear normal shoes. If you have severe heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can discuss the benefits of this type of foot surgery with you.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Eveleigh Williams, DPM  from Sole 2 Sole, PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

Osteoarthritis of the ankle is a degenerative joint condition that occurs when the protective cartilage within the ankle joint gradually wears down. This leads to bone-on-bone contact, resulting in pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Unlike other joints, ankle osteoarthritis is often linked to prior injury rather than age alone. Ankle trauma, including fractures and sprains, can disrupt joint alignment and increase the risk of long-term damage. Understanding the definition and causes of ankle osteoarthritis can help individuals recognize early signs and seek proper care.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis in the ankle include persistent pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited range of motion. These symptoms may worsen with activity and improve with rest, but discomfort can become more constant. Individuals may also experience a grinding sensation within the joint or difficulty walking on uneven surfaces. These changes can affect daily activities and reduce overall quality of life if left untreated. Early identification of symptoms is important for managing progression.

Risk factors for ankle osteoarthritis often involve a history of injury. Ankle sprains, which are among the most common athletic injuries, can weaken ligaments and lead to joint instability. Repeated trauma or improper healing can accelerate cartilage breakdown. Additional risk factors include high-impact sports, excess body weight, and poor joint alignment. These factors place increased stress on the ankle and contribute to gradual joint degeneration. Recognizing these risks allow for better prevention strategies.

Managing ankle osteoarthritis involves reducing stress on the joint and maintaining mobility through supportive care. Wearing stable footwear, engaging in low-impact exercise, and addressing previous injuries can help protect the ankle. Early treatment can slow progression and improve comfort. If you have symptoms of osteoarthritis in your ankles, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions. 

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Eveleigh Williams, DPM from Sole 2 Sole, PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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