October 2022

There are pressure points on each foot that are connected to specific organs in the body. A type of foot therapy known as reflexology is considered to be an ancient Chinese practice. Reflexology is performed by applying pressure to certain parts of each foot and this is done by a therapist. An additional benefit of having frequent foot massages and reflexology performed can be the positive effect it may have on the overall body. Many people also find it helpful to roll their entire foot on a tennis ball from the toes to the heels until a pressure point is found. It is suggested that diabetic patients consult with their podiatrist before partaking in reflexology as it may affect the nerves that are unable to be felt as a result of neuropathy. If you would like more information about how this type of foot therapy can help you, please speak with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, consult with 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.

Most Common Injuries

People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track. 

What to Do When Injured

Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.

During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:

Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.

Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.

Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.

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.

Some people use the terms corns and calluses interchangeably, but they are different. A corn is a small, well-defined area of thickened skin that has a hard center core and is surrounded by inflamed skin. It can develop on various parts of the foot, from the sole to the pinky toe, tops of the toes, and between toes. Corns typically develop to protect the skin from excess pressure or friction, often from ill-fitting shoes. Usually, a corn is painful when pressed. A callus is generally not painful when pressed and covers a wider area developing where the feet bear a lot of weight, like the soles. It consists of thick, hard skin throughout the affected area and may not have a defined shape. If you have corns or calluses, it is a good idea to consult with a podiatrist who can provide treatment options for both conditions.

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 and ankle needs.

Sometimes, playing a particular sport can put an individual at a greater risk of developing certain foot conditions, and tennis is certainly no exception. Playing tennis can cause foot injuries because it is particularly demanding on the feet—a tennis player must be constantly stopping and starting movement. Additionally, specific kinds of tennis courts can have very hard surfaces. If you play tennis, you could potentially develop heel pain when excessively training. A common condition is known as plantar fasciitis, the inflammation of the plantar fascia in the arch of the foot. You could also develop what is known as sesamoiditis. This condition occurs when the sesamoid bones in the ball of the feet beneath the big toe joint become inflamed. Other tennis-related injuries include Achilles tendonitis, stress fractures, and ankle sprains. If you play tennis, contact a podiatrist for treatment and more information.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, 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.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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 and ankle needs.

Ankle pain at night can be debilitating, because it interferes with sleep. The ankle allows your feet to flex and extend, so if you move your foot while sleeping it will aggravate an injured ankle and result in pain. Other symptoms include swelling, bruising, and deformity. Frequently, the pain from an injured ankle also radiates into the foot, lower leg, and knee, causing further discomfort and more opportunity to lose sleep. One cause of ankle pain is a sprain, which is a torn or ruptured ligament that results when your foot rolls inward and stretches the ligament past its normal range. Other causes of ankle pain include bursitis, tendonitis, and arthritis. Being overweight can cause and increase ankle pain. Stress fractures in the foot, along with gout and poor circulation are known to contribute to ankle pain. Treating ankle pain can be a long process, and it is wise to consult with a podiatrist early to reduce the time it will take to heal. A podiatrist can examine your ankle and address the cause of the pain, offering proper treatment options that may help you sleep better at night. 

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Eveleigh Williams, DPM from Sole 2 Sole, PC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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.