What Are The Most Common Foot Ailments?

How Can Our Foot Pain Specialists Chicago Help You?

Regardless of your level of activity or age, you likely spend a good amount of the day on your feet. In fact, the average American takes almost 4000 steps a day. For this reason, foot injuries or ailments are very common, especially for those who live a more active lifestyle or have a job that requires them to spend a lot of time on their feet. If you are experiencing foot pain and are seeking foot pain specialists Chicago, Free Body Physical Therapy would be glad to help. Our community of doctors and specialists are best prepared to help you kick your foot problems.

Common Foot Issues

There are several conditions that are quite common and arise in people who live both active and sedentary lifestyles. The following are some examples of such conditions:

  • Athlete’s Foot
  • Bunions
  • Diabetic Neuropathy
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Blisters

Causes of Common Foot Issues

Athlete’s foot is a fungus that is normally contracted in a warm, wet area such as a gym shower or pool where people tend to be barefoot. Bunions are caused by wearing tight or narrow shoes, putting pressure on the toes. Family history also contributes to bunion development, as does being female due to the prevalence of wearing tight shoes. An ingrown toenail occurs when the toenail starts to grow into the nail groove, often caused by wearing tight-fitting shoes. 

Ingrown toenails can also be caused by trimming your toenails too short, trauma to the feet from running, and family history. Interestingly enough, plantar fasciitis doesn’t have a clear-cut cause. However, there are several risk factors such as being obese, having tight calve muscles, having a high arch, and being a runner. Looking for expert foot care to treat these ailments? Free Body PT has an expert team of foot specialists Chicago that can help you!

Symptoms of the Most Common Foot Issues

Athlete’s Foot

  • Itching
  • Cracking
  • Blistering
  • Tends to start between fourth and fifth toes

Bunions

  • Pump on side of the foot
  • Tenderness of big toe
  • Callus or corn below the big toe
  • Difficulty moving the big toe
  • Pain when putting pressure on the big toe

Ingrown Toenails

  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Pain
  • Drainage from toenail

Plantar Fasciitis

  • Pain in the heel
  • Swelling 
  • More pain with activity/placing pressure on the heel

Looking for Foot Pain Specialists Chicago?

If you are seeking treatment for a foot ailment and are looking for foot pain specialists Chicago, Free Body Physical Therapy is here for you! Our talented team of doctors have seen it all, and have the skills to restore your feet to full health. Although some of these ailments do not require physical therapy, recognizing the symptoms can play a huge role in ensuring your treatment is optimized. Contact us today to set up an appointment!