Foot & Ankle Pain
Foot & Ankle Concerns
Common issues like heel pain, arch pain, and tendonitis are often caused by overuse or misalignment. Injuries such as ankle sprains and foot fractures are frequent in active individuals. Chronic conditions may require more advanced treatments like ankle replacement. Early care, including physical therapy, custom orthotics, and shockwave therapy, can help relieve pain and restore mobility.
HEEL PAIN & HEEL SPURS
Understanding and Treating Heel Pain at Peoria Foot and Ankle
Heel pain can be caused by several conditions, including Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles Tendonitis, and Heel Spurs. At Peoria Foot and Ankle, we’re here to help you find relief with a personalized treatment plan.
What You Might Be Feeling
If you’re dealing with Plantar Fasciitis, you may notice pain at the bottom of your heel, especially when you first get up in the morning or after long periods of rest. For Achilles Tendonitis, the pain tends to be above your heel and may worsen with activities like running or walking uphill. Heel Spurs typically cause sharp pain, especially when you walk or stand for long periods.
How We Can Help You
Supportive Shoes: We’ll help you choose footwear with the right arch support to take pressure off your heel.
Custom Orthotics: Our custom insoles provide extra support and can help align your foot properly to relieve pain.
Medications: If needed, we may recommend anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling.
Steroid Injections: For severe pain, we may use corticosteroid injections to provide quick relief and reduce inflammation.
Shockwave Therapy: If your pain is chronic, we offer shockwave therapy to stimulate healing in the affected area.
What Might Be Contributing to Your Heel Pain
Overuse: If you’re active in running, standing, or walking a lot, these repetitive movements can put stress on your feet and lead to pain.
Improper Footwear: Wearing shoes without proper support or cushioning is a major factor. We’ll help guide you toward better options.
Age and Obesity: As we get older or carry extra weight, the strain on our feet increases, making heel pain more likely.
Foot Structure: If you have flat feet or high arches, your foot alignment might contribute to the pain. We’ll work with you on solutions.
Simple Ways to Prevent Heel Pain
Proper Footwear: We’ll help you find shoes that provide the support you need.
Orthotics: Custom insoles can make a big difference in reducing pressure on your feet.
Stretching: Regular stretching of your Achilles and plantar fascia will help maintain flexibility.
Avoid Overuse: We’ll advise on how to gradually increase your activity and how to take breaks when needed.
Healthy Weight: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces strain on your feet.
Let’s Get You Back on Your Feet
If you’re struggling with heel pain, don’t wait. Early treatment is key to avoiding long-term issues. Contact us today at Peoria Foot and Ankle, and let us help you find the relief you deserve.
ARCH PAIN
Understanding Arch Pain
What is Arch Pain?
Arch pain typically happens along the bottom of the foot, especially after long periods of standing, walking, or physical activity. You might feel discomfort or tenderness in the arch, and the pain could get worse after being on your feet for a while. Sometimes, there may be mild swelling, too.
What Causes Arch Pain?
Flat Feet or High Arches: These foot structures can lead to uneven pressure, causing strain on your arch.
Overuse: Activities like running, walking long distances, or standing for hours can overload the arch.
Improper Footwear: Shoes that don’t offer proper support or fit can lead to pain.
Extra Weight: Carrying excess weight puts added pressure on the arches.
Age: As we get older, the ligaments in our feet lose some of their elasticity, making us more prone to pain.
How We Treat Arch Pain at Peoria Foot and Ankle
Rest and Ice: Taking breaks from activities and applying ice can help reduce swelling and ease the pain.
Orthotics: Custom arch supports or insoles can relieve pressure and give your arch the support it needs.
Stretching: Simple stretches for your feet, calves, and Achilles tendon can help ease tension and improve flexibility.
Pain Relief: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory meds (like ibuprofen) can reduce swelling and help with discomfort.
Physical Therapy: We may recommend targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles in your feet and legs, helping to take strain off the arch.
Injections: In rare cases, a corticosteroid injection may be used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
How Can You Prevent Arch Pain?
Wear Supportive Shoes: Choose shoes that have good arch support, cushioning, and flexibility. Avoid tight or unsupportive footwear.
Use Orthotics: If you have flat feet or high arches, custom orthotics can help align your foot and reduce pressure.
Stretch Regularly: Stretching your feet and calves daily can maintain flexibility and prevent injury.
Don’t Overdo It: Gradually increase your physical activity level and take breaks when standing or walking for long periods.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Keeping your weight in check helps reduce stress on your arches.
If you’re experiencing arch pain, early treatment is key to getting back on your feet without long-term discomfort. Our team at Peoria Foot and Ankle is here to guide you toward the right solution and help you feel better fast.
ACHILLES TENDONITIS & TENDINOSIS
Understanding Achilles Tendonitis and Tendinosis
What is Achilles Tendonitis?
Achilles tendonitis occurs when the tendon at the back of your heel becomes irritated or inflamed. You may feel pain and stiffness in this area, particularly when you first wake up or after physical activity. The discomfort can get worse with activities like running or jumping.
What Causes Achilles Tendonitis?
Sudden Increases in Activity: Jumping into intense activity or increasing your workout too quickly can strain the Achilles tendon.
Improper Footwear: Shoes that don’t offer enough support or cushioning can put extra stress on the tendon.
Lack of Warm-Up: Not warming up before exercise can put added strain on the tendon, increasing the risk of injury.
How We Treat Achilles Tendonitis and Tendinosis at Peoria Foot and Ankle
Rest and Ice: Resting the affected area and applying ice will help reduce pain and swelling.
Physical Therapy: We may recommend stretches and strengthening exercises to improve flexibility and relieve pressure on the tendon.
Injections or Surgery: In severe cases, we might consider corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation or surgery if there’s significant tendon damage.
How to Prevent Achilles Tendonitis
Gradual Increase in Activity: Gradually build up your exercise routine to avoid overloading the tendon.
Wear Supportive Shoes: Choose shoes with good arch support and cushioning to reduce stress on the Achilles tendon. Consider custom orthotics if you need extra support.
Warm-Up and Stretch: Always warm up with gentle stretches before any physical activity to prepare your muscles and tendons for movement.
If you’re experiencing Achilles tendon pain, don’t wait to seek treatment. Early intervention can help prevent further injury and get you back to your normal activities sooner. Our team at Peoria Foot and Ankle is here to help guide your recovery.
ANKLE SPRAINS & ANKLE PAIN
Understanding Ankle Sprains
An ankle sprain happens when you twist or roll your ankle, stretching or tearing the ligaments that hold it together. This can happen during sports, a fall, or simply walking on an uneven surface. You’ll typically feel pain and swelling right away, and bruising may develop later.
What Causes an Ankle Sprain?
Sports & Physical Activity: Sports like basketball, soccer, or tennis, which involve quick movements, are common causes of sprains.
Walking on Uneven Surfaces: Tripping or stepping on something uneven can cause your ankle to twist, leading to a sprain.
Improper Footwear: Shoes that don’t support the ankle or those with high heels increase the chance of spraining your ankle.
Previous Ankle Sprains: Once you’ve sprained your ankle, it’s easier to hurt it again, especially if it wasn’t rehabilitated properly.
Weak Ankle Muscles: If the muscles around your ankle are weak or imbalanced, they may not protect the joint properly, making it more vulnerable to injury.
How We Treat Ankle Sprains at Peoria Foot and Ankle
Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (R.I.C.E.): Immediately after the injury, rest your ankle, apply ice to reduce swelling, use a compression bandage, and elevate your foot to minimize swelling.
Anti-inflammatory Medications: Over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and swelling.
Physical Therapy: Once the pain and swelling improve, physical therapy can help you regain strength, flexibility, and stability in your ankle.
Bracing or Splinting: In more severe sprains, a brace or splint may be used to protect the joint as it heals.
Surgery: In rare cases, if the ligament is severely torn and conservative treatments don’t work, surgery may be needed.
How to Prevent Ankle Sprains
Proper Footwear: Choose shoes that fit well and offer good support, especially during sports or physical activities.
Strengthening Exercises: Strengthen the muscles around your ankle to improve stability and prevent future sprains.
Balance Training: Balance exercises or using a balance board can help improve awareness of your body’s position, reducing the chance of spraining your ankle.
Warm-Up Before Activity: Stretching and warming up before exercise can prepare your muscles and ligaments, lowering the risk of injury.
Be Cautious on Uneven Surfaces: Always pay attention to where you’re walking and avoid risky terrain that could cause you to twist your ankle.
If you’ve sprained your ankle or are worried about re-injuring it, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Early treatment can help prevent complications and speed up your recovery, so you can get back to doing what you love.
PLANTAR FASCIITIS
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes pain at the bottom of the heel, usually worse when you first get out of bed or after a long period of rest. As you start moving, the pain may lessen but could return after prolonged activity or standing. You may also notice stiffness in your foot, particularly in the morning or after being inactive for a while.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
There are several factors that can contribute to plantar fasciitis:
Flat Feet or High Arches: Both of these foot structures can place abnormal stress on the plantar fascia, leading to inflammation.
Unsupportive Shoes: Wearing shoes that lack proper arch support or cushioning can strain the plantar fascia, making you more prone to pain.
Being Overweight: Extra weight adds pressure on your feet, which can contribute to developing plantar fasciitis.
Repetitive Stress: Long periods of standing, walking, or high-impact activities like running or jumping can strain the fascia, leading to inflammation.
Age: Plantar fasciitis is more common in people aged 40-60 due to the natural wear and tear on the fascia.
Occupation: Jobs that require long hours of standing or walking on hard surfaces also increase your risk of developing plantar fasciitis.
How We Treat Plantar Fasciitis at Peoria Foot and Ankle
Rest and Stretching Exercises: Stretching your calves and the plantar fascia can help relieve tension and reduce pain. We can guide you through specific exercises to improve flexibility.
Supportive Shoes: Wearing shoes that offer proper arch support and cushioning can significantly reduce the strain on the plantar fascia.
Icing: Applying ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day can reduce swelling and ease pain.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
Custom Orthotics or Shoe Modifications: If your shoes aren’t giving you the support you need, custom-made insoles or modifications can help redistribute pressure and provide long-term relief.
Corticosteroid Injections: For more severe inflammation, corticosteroid injections can provide temporary relief by reducing swelling and pain.
Night Splints: Wearing night splints can gently stretch the plantar fascia while you sleep, helping reduce tension and improve flexibility.
Physical Therapy and Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): These therapies promote healing by stimulating blood flow and encouraging tissue regeneration.
Surgery: Surgery is usually only considered if other treatments haven’t worked, and its goal is to relieve the tension in the plantar fascia.
How to Prevent Plantar Fasciitis
Supportive Footwear: Always wear shoes with good arch support, cushioning, and shock absorption, especially if you’re standing for long periods. Avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces.
Custom Orthotics: If you have flat feet or high arches, custom orthotics can provide additional support to prevent strain on the plantar fascia.
Stretching Exercises: Regular stretching of your calves and feet can help maintain flexibility and reduce stress on the fascia.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Keeping your weight in check can reduce the strain on your feet and lower your risk of developing plantar fasciitis.
Avoid Repetitive Stress: If you stand or walk for long periods, make sure to take breaks and rest your feet. This will reduce the continuous pressure on your plantar fascia.
Warm-Up Before Exercise: Always take time to warm up and stretch before physical activities to prevent injury to the fascia.
If you’re experiencing heel pain or think you may have plantar fasciitis, we’re here to help. Early treatment can prevent long-term discomfort and get you back on your feet pain-free. Don’t wait—reach out to Peoria Foot and Ankle for personalized care.
METATARSALGIA (BALL OF FOOT)
Metatarsalgia (Ball of Foot)
Metatarsalgia refers to pain in the ball of the foot, just before the toes. The pain may feel like walking on pebbles or may present as a general ache in the foot, often worsening with standing, walking, or running. The pain typically develops gradually and can affect one or both feet. In some cases, you may also notice swelling or tenderness in the ball of the foot.
What Causes Metatarsalgia?
Several factors can contribute to metatarsalgia:
Overuse: High-impact activities, such as running or standing for long periods, can increase pressure on the ball of the foot, leading to pain.
Improper Footwear: Shoes that don’t provide enough arch support, have high heels, or don’t fit well can increase stress on the foot, leading to discomfort.
Foot Deformities: Conditions like hammertoes, bunions, or high arches can put extra pressure on the ball of the foot, contributing to pain.
Underlying Health Conditions: Conditions like Morton’s neuroma, arthritis, or diabetes can make you more susceptible to developing metatarsalgia.
Age: As we age, the foot naturally experiences wear and tear, and the risk of arthritis and other foot issues increases, making older adults more prone to metatarsalgia.
How We Treat Metatarsalgia at Peoria Foot and Ankle
Rest and Activity Modification: Reducing or avoiding activities that worsen the pain, such as running or standing for long periods, is crucial for healing.
Proper Footwear: Shoes that offer arch support, cushioning, and a wide toe box can help redistribute pressure across the foot and relieve discomfort.
Weight Loss (if applicable): Reducing body weight can decrease the pressure placed on your feet, alleviating the symptoms of metatarsalgia.
Metatarsal Pads or Custom Orthotics: These provide extra cushioning and help relieve pressure on the ball of the foot, offering long-term comfort.
Physical Therapy: If tight muscles in your calves or Achilles tendon are contributing to the problem, physical therapy can help improve foot function and reduce pain.
Managing Underlying Conditions: If your pain is linked to conditions like arthritis or diabetes, better management of these conditions can alleviate symptoms.
Surgery (rare cases): In rare situations, if conservative treatments don’t work and there are foot deformities (such as hammertoes or Morton’s neuroma), surgery may be necessary to correct the deformity and reduce pain.
How to Prevent Metatarsalgia
Wear Proper Footwear: Make sure your shoes provide good arch support, cushioning, and a wide toe box to prevent pressure on the ball of the foot.
Avoid High Heels: High heels or shoes that lack support can strain the ball of the foot, increasing the risk of metatarsalgia.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Reducing excess body weight helps alleviate pressure on the feet, which can prevent pain.
Foot Exercises and Stretching: Regularly stretch your feet and calves, and perform strengthening exercises to help prevent metatarsalgia.
Take Breaks: If your activities require prolonged standing, walking, or running, be sure to take breaks to relieve pressure on the feet.
Use Metatarsal Pads or Orthotics: If you’re prone to metatarsalgia or have foot deformities, consider using metatarsal pads or custom orthotics to provide additional support and cushioning.
If you’re experiencing pain in the ball of your foot or think you may have metatarsalgia, our team at Peoria Foot and Ankle can help. We’ll work with you to determine the best treatment plan to relieve your pain and get you back on your feet comfortably.
FOOT FRACTURES
Foot Fractures
Foot fractures can cause sharp pain, especially when walking or standing. The area may become swollen, red, or bruised, indicating injury. Difficulty walking or bearing weight on the foot is common due to pain and instability.
What Causes Foot Fractures?
Foot fractures can occur for a variety of reasons, including:
Trauma: Falls, accidents, or sports injuries often lead to fractures from direct impact or trauma.
Repetitive Stress: Athletes or individuals who engage in high-impact activities, such as running or jumping, are at risk for stress fractures. These tiny cracks develop over time from repetitive pressure.
Foot Deformities: Conditions like high arches, flat feet, or abnormal gait can create extra stress on certain parts of the foot, increasing the risk of fractures.
Osteoporosis: Weakened bones from osteoporosis are more fragile and can break even with minor trauma.
Improper Footwear: Shoes that don’t offer enough support or protection can increase the risk of fractures, especially during high-impact activities.
How We Treat Foot Fractures at Peoria Foot and Ankle
Rest and Ice: For mild fractures, the first step is to rest the foot and apply ice to reduce swelling and manage pain.
Immobilization: A cast, walking boot, or stiff-soled shoe may be used to keep the foot immobilized and prevent further movement while the bone heals.
Surgery: For severe fractures, surgery may be required to realign the bones. Plates, screws, or pins may be used to stabilize the fracture and promote proper healing.
Pain Management: Pain relief options, like NSAIDs or other medications, can help reduce inflammation and manage discomfort.
Physical Therapy: Once healing begins, physical therapy may be recommended to restore strength, flexibility, and mobility to the foot.
How to Prevent Foot Fractures
Proper Footwear: Make sure your shoes provide adequate support and cushioning, especially during physical activities, to reduce the risk of fractures.
Strengthening Exercises: Regular exercises can help strengthen foot muscles and ligaments, reducing the chance of injury—particularly for athletes or people who engage in high-impact activities.
Avoid High-Impact Activities (if at risk): If you’re prone to stress fractures or have weakened bones, try low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling, which place less strain on your feet.
Bone Health: Maintain bone strength with a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. Weight-bearing exercises can also help keep your bones strong and reduce the risk of fractures.
Warm-up and Cool-down: Always make time to warm up before physical activities and cool down afterward to reduce the chance of injury.
If you suspect you’ve fractured your foot, it’s important to get it assessed as soon as possible. At Peoria Foot and Ankle, we offer comprehensive care to ensure proper healing and help you return to an active, pain-free life.
SPORTS INJURIES
Sports Injuries
Sports injuries can vary, but common issues include sprained ankles, Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, shin splints, and turf toe. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving or bearing weight on the affected area.
What Are the Most Common Sports Injuries?
Sprained Ankle: Pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking after a twist or roll of the ankle.
Achilles Tendonitis: Pain and stiffness at the back of the heel, especially after activity or in the morning.
Plantar Fasciitis: Heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after resting.
Stress Fractures: Dull pain that worsens with activity, often accompanied by swelling and tenderness in the foot or lower leg.
Shin Splints: Pain along the shin bone, typically aggravated by running or high-impact activities.
Turf Toe: Pain and swelling in the big toe joint, often caused by hyperextension during sports like football or soccer.
How We Treat Sports Injuries at Peoria Foot and Ankle
Rest and Ice: Taking breaks from activity and applying ice to reduce swelling and manage pain.
Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and aid in a faster recovery.
Bracing: Using braces or wraps to stabilize injuries, particularly for sprained ankles or turf toe.
Anti-inflammatory Medications: Over-the-counter NSAIDs to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
Stretching and Strengthening: Customized exercises to help prevent re-injury and improve foot, ankle, and leg strength.
What Causes Sports Injuries?
Overuse: Repetitive high-impact activities, like running or jumping, can lead to overuse injuries like stress fractures or tendonitis.
Improper Footwear: Wearing shoes that lack the necessary support or cushioning for your sport can increase the risk of injury.
Sudden Movements: Quick changes in direction, twisting motions, or excessive force during sports can result in sprains, strains, or other injuries.
Weak Muscles: Lack of strength in the feet, ankles, or legs can contribute to instability, increasing the likelihood of injury.
Previous Injuries: If you’ve had an injury before, you may be at higher risk for re-injury or developing related issues.
How to Prevent Sports Injuries
Wear Proper Footwear: Choose shoes designed for your specific sport, ensuring proper support and cushioning.
Warm-Up & Stretch: Perform a proper warm-up and stretching routine to prepare your muscles and joints before physical activity.
Strengthen Muscles: Incorporate exercises that build strength in your lower legs, feet, and ankles to improve stability and endurance.
Rest & Recovery: Take regular breaks and allow sufficient recovery time between physical activities to avoid overuse injuries.
Avoid Overexertion: Gradually increase the intensity of physical activity to avoid overloading muscles and tendons.
When to See a Doctor
If pain persists or worsens despite rest and home care.
If there’s significant swelling, bruising, or difficulty bearing weight on the injured area.
If you notice any deformity, instability, or inability to move the injured joint or foot.
Early intervention can help prevent chronic issues and speed up recovery.
ANKLE REPLACEMENT
Ankle Replacement
If you’re struggling with severe ankle pain that doesn’t improve with rest or medication, or if you’re having difficulty walking, standing, or performing everyday tasks, Total Ankle Replacement (TAR) may be an option to consider. This procedure is commonly recommended for those with advanced arthritis or joint damage, helping to restore pain-free movement and improve quality of life.
When to Consider Ankle Replacement
Severe Ankle Pain: Chronic pain that doesn’t get better with rest, medication, or physical therapy.
Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty moving your ankle or doing everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods.
Swelling and Inflammation: Persistent swelling around the ankle joint, often due to arthritis.
Instability or Weakness: A feeling of instability or weakness in the ankle, making it difficult to balance or walk properly.
Difficulty Walking or Standing: Pain or discomfort that makes walking or standing for long periods challenging, sometimes requiring assistance.
How We Treat Ankle Arthritis at Peoria Foot and Ankle
Non-Surgical Treatments (Before Considering TAR):
Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling and pain.
Physical Therapy: Exercises to improve strength and mobility, helping manage symptoms.
Bracing or Splints: Providing support to stabilize the ankle and reduce pain.
Corticosteroid Injections: Used to reduce inflammation and temporarily relieve pain.
Activity Modifications: Avoiding activities that cause pain or exacerbate symptoms.
Total Ankle Replacement (TAR):
For patients who no longer find relief from conservative treatments, TAR involves removing the damaged ankle joint and replacing it with an artificial implant. This procedure restores pain-free movement and function.
Implant Materials: The implant is typically made of metal and plastic, designed to replicate the natural motion of the ankle joint.
Surgery Duration: The procedure typically takes around 2 hours.
Who Is at Risk for Needing Ankle Replacement?
Advanced Ankle Arthritis: Severe arthritis, often caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis, is the primary reason for considering TAR.
Failed Conservative Treatments: When medications, physical therapy, or injections no longer provide relief.
Age: While TAR is often recommended for individuals aged 40-60, younger and older patients with severe arthritis may also be candidates.
Increased Activity Demands: Active individuals who want to return to activities like walking, gardening, or even sports after surgery.
Obesity: Extra weight puts additional stress on the ankle joint, accelerating the degeneration of the cartilage and worsening symptoms, making TAR a good option.
How to Prevent Severe Ankle Arthritis
Manage Underlying Conditions: Keeping chronic conditions like arthritis, gout, or diabetes under control can slow down the progression of arthritis and delay the need for surgery.
Regular Exercise: Strengthening the muscles around your ankle can reduce the wear and tear on the joint.
Footwear: Wear shoes that provide proper support to avoid excessive strain on your ankle joint.
Injury Prevention: Preventing ankle injuries, like sprains or fractures, can reduce the risk of developing post-traumatic arthritis that may eventually lead to needing a TAR.
What to Expect After Ankle Replacement Surgery
Recovery Time: Full recovery typically takes around 8-10 weeks, with weight-bearing restricted initially.
Post-Surgery Care: You’ll likely need crutches or a walker in the early stages, and gradually return to regular activities.
Return to Normal Activities: Once fully healed, you’ll be able to resume walking, gardening, golfing, and other low-impact activities.
Implant Lifespan: The implant generally lasts 15-20 years. Over time, the plastic lining inside the joint may wear out and require replacement.
Total Ankle Replacement is a highly effective solution for those with severe ankle arthritis who haven’t had success with other treatments. It can restore mobility, reduce pain, and significantly improve your quality of life, allowing you to enjoy daily activities again without discomfort. Always consult with a specialist to determine if TAR is the right choice for your specific situation.