Corns are thick, hardened areas of skin that develop on the feet due to repeated pressure or friction. They often appear as small, raised bumps that may feel hard or tender while walking or wearing shoes. Corns commonly form on the toes or areas where bones press against footwear. This happens when the skin tries to protect itself from ongoing irritation, often caused by wearing tight shoes, high heels, or abnormal walking patterns. Symptoms include pain, sensitivity, and a rough or dry texture in the affected area. Risk factors include wearing poorly fitted shoes, foot deformities, and long periods of standing or walking. Over time, corns may become more painful and interfere with daily comfort. A podiatrist can safely remove corns, assess foot structure, and help prevent recurrence through proper care. Corns can be painful and may cause difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have a corn, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and prevention tips.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Dr. Jeffrey J. Betman & Associates . Our doctors 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 offices located in Northwest Chicago, Southwest Chicago, and Wicker Park, Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle popping can happen while walking, exercising, or rotating the foot. The sound is sometimes caused by tendons sliding across the ankle bones or small gas bubbles releasing inside the joint. Tight muscles, weak ankle support, and previous ankle sprains can also lead to popping sensations. In some cases, the tendons on the outer side of the ankle move out of place and create a snapping sound. Exercises that improve ankle strength and flexibility can help reduce stress on the joint. Helpful exercises include ankle circles, calf raises, and balancing on one foot. These movements strengthen the muscles that support the ankle and improve stability. Stretching the calf muscles can also help the ankle move more smoothly while walking and being active. If ankle popping is accompanied by pain, swelling, or stiffness, a podiatrist can examine the ankle and recommend proper treatment. If your ankle frequently makes a popping sound, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Dr. Jeffrey J. Betman & Associates . Our doctors 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 offices located in Northwest Chicago, Southwest Chicago, and Wicker Park, Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Sharp pain in the big toe that develop suddenly may point to several underlying conditions. An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing redness, swelling, and tenderness. Gout is a form of arthritis that results from uric acid buildup, often leading to intense pain, warmth, and swelling in the big toe joint. Additionally, a broken toe can happen from direct impact or trauma and may cause bruising, stiffness, and difficulty walking. Risk factors include improper nail trimming, certain medical conditions, injury, and footwear that places pressure on the toes. Each cause may affect the toe differently, but ongoing pain should not be ignored. A podiatrist can evaluate the source, provide accurate diagnosis, and guide proper treatment. If you have discomfort in your big toe, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer appropriate relief and treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Dr. Jeffrey J. Betman & Associates . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Northwest Chicago, Southwest Chicago, and Wicker Park, Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a painful joint condition that develops when excess uric acid in the body forms sharp crystals inside a joint, most commonly in the big toe. A gout attack often begins suddenly, and may wake a person during the night with intense throbbing pain, swelling, and extreme tenderness. The joint can look red, shiny, and feel hot to the touch, making even the pressure of a bedsheet uncomfortable. Some patients also notice stiffness or difficulty walking during a flare-up. Gout may be linked to kidney function, dehydration, certain medications, family history, or diets high in purines found in foods such as red meat and shellfish. Repeated attacks can lead to lasting joint damage if the condition is not properly managed. A podiatrist can help recognize the signs of gout, evaluate the affected joint, and recommend treatment to reduce inflammation and improve comfort. If you have symptoms of gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and prevention solutions.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Dr. Jeffrey J. Betman & Associates . Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Northwest Chicago, Southwest Chicago, and Wicker Park, Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.