Your feet, heels, and ankles give you the support and energy needed to power through each day. If you need urgent relief for a foot problem, simply scheduling a checkup with a podiatrist can set you in the right direction. Make time to visit with Dr. Jennifer Busser, a foot doctor at Norridge Foot and Ankle Clinic, serving patients in Chicago and Norridge, IL.

Common Foot Problems

Up to 36 percent of the population experiences foot pain according to research published in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. It is also more common in women. Some of the most common foot problems that shouldn't be ignored include:

• Plantar fasciitis and related heel spurs.
• Ankle fractures and sprains.
• Hammertoes and bunions (joint abnormalities).
• Ingrown toenails in diabetic patients.
• Flat feet cause stretching and strain on the tendons and bones.

Why You Shouldn't Ignore Foot Pain

As you age, untreated foot problems can lead to permanent damage to the muscles, tendons, and bones in the feet. Some patients may become disabled in their later years and become unable to walk normally for any extended period. In extreme cases, the only option for relief for foot problems becomes invasive surgeries, which can require a hospital stay, extensive recovery times, and anesthesia. It’s best to start seeking help for a foot condition from your Chicago and Norridge, IL, foot doctor as soon as it becomes a source of daily discomfort.

How Are Foot Problems Best Treated?

The primary and preferred option for treating foot problems is non-invasive. That might include having orthotics or insoles made to replace the standard ones that come with your shoes. Many patients don't realize that many store-bought insoles are not designed to give ample support. Corticosteroid injections can help relieve pain in the feet so that you can get through each day and perform required physical therapy exercises. Icing and heat therapy can help relieve pain and inflammation in the joints and muscles. Your doctor may recommend laser treatments and minimally invasive foot surgery in more advanced cases.

Healing for Your Feet

It is easy to get distracted by the constant demands of life and to ignore matters of your wellness, including foot health. Get back on track today by calling (773) 625-2211 to schedule a foot exam with Dr. Jennifer Busser, a foot doctor at Norridge Foot and Ankle Clinic in Chicago and Norridge, IL.