Podiatrists in Gurnee help people dealing with bothersome or painful conditions affecting the feet, ankles, or lower legs. Most of these disorders develop due to an injury or some type of infection. Fungal infections in the feet and toenails, for instance, are common and can be difficult to cure. Nail fungus is particularly stubborn since the infection lies inside the nail, making it difficult to treat with topical medication.
Another type of foot infection is the plantar wart, caused by a virus. These warts develop on the foot soles. They can become remarkably large and cause pain when the person stands or walks. Podiatrists typically remove these warts with lasers or by freezing them. Surgical techniques also can be used if other therapies are not effective.
Plantar fasciitis happens due to inflammation of the connective tissue linking the heel to the toes. Overuse and strain can cause this disorder, which results in heel pain when standing or walking. The discomfort tends to be worse after resting the feet for several hours. Foot doctors at a clinic such as Great Lakes Foot & Ankle Centers make a definitive diagnosis and prescribe an exercise program that gradually heals the inflamed tissue.
A podiatrist also helps patients who have bunions, a disorder causing the big toe to point inward. A bony protrusion forms on the exterior side of the toe that can make wearing shoes painful. Conservative therapy, such as wearing a splint or brace, may help. Exercising and stretching the feet according to a planned regiment is an additional conservative therapy. When a bunion doesn’t respond to these treatments and it causes significant discomfort for the individual, a podiatrist can perform surgery to resolve the problem.
Some foot disorders are present from the time a person is born. The condition of flat feet in young children is not considered a disorder because it takes time for the arch to develop. Many individuals never develop a normal foot arch, which can lead to discomfort during long walks or other activities that put pressure on the feet. Others who have proper arches later experience fallen arches because of an injury or deterioration of the tendon due to age.
