Adult & Children’s Sports Injury Podiatry

Your Sports Foot Doctor for Foot & Ankle Sports Injuries

Because the feet and ankles are so heavily involved in athletic activity, injuries and other medical conditions are common in athletes. Unfortunately, the longer these issues are left unaddressed, the more difficult they can be to treat. At Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists, we specialize in diagnosing and treating all types of sports-related foot and ankle injuries and conditions.

At our practice, we have experience diagnosing and treating a wide range of sports-related foot and ankle injuries. Some of the most common foot conditions we see include:

• Athlete's Foot: Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that commonly affects the feet of athletes, as well as non-athletes. This condition is typically characterized by itchiness, redness, and scaling of the skin on the feet. 
• Corns and Calluses: Corns and calluses are areas of thickened skin that form on the feet in response to repeated friction or pressure. They often occur on the toes, and can cause pain and discomfort.
• Hyperhidrosis: Hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes excessive sweating of the feet. This can lead to foot odor, and can also make it difficult to wear shoes, as they can become wet and uncomfortable. Athletes are susceptible to hyperhidrosis because of increased activity levels and the frequency at which they wear tight-fitting shoes.
• Skin Cancer: Skin cancer, while not as common as other foot conditions, can still occur on the feet, especially in athletes who are frequently outdoors. The most common type of skin cancer on the feet is basal cell carcinoma.
• Warts: Warts are growths that form on the skin when a virus comes into contact with an open wound. They often occur on athletes' feet, and can be painful.

Some of the most common ankle conditions we treat at Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle include:

• Ankle Sprains: Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries in athletes. They occur when the ligaments that stabilize the ankle are stretched or torn. Ankle sprains can range from mild to severe, and can cause pain, swelling, and bruising.
• Ankle Fractures: Ankle fractures are breaks in the bones of the ankle. They can occur as a result of a direct blow to the ankle, or from twisting or rolling the ankle. 
• Muscle Tears: Muscle tears can occur in any of the muscles around the ankle. They are often caused by overstretching or overexerting the muscle. Muscle tears can range from mild to severe, and can cause pain, swelling, and bruising.

At Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists, we offer a wide range of treatment options for foot and ankle conditions. If you'd like to learn more about our services, or if you think you may be suffering from a foot or ankle condition, please don't hesitate to contact us. We'll be happy to answer any of your questions and help you get on the road to recovery.

Board-Certified Sports Podiatry Near You

Treatments for Sports Foot Injuries

Depending on the severity of the injury, there are a number of different treatment options available for foot injuries and conditions sustained during sports, all of which are developed with the goal of returning you to full function. At Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle, we offer a wide range of treatment options, including:

• Fungus Removal: If you are suffering from athlete's foot or another fungal infection, we offer a number of different options for removing the fungus and restoring your skin to health, including topical and oral antifungal medications, as well as laser therapy.
• CleanSweep: For athletes suffering from hyperhidrosis, we offer CleanSweep, a state-of-the-art laser treatment that targets the sweat glands and significantly reduces foot sweating.
• Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy is a treatment that uses extreme cold to destroy abnormal or diseased tissue. It is often used to treat warts, skin cancer, and other conditions of the foot.
• Excision: Excision is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of tissue. It is often used to treat corns, calluses, warts, and other growths on the feet.
• Casting: Casting is a common treatment for fractures and breaks in the bones of the foot. A plaster or fiberglass cast is placed around the affected area to immobilize the foot and allow it to heal.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat a foot or ankle condition. Surgery is often used to treat fractures, tendon tears, and other serious injuries.

If you are suffering from a foot injury or condition, the first step is to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified podiatrists. We will evaluate your condition and develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.