December 2023

A bunion, or hallux valgus, is a bony protrusion at the base of the big toe, developing from pressure causing the toe to lean towards the second toe. This misalignment, often resulting from the joint at the toe's base bearing significant weight during activities such as standing and walking, can lead to symptoms like pain, stiffness, redness, and swelling. Additionally, calluses often form due to friction between the big and second toe or on the ball of the foot. Bunions tend to worsen over time if not addressed, possibly causing difficulty in wearing shoes and walking comfortably. While bunions are more common in adults, they can also be present from birth or develop during childhood. The condition can affect one or both feet, posing a persistent challenge to foot comfort and function. If you have an uncomfortable bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss treatment options that may increase your comfort.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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 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 office located in Olympia Fields, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Neuropathy, a condition characterized by nerve damage, can significantly impact the feet, leading to various symptoms that range from tingling sensations to sharp pain. Diabetes stands as a primary contributor to neuropathy, with prolonged elevated blood sugar levels damaging nerves over time. Other systemic conditions such as autoimmune disorders, kidney diseases, and vitamin deficiencies can also instigate neuropathic symptoms in the feet. Moreover, exposure to toxins, certain medications, or infections may provoke neuropathy, affecting the peripheral nerves responsible for transmitting signals between the feet and the central nervous system. Trauma or injury to the nerves, often arising from accidents or surgeries, can induce neuropathic symptoms. Understanding the diverse causes of neuropathy is paramount for an accurate diagnosis and targeted intervention. If you have tingling or numbing sensations in your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat neuropathy.

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 Eveleigh Williams, DPM from Sole 2 Sole, PC. 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 office located in Olympia Fields, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many people love wearing stilettos but certainly not the pain that comes with them. The repercussions of wearing high heels extend beyond aching feet. According to experts, consistently wearing the wrong type of heels can take a toll on your feet, ankles, knees, and back. The pressure on the forefoot intensifies as you elevate the heel, leading to metatarsalgia, a painful joint condition in the ball of the foot. Chronic metatarsalgia can result in stress fractures. Research indicates  that reducing heel height can significantly alleviate foot pressure. While three inch heels place 76 percent of the weight on the forefoot, opting for two inch heels decreases it to 57 percent, and one inch heels further reduce it to 22 percent. The Achilles tendon, vital for foot movement, faces strain as wearing high heels may cause excessive shortening. This stress can extend to the plantar fascia, resulting in plantar fasciitis, a painful condition that affects the heel and arch. In addition, studies show that initial ankle muscle strengthening from wearing heels regularly diminishes over time, leaving women susceptible to the risk of falls and ankle sprains. For help with managing foot and ankle problems caused by wearing high heels, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, 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.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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.

Overpronation, a common foot condition involving excessive inward rolling, requires careful attention to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. The primary approach to overpronation involves adopting supportive footwear, which may include specialized shoes to minimize excessive movement and provide stability in the heel and midfoot. For those with moderate to severe overpronation, custom orthotics, tailored to the individual's foot shape, provide personalized assistance in reducing overpronation. Targeted exercises are believed to help in correcting overpronation. The short-foot exercise, involving lifting the arch of the foot off the ground, is particularly beneficial in addressing overpronation. In rare cases of severe overpronation, surgical intervention may be necessary. Reconstruction surgery aims to realign bones, providing better arch support, and may involve the use of stabilizing metal implants. If overpronation affects your well-being, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a gait analysis, examination, and a treatment plan targeted to your particular condition.

If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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.