Items filtered by date: June 2024

Surgery for ingrown toenails is aimed at providing relief and preventing future issues. When conservative treatments fail, a minor surgical intervention can become necessary. During the procedure, a doctor numbs the toe and removes part or all of the affected nail. This process helps to eliminate the pain and inflammation caused by the ingrown nail. After surgery, keeping the area clean and dry is essential to prevent infection. Pain and swelling are usually minimal, and pain relievers can help to manage any discomfort. Most patients can return to their normal activities within a few days, though wearing loose-fitting or open-toed shoes is recommended to avoid pressure on the toe. Proper post-surgical care, including regular follow-up visits, ensures a smooth recovery and reduces the risk of recurrence. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with your podiatrist to determine if surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Stephanie Oexeman, DPM of Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC. our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Selecting the appropriate running shoes is critical for enhancing performance and preventing injuries. For road running, lightweight shoes with ample cushioning and support are ideal to handle the repetitive impact on hard surfaces. Trail running requires shoes with rugged outsoles and enhanced grip to navigate uneven terrain and provide stability. For those focused on speed and competition, racing flats offer a lightweight design that maximizes speed and responsiveness. Cross-training shoes are versatile, offering stability and support for various workouts, including running on multiple surfaces. Minimalist shoes, designed to mimic barefoot running, promote natural foot movement and can strengthen foot muscles over time. Each type of shoe caters to specific needs and running conditions, making it essential to choose the right pair for your running style and goals. If you have endured a foot injury from wearing the wrong type of shoes, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer you relief options, in addition to discussing what type of shoes best fit your running needs.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Stephanie Oexeman, DPM from Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC. our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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

Children’s footwear plays a significant role in the development of their feet and the way they walk, known as their gait. Shoes that are ill-fitted or lack proper support may lead to many foot conditions, such as flat feet, hammertoe, or even issues with posture and balance. Investing in properly fitting shoes helps children's feet grow correctly, supports a natural gait, and aids in maintaining good body alignment. Shoes that are too tight or too loose, can lead to discomfort, or possible long-term health issues. Children’s feet are still developing, and their bones, muscles, and ligaments are not fully formed. Wearing unsupportive footwear during these stages of life can cause permanent damage and affect their ability to participate in daily activities. Quality shoes should have a flexible sole to allow natural movement, plenty of room for the toes, and good arch support to encourage proper foot mechanics. If any issues regarding your child’s foot health arise, it is suggested to visit a podiatrist for a thorough exam and appropriate treatment.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Stephanie Oexeman, DPM of Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC. our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

Laser treatment for fungal nails offers a promising solution to combat the persistent infection that plagues many individuals. While its cost may vary depending on factors such as location and severity of the infection, it is often deemed a worthwhile investment in restoring nail health. Beyond financial considerations, the cosmetic implications are significant. Fungal nail infections can cause unsightly discoloration, thickening, and brittleness, affecting individuals' self-confidence and social interactions. Laser therapy aims to eliminate the infection and improve nail appearance, addressing both functional and aesthetic concerns. However, despite its effectiveness, recurrence remains a common challenge. Fungal spores can linger in shoes and socks, potentially leading to reinfection post-treatment. Combining laser therapy with preventive measures like proper foot hygiene and footwear sanitation is essential in minimizing the risk of recurrence. If you have toenail fungus and are seeking viable treatment methods, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist to discuss if laser treatment is appropriate for you.

Laser treatment can be an effective way to get rid of toenail fungus. If you have any questions about laser treatment, consult with Stephanie Oexeman, DPM from Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC. our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment for fungal nails.

What Are Toenail Fungal Infections?

Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nail, is a relatively common and non-serious condition. Around 10 percent of U.S. citizens are afflicted with fungal nails. Common forms of fungus that infect the nail include dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.

Symptoms of Toenail Fungal Infections Include:

• Nail thickening
• Brittleness of the nail
• Discoloration of the nail

Diagnosis for Fungal Nails

Fungal infections are diagnosed by fungal culture and microscopy. This will rule out any other conditions such as nail trauma, psoriasis, lichen planus, and onychogryphosis.

What Is Laser Treatment?

Laser treatment is a non-invasive, safe, quick, and painless procedure that uses the heat from a laser to kill fungus in the nail. Each infected nail is targeted with a laser for several minutes. The treatment is usually utilized several different times over a select period. During this time, a podiatrist will keep an eye on the infection.

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