December 2024

Plantar warts are small, rough growths that appear on the soles of the feet, caused by the human papillomavirus, known as HPV. These warts are contagious and can spread through direct contact or by walking barefoot in public places like swimming pools and locker rooms. People with weakened immune systems, such as those with diabetes, HIV, or undergoing chemotherapy, are more likely to develop plantar warts. The virus thrives in warm, moist environments, making feet particularly vulnerable. Plantar warts can be painful, especially when pressure is applied while walking, and may appear with tiny black dots at their center, which are blood vessels. While treatments like salicylic acid can help, they often take time and may not work for deeper or larger warts. A podiatrist can offer a proper diagnosis and suggest effective treatment for plantar warts. Treatment options include cryotherapy, laser therapy, or minor surgical removal for faster, more lasting results. If you have a plantar warts, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Anna Petrov from Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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

Wearing high heels during the winter can present unique challenges for the feet, toes, and ankles. The combination of slippery surfaces, icy sidewalks, and cold weather increases the risk of falls, frostbite, and strain on the lower extremities. Wearing high heels in winter often lead to instability, especially on ice-covered surfaces, which can cause sprains or fractures in the ankles. Also, the pressure on the forefoot from wearing high heels may increase discomfort, particularly when paired with reduced traction or improper footwear. Choosing footwear with features like closed toes, slip-resistant soles, and sturdy heel designs, such as block or wedge heels, can minimize these risks. Opting for styles with ankle support can further enhance stability while keeping feet warm and protected from snow and cold. A podiatrist can recommend proper winter footwear or address any pain caused by high heels. If you sustain a foot or ankle injury from wearing high heels, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for guidance.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Anna Petrov from Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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

Waking up with ankle pain can be caused by several factors. One common reason is the dawn phenomenon, which refers to increased inflammation and stiffness that occurs in the early morning, often due to the body’s natural circadian rhythms. Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, can lead to morning ankle pain as the joints become stiff overnight, making movement difficult. Inflammation caused by overuse, poor posture, or injury can also contribute to discomfort. Plantar fasciitis, a condition that affects the bottom of the foot, can also cause pain in the ankle area, especially in the morning when taking the first few steps. This pain is often sharp and decreases with movement as the tissues loosen up. If you are experiencing any type of ankle pain, it is strongly suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Anna Petrov from Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor 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 tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• 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 one of our offices located in Wheeling and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, particularly between the toes. It is caused by fungi known as dermatophytes, which thrive in warm, moist environments like sweaty socks and shoes. The symptoms of athlete's foot include itching, redness, peeling, and sometimes blistering or cracking of the skin. There are different types of athlete’s foot, including interdigital, which affects the spaces between the toes, and moccasin-type, which leads to dry, scaly skin on the soles and sides of the feet. The infection can reoccur because the fungi are resilient and can survive on contaminated surfaces like floors, towels, and shoes. Poor foot hygiene, wearing tight shoes, and exposure to communal areas like gym floors can contribute to repeated infections. Athlete’s foot can be uncomfortable. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer prescribed medication for relief.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Anna Petrov from Family Foot & Ankle Care.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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

Foot and heel blisters are fluid-filled sacs that form on the skin when it is subjected to friction or pressure. They are commonly caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes or engaging in activities that involve repetitive motion, such as walking or running. The friction causes the top layers of skin to separate, filling with fluid to protect the underlying tissue. Although blisters are usually not serious, they can be painful and may become infected if not cared for properly. To prevent foot blisters, it is essential to wear shoes that fit well and provide adequate support. Using moisture-wicking socks can help reduce friction, while applying blister prevention products or tapes to vulnerable areas of the feet can offer added protection. Foot blisters can be uncomfortable, and may cause difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have developed a foot or heel blister, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can treat infected blisters, and offer additional prevention methods.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. Anna Petrov of Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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