Items filtered by date: October 2025

Pickleball’s rapid rise in popularity has also brought an increase in foot and ankle injuries among players. Quick pivots, sudden lunges, and rapid stops put significant stress on the feet, often leading to plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains, and Achilles tendon ruptures. The Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel, is especially vulnerable during explosive movements causing tears or ruptures. Strains of the peroneal tendons along the outside of the ankle or stress fractures of the metatarsals in the forefoot may result from repetitive pounding on hard surfaces. Mild sprains or bruising can impact stability, making it harder to push off, jump, or change direction. A podiatrist can provide a full evaluation, order imaging if necessary, and offer advanced treatment options to restore mobility and reduce long-term complications. If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain after playing pickleball, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Dr. John P. Beaupied from Palos Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Palos Heights, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of the foot, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. It occurs when the tissue surrounding a nerve becomes thickened due to irritation or compression. It is often caused by wearing tight shoes, high heels, or engaging in repetitive activities that put pressure on the forefoot. Symptoms include sharp, burning pain, numbness, tingling, or the sensation of standing on a pebble. The affected area may look normal but can feel tender or sensitive to touch. Walking or standing for long periods of time often increases the pain. A podiatrist can diagnose Morton’s neuroma through a physical examination and imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or MRI scan, to confirm nerve involvement. Treatment options include footwear modifications, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, and, in some cases, surgery. Early intervention can prevent worsening symptoms. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is   suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat Morton's neuroma. 

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. John P. Beaupied of Palos Podiatry. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Palos Heights, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Strong ankles can help improve comfort and stability when wearing high heels. Ankle flexion is performed by pointing your toes upward to stretch and strengthen the front of the ankle. Ankle extension is done by pointing your toes downward to work the calf muscles and improve balance. Additionally, ankle circles involve rotating your ankles slowly in both directions to increase flexibility and mobility. Regularly practicing these ankle strengthening exercises can reduce the risk of pain or injury from high heels. A podiatrist can assess your ankle strength, recommend targeted exercises, and provide supportive care to keep your feet healthy. If you have foot or ankle pain from frequently wearing high heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you toward additional ankle stretches. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. John P. Beaupied from Palos Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Palos Heights, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Babies can develop ingrown toenails when the corner of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, often affecting the big toe. Because infant nails are soft and flexible, they may sometimes appear ingrown when they are only curving at the edges. Signs of a true ingrown toenail include redness, swelling, tenderness, and, in some cases, drainage of fluid near the nail. Causes of ingrown toenails include nails being trimmed too short, rounded edges that grow into the skin, or pressure from tight shoes once the baby begins walking. If ignored, an ingrown toenail may lead to infection, making the toe more painful and swollen. A podiatrist can determine if the nail is truly ingrown and provide treatment to ease discomfort, prevent infection, and guide parents on proper nail care as their child grows. If your child develops an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment solutions.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. John P. Beaupied of Palos Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Palos Heights, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.