Corns are thickened areas of skin that develop when the feet experience repeated pressure or friction. They frequently appear on the tops or sides of the toes, where shoes can rub against the skin. Unlike calluses, which tend to cover larger areas, corns are usually smaller and have a firm center. They can become painful when pressure is placed on them. Wearing shoes that are too tight can contribute to corns, especially when the toes are crowded or repeatedly rub against the inside of the shoe.

Foot structure can also play a role in corn development. A hammertoe or another change in toe position can create areas of increased pressure inside a shoe. Corns can also form between the toes, where skin repeatedly rubs together. These corns can remain softer because moisture collects between the toes. People with diabetes or poor blood flow need to be especially careful with corns because foot injuries can lead to serious complications. Persistent pain, redness, or changes in the surrounding skin deserve evaluation. Repeated corns can signal an underlying pressure problem that should be addressed.

A podiatrist can examine a corn and determine what is causing pressure on the affected area. The evaluation can include checking foot structure, toe position, and how shoes fit. A podiatrist can safely reduce thickened skin and recommend padding or other devices to protect sensitive areas. Treatment can also address structural problems that contribute to repeated pressure. In some cases, surgery can be considered when a foot deformity causes ongoing pain and conservative treatment does not provide enough relief. Proper evaluation can help prevent recurring corns and protect surrounding skin. If you have developed corns on the feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions. 

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact the podiatrists of Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC. our doctors 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 doctors 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.

A bunion, also known as hallux valgus, is a structural foot deformity that forms at the base of the big toe. The big toe gradually shifts toward the smaller toes, while the first metatarsal moves outward. This changes the alignment of the foot and creates a visible bump along the inside of the foot. The area may become red, swollen, or irritated, especially when shoes press against it. Over time, the big toe may angle farther inward, and the joint can become stiff, enlarged, and painful.

Bunion symptoms vary from mild irritation to persistent discomfort. Common signs include pain, swelling, and difficulty walking comfortably. Calluses or thickened skin may develop when pressure increases around the affected area. Risk factors include family history, inherited foot structure, and certain inflammatory or joint conditions. Narrow or pointed shoes do not usually cause bunions by themselves, but they can increase pressure and aggravate existing symptoms.

Bunions can develop because of inherited foot mechanics, uneven weight distribution, or structural changes within the foot. A podiatrist can evaluate the condition by examining the foot and discussing symptoms. The exam may include checking joint movement, looking at foot alignment, and observing walking patterns. X-rays may be recommended to assess bone positioning and determine the severity of the deformity.

Treatment focuses on relieving pressure, reducing discomfort, and supporting normal foot function. Wearing shoes with a wider toe box can give the big toe more room. Protective padding may reduce friction and pressure, while activity changes can also help limit irritation. Supportive orthotics may improve weight distribution and foot alignment. Early evaluation can help identify contributing factors and guide appropriate care before symptoms become more difficult to manage. If you have developed a bunion, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management tips.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact the podiatrists of Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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.

Pediatric flat feet occur when the arches of a child’s feet appear low or absent while standing. In many children, flexible flat feet are painless and part of normal development, especially during the early years of growth. Flexible flat feet mean the arch is visible when the child is sitting or standing on tiptoe, but it flattens while standing normally. However, some children experience discomfort, fatigue, balance problems, or difficulty keeping up with physical activities. Parents may notice uneven shoe wear, frequent tripping, ankle pain, or a walking pattern that appears unusual. Flat feet can sometimes place added strain on the muscles and joints of the feet and legs, particularly during sports or long periods of activity. Rigid flat feet occur when the arch remains stiff and absent even when the foot is not bearing weight, which may point to an underlying structural problem. A podiatrist can examine foot structure, evaluate walking mechanics, and determine the best treatment approach. If your child experiences ongoing foot pain or difficulty walking, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis 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 the podiatrists of Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC. our doctors 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.

Ankle pain can make standing, walking, and climbing stairs difficult. The discomfort can develop after an injury, like tripping or rolling the ankle. It can also appear when an existing ankle problem becomes irritated or when muscles surrounding the joint are weak. The ankle contains soft tissues, including ligaments and tendons, that can become injured. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and stiffness. Some people also develop a limp because putting weight on the ankle feels uncomfortable. Pain can spread into the nearby calf or foot, making everyday movement more challenging.

Ankle problems can affect movement and strength, especially after a sprain or other soft-tissue injury. A sprain happens when ankle ligaments are stretched too far and tear. Depending on the injury, the damage can range from a small tear to a complete rupture. An ankle that is misshapen or difficult to bear weight on can signal a more serious problem. Significant swelling, redness, or heat around the ankle also deserves prompt attention. Returning to normal movement safely is important because ankle strength and joint stability support balance. A podiatrist can determine which structures are contributing to the pain.

A podiatrist can examine the ankle, review how the injury happened, and assess the patient's walking pattern. The evaluation can also identify limited joint movement or weakness that places extra strain on the ankle. Treatment can focus on restoring comfortable motion, improving stability, and supporting proper foot mechanics. A podiatrist can recommend supportive devices when appropriate, and guide a safe return to normal activities. Addressing ankle pain can help reduce problems with walking and lower the chance of repeated injury. Persistent or worsening symptoms should be evaluated rather than ignored. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with the podiatrists from Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC. 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 tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• 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 office located in Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.