Ingrown toenails, medically known as onychocryptosis, occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. Common causes include improper nail trimming, wearing tight or poorly fitting shoes, repeated trauma, and genetic nail shape. Symptoms often include redness, tenderness, swelling, and, in severe cases, pus or drainage. Risk factors include diabetes, poor circulation, and participation in activities that place pressure on the toes. If left untreated, ingrown toenails can lead to chronic discomfort and infection. A podiatrist can provide safe nail care, remove problematic nail portions, recommend proper trimming techniques, and suggest protective footwear or orthotics to prevent recurrence. Ingrown toenails can be painful. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include minor surgery for partial removal.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact One of our podiatrists of Global Podiatry. Our practitioners 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

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 Buffalo Grove and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete’s foot is a common skin infection that affects the feet and is caused by a fungus known as a dermatophyte. This fungus thrives in warm, moist environments such as locker rooms, shoes, and public showers. Athlete’s foot spreads through direct contact or contact with contaminated surfaces. Common symptoms include itching, redness, burning, and painful skin, especially between the toes or on the soles of the feet. The skin may crack, peel, or become irritated, making walking uncomfortable. A podiatrist can help by accurately diagnosing the condition and recommending appropriate antifungal treatments. Care may also include guidance on foot hygiene, footwear choices and moisture control to prevent recurrence. If you are experiencing persistent itching, redness, or foot discomfort, do not ignore the symptoms. It is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact One of our podiatrists from Global Podiatry.  Our practitioners will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Buffalo Grove and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot connecting the heel to the toes. It often results in sharp or aching heel pain, particularly with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. Causes include repetitive strain from running, prolonged standing, high-impact activities, or tight calf muscles. Risk factors include obesity, flat feet, high arches, and wearing improper footwear. If left untreated, plantar fasciitis can limit mobility and affect daily activities. A podiatrist can provide an accurate diagnosis, recommend targeted stretches, supportive footwear, orthotics, and treatment strategies to reduce inflammation and promote healing. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact One of our podiatrists  from Global Podiatry. Our practitioners 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 offices located in Buffalo Grove and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The feet play a vital role in running by absorbing impact, maintaining balance, and propelling the body forward with each stride. As the foot contacts the ground, it adapts to surface changes while providing stability through coordinated bone and muscle movement. Balance is essential, especially during the float phase when both feet briefly leave the ground. This float phase becomes longer as running speed increases, placing greater demands on strength, alignment, and control. Improper mechanics can lead to overuse injuries and reduced performance. A podiatrist can assess running gait, identify imbalances, and recommend custom orthotics, footwear guidance, and injury-prevention strategies to support efficient motion. If you have developed foot pain from running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle conditions.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact One of our podiatrists from Global Podiatry. Our practitioners 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 offices located in Buffalo Grove and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.