Anterior tibialis tendonitis occurs when the tendon that runs along the front of the ankle becomes irritated or inflamed from overuse or strain. This tendon connects the front of the shin to the top of the foot and is responsible for lifting the foot during walking. Repetitive running, jumping, or walking uphill can place excessive stress on this tendon. Wearing shoes that lack adequate support or are too tight can also increase tension in this area. People with flat feet, high arches, or muscle weakness in the lower leg are at higher risk of developing this condition. Symptoms include pain along the front of the ankle or top of the foot, swelling, and stiffness that worsens with movement. A podiatrist can help by examining the foot, ordering imaging, and recommending proper treatment. If you have pain in front of the ankle, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially 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 tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• 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.

Toenail fungus is an infection that develops when fungi enter the nail through small cracks, causing changes in color, thickness, and texture. Risk factors include aging, excessive moisture, poor circulation, and a weakened immune system. Coexisting conditions such as diabetes and vascular disease increase vulnerability. Common symptoms include discoloration, crumbling edges, thick nails, and a foul odor. Causes often involve walking barefoot in damp public areas or wearing tight shoes that trap moisture. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition, provide advanced treatment options, and prevent the infection from spreading. If you have signs of toenail fungus, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions that will restore healthy nails and protect your overall foot health.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, 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.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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.

Clubfoot is a congenital condition in which a newborn’s foot is twisted out of its normal position, often turning inward or downward. The exact cause is not always known, but clubfoot may be related to genetic factors, abnormal fetal development, or limited space in the womb. Symptoms include a visibly misshapen foot, stiffness, and difficulty with normal movement as the child grows. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for proper development. A podiatrist can help by guiding specialized care that may include stretching, casting, bracing, or monitoring long-term foot function. Early intervention leads to better outcomes and improved mobility. If your child has signs of clubfoot, it is strongly suggested that you include a podiatrist on your health care team to ensure healthy growth and support proper foot alignment.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. 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.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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.

Gout, once known as a disease of indulgence, is becoming increasingly common as rates of obesity and high blood pressure climb. This painful condition occurs when uric acid builds up in the bloodstream, forming sharp crystals that settle in joints, most often the big toe. Sudden swelling, redness, and intense pain can make even a bed sheet feel unbearable. Excess weight and certain medications used for hypertension can raise uric acid levels, triggering more frequent attacks. A podiatrist can help identify gout through diagnostic testing, relieve pain during flare-ups, and create a personalized plan to prevent future episodes. This may include shoe recommendations, dietary guidance, and custom orthotics to ease pressure on sensitive joints. If you experience recurring pain in your toe or foot, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist for evaluation and management.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. 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 form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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.