Clinical

What is the difference between orthopedic surgery and podiatry for the condition of bunions?  Both are medical and surgical specialties, and its practitioners attended medical school and residency, and go through a licensure and board certification process.  Orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists work side by side in hospitals and in the same group practices. The main … Read more

Plantar Fasciitis from Chicago Health SMB Brands on Vimeo. What is the difference between orthopedic surgery and podiatry for the condition of plantar fasciitis?  Both are medical and surgical specialties, and its practitioners attended medical school and residency, and go through a licensure and board certification process.  Orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists work side by side … Read more

Cavus foot is a foot type, mostly genetic but could also be caused by some neuromuscular disorders.  Patients with high arched feet may have pain in the ball of the foot, the arch, the heel, or the Achilles tendon.  Custom orthotics may be needed to balance out the forces in the foot to decrease pain. … Read more

Diabetics may lose sensation in their feet, usually starting at the toes.  This may cause them not to feel sharp objects that can hurt them.  It is important to check the feet each day for foreign bodies, bleeding, signs of infection, and call the doctor right away if the above are seen.  Diabetic neuropathy can … Read more

Equinus is where the ankle joint does not bend up enough to walk.  The normal angle of the ankle joint going up is 10 degrees with the knee extended.  Equinus can be caused by tight tendons or a bony block like a spur.  This may cause pain with walking and activities.  Treatments include heel lifts, … Read more

The metatarsals is the part of the foot between the top of the arch and the toes. There are five metatarsals behind each of the toes. These bones are easily fractured. Stress fractures are particularly common.  Avulsion fractures are common with the fifth metatarsal where the tendon pulls off a piece of the bone. There … Read more

Bones usually take 6-8 weeks to heal. For patients who sustain a fracture or have surgery where the bones were cut with internal fixation placed, weight bearing may need to be protected or avoided. Dr. Hoy will advise. After a month there may not be any pain and the weight bearing restrictions may not seem … Read more

The Lisfranc’s joint runs along the top of the arch on the foot. This joint can be injured or fractured. Signs of a fracture include bruising, redness and swelling. In addition to physical examination, an x-ray is required to diagnose the fracture. Depending on the severity of the fracture, either protected weight bearing, non-weight bearing, … Read more

Malignant melanomas and other cancers can occur in the foot. Podiatric care is very important as suspicious soft tissue lesions can be identified and biopsied as soon as possible. We work with other specialists to provide total care for patients who have been diagnosed with these conditions. Malignant Melanoma from Chicago Health SMB Brands on … Read more

Warts are very common, especially in the younger, more athletic population. It is a viral infection that comes from public places such as swimming pools, showers, yoga mats. The body eventually needs to fight off the virus like others, but podiatrists can help to treat the condition with debridement and medications. Plantar Warts from Chicago … Read more