A broken toe may seem minor, but fractures of the toe bones can make running, jumping, and even walking painful. Athletes often feel swelling, bruising, and discomfort when pushing off the ground. Because the toes help with balance and movement, proper healing is important before returning to sports. Treatment depends on how severe the break is. Many toe fractures can heal with rest, taping the injured toe to a neighboring one, and wearing a stiff-soled shoe to protect it. Limiting activity for several weeks allows the bone to recover. Elevation can also help reduce pain and swelling. Surgery may be needed if the bone is out of place, involves the joint, or does not heal correctly. In these cases, small pins or screws may be used to hold the bone in position. A safe return to sports should be gradual and guided by a podiatrist. If you have a toe injury, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Nadia Sadeghi, DPM from Lincoln Park Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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.

Foot corns are small, thickened areas of skin that develop due to repeated pressure or friction, often forming on toes or the soles of the feet. Unlike plantar warts, corns are not caused by a virus but by mechanical stress from wearing tight shoes, high heels, or abnormal foot structure. They may feel hard or tender and can become painful when pressure is applied. Management focuses on reducing the source of irritation by wearing properly fitting, cushioned footwear and using protective pads to relieve pressure points. Regularly moisturizing the skin can help improve comfort. In some cases, over-the-counter treatments containing salicylic acid may be used carefully. If you have persistent or painful corns, it is suggested that you seek an evaluation by a podiatrist who can safely remove them and address underlying causes to prevent recurrence.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Nadia Sadeghi, DPM of Lincoln Park Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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.

Plantar fasciitis is often described as sharp heel pain with first steps, but many people notice it behaves in less predictable ways. The plantar fascia, a strong band of tissue along the bottom of the foot, helps store and release energy with each step. When it becomes irritated, the pain may ease after moving, then return later in the day or after standing too long. Tight calves, changes in activity, or even long periods of sitting can all play a role. It is not always about overuse. Wearing supportive shoes, gentle stretching, and pacing daily activity can help calm symptoms. Avoiding sudden increases in walking or exercise is also important. Early attention can prevent a longer recovery. If heel discomfort lingers or keeps returning, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Nadia Sadeghi, DPM  from Lincoln Park Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctor 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 office located in Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot infections can affect anyone, but they tend to be more complicated in people with diabetes. Even a small cut, blister, or sore can worsen quickly when blood flow or sensation is reduced. In these cases, the body may not respond as efficiently, allowing the problem to spread deeper into the skin or surrounding tissue. Compared to those without diabetes, these infections are more likely to return after treatment, require hospital care, or lead to more extensive procedures. Healing can also take longer, especially if the issue is not addressed early. For individuals without diabetes, infections still need prompt attention, but they often resolve more quickly with appropriate care. The key in all cases is early recognition and treatment. If you notice redness, swelling, warmth, drainage, or increasing pain in your foot, it is strongly suggested that you see a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment, which may require wound care.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Nadia Sadeghi, DPM from Lincoln Park Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

Selecting the right running shoes for a marathon is essential for peak performance and injury prevention. Comfort and proper fit are the most important qualities, ensuring that the foot is supported without pressure or slipping. Adequate cushioning helps absorb impact and reduces stress on the joints during long-distance running. Lightweight shoes can improve efficiency and reduce fatigue over time. It is also important to choose shoes that are suitable for the terrain, with proper tread for grip and stability on roads or trails. A podiatrist can assess your foot type, gait, and biomechanics to recommend the best footwear and prevent common running injuries. Wearing the right shoes is important for foot health, and may help to prevent foot pain. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury while running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat various foot conditions and guide you on the proper shoes to wear for your running style.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Nadia Sadeghi, DPM from Lincoln Park Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctor can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

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.