Conditions Treated  Rockford, IL
Did you know the average person takes about 10,000 steps every day? That is a lot of stress on your feet! When you consider the array of surfaces and inclines that people walk on, you can imagine why foot problems are a common complaint among us all.

Achilles Tendonitis  Rockford, IL

Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendinitis is caused by overuse of the band of tissues that connects the lower region of your calf muscle to your heel bone, also known as your Achilles tendon. Those at a higher risk for Achilles tendinitis are runners engaging in intense training or middle-aged people who participate in sports on occasion.

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Acute Foot and Ankle Trauma

Identifying the location and displacement of the injured bone is instrumental in dictating conservative vs surgical care. Dr. Khan will be able to guide on you what options may be available to produce the most beneficial outcome.

Ankle Instability  Rockford, IL

Ankle Instability

Chronic ankle instability is usually caused by repeated ankle sprains and is described as the gradual giving way of the outside of the ankle. Some symptoms of ankle instability include constant inflammation or swelling, tenderness, and instability in the ankle. After a sprained ankle, the ligaments become stretched and torn. Proper rehabilitation is required to strengthen the muscles around the ankle and rehabilitate the tissues within the ankle that affect your balance. In addition, physical therapy, medications, and bracing can help treat chronic ankle instability. Failure to do so may result in repeated ankle sprains, or possibly surgery.

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Ankle Pain  Rockford, IL

Ankle Pain

The foot and ankle are highly specialized structures that absorb the weight of the body and enable us to move. Experts estimate that the force and pressure on your feet when walking can be up to two times your body weight. This pressure can increase with more vigorous movements such as running and jumping. With so much pressure on your feet and ankles, they undergo a lot of wear and tear throughout your life and are highly susceptible to injury and trauma.

The foot and ankle are a complex system of bones, ligaments, muscles, and joints that provide the structure and stability we need to move freely. If any of these components become compromised or weakened due to injury, overuse, degenerative conditions, or sprains, it can significantly impact your foot’s ability to move and function properly.

For those struggling with foot and ankle pain, it is important that you seek medical attention for a proper evaluation. Our orthopedic physicians are highly trained and experienced in diagnosing and treating all facets of foot and ankle pain or injury. After a thorough examination, we can begin to craft a customized treatment plan that will take your unique needs and lifestyle into account.
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Ankle Sprains  Rockford, IL

Ankle Sprains

A sprained ankle occurs when you twist your ankle in an abnormal way causing the ligaments holding your ankle bones together to stretch or tear. Most sprained ankles involve injuries to the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle. Treatment for a sprained ankle depends on the severity of the injury. Although you may just need proper rest and pain medications to heal, it is important to have the sprain looked at by a professional to determine the severity and proper treatment.

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Athlete's Foot  Rockford, IL

Athlete’s Foot

Symptoms of athlete’s foot include itching, scaling and cracking. Treatment relies heavily on making a proper diagnosis, as tinea pedis may resemble several other common skin conditions. Dr. Khan has the expertise to differentiate them.

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Bunions  Rockford, IL

Bunions

A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe. They can develop from an inherited structural defect, excess stress on your foot, or can result from an existing medical condition.

For the most part, bunions require no medical treatment. However, if you are experiencing one or more of the following, a podiatrist can help alleviate your symptoms.

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Corns and Calluses

A callus is an area of thickened skin that usually forms due to friction. Calluses commonly present on the feet due to their constant weight bearing status and tight shoe gear. Calluses in high risk patients can be an early sign of a deeper development of an ulcer. Dr. Khan will help guide you on your treatment in this area.

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Degenerative Joint Disease

As the cartilage between bones wears out, that joint is now prone to develop arthritis. Conservative and surgical options exist to alleviate symptoms. Our doctor will help you make an informed decision.

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Diabetic Foot Care  Rockford, IL

Diabetic Foot Care

Daily preventative care can help you decrease your risk of developing these other serious conditions like ulcers and infections. Inspecting your feet at the end of the day to look for any abnormalities, maintaining proper hygiene, keeping your feet warm in cold weather, encouraging blood flow in the feet, and maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle can discourage other conditions from developing.

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Flat Feet  Rockford, IL

Flat Feet

Flat foot is a condition where the arches on the inside of your feet are flattened which causes the sole of the foot to touch the floor when standing upright. It is likely for flat feet to be caused by the arches not fully developing during childhood and is considered a very common and painless condition. On the other hand, flat feet can occur after an injury or from the normal aging process.

While it is common not to experience any pain or symptoms of flat feet, some people do tend to sense pain in the heel or arch area. Physical activity can irritate the area and inflame the foot along the inside of the ankle. This can be caused by the tendon that is supporting the arch being stretched as it is depreciating.

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FootFractures  Rockford, IL

Foot Fractures

Since nearly one-fourth of the bones in our body are in our feet, fractures of the foot are common and rarely debilitating. There are two types of fractures. A stress fracture typically occurs in the space between the toes and middle of the foot, usually as a result of a physical activity gone awry. These fractures are only on the surface of the bone. General bone fractures extend through the bone. These injuries are usually caused by trauma to the foot.

Depending on the fracture and placement, different treatments will be discussed. Foot fractures typically heal on their own, although more serious cases may require surgery.

It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you suspect your foot is fractured so treatment can begin right away.

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Stress Fractures

Stress fractures show up over time. They are not usually immediate injuries. Jumping, running and long hikes can cause these injuries. Radiographic identification can help address these quickly to avoid a full fracture.

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Gout  Rockford, IL

Gout

Often we associate arthritis with older patients who have lived an active lifestyle. Gout, on the other hand, can affect anyone. Gout is a common form of arthritis that is known for its sudden attacks of pain and joint tenderness. Joints that are affected by gout are often hot to the touch, swollen, and very tender. While symptoms are not chronic, it is essential to take preventative measures to manage gout as its side effects can be debilitating and intolerable.

In addition to your treatment here at Footsteps of Illinois, we recommend the following preventative measures as a part of your at-home care:

  • Stay hydrated. By drinking plenty of fluids and limiting sugary drinks, you can help prevent future gout attacks.
  • Maintain a healthy weight as directed by your healthcare provider.
  • Limit alcohol consumption. Some types of alcohol are more likely to increase the likelihood of a gout attack.
  • Consider adding low-fat dairy products to your diet. These foods are proven to help protect against gout and are excellent sources of protein.
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Hammertoes  Rockford, IL

Hammertoes

A through evaluation of the affected digit as can dictate the best treatment plan. Joints can wear out and become arthritic over time. Conservative treatment can help in certain case. Surgical correction can help alleviate chronic pain as well as achieve or more natural looking toe.

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Heel Spurs/Plantar Fasciitis  Rockford, IL

Heel Spurs/Plantar Fasciitis

This is a disorder in the connective tissue band that runs from under the heal into the arch of the foot. A variety of treatment options exist. Our doctor can help identify the best ones for you.

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Ingrown Toenails  Rockford, IL

Ingrown Toenails

This is a painful condition in which one or both nail borders digs into the side of the toe. The inflammation that occurs becomes quite painful and should be managed as soon as possible to avoid a infection. Rest assured that our office is equipped to handle any ingrown toenail problem that may arise, with same day treatments.

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Neuromas  Rockford, IL

Neuromas

A neuroma can occur in many areas of the body when nerve tissue thickens. Morton’s neuroma is the most typical neuroma that occurs in the foot and it occurs between the third and fourth toes. Also known as an intermetatarsal neuroma, the name describes its location in the ball of the foot.

Compression and irritation typically cause the nerve tissue to thicken. This pressure creates inflammation of the nerve, ultimately causing untreatable damage to the nerves in the foot.

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Onychomycosis

Fungal nails presents with nails that are thickened, elevated and discolored. They may or may not be painful. Treatment options include debridement, oral or topical medications, nail avulsions and laser surgery.

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Pediatric Foot Conditions

Pediatric foot conditions often go unnoticed and are often misdiagnosed. Most doctors dismiss any pediatric foot issues as being a part of normal structural development that children will eventually outgrow. However, foot problems are often prevalent in children due to their high levels of physical activity. Children are resilient, meaning that any potential foot issues may be overlooked.

To recognize any abnormal pediatric foot developments, we will analyze your child’s ankles, arches of the feet, and inquire about any instances of cramping. It is crucial to send your child to an experienced, licensed pediatric podiatrist, in order to treat the problem at its early stages. If your child continues to grow leaving any potential foot conditions untreated, more serious conditions could develop.

Initial treatment options for pediatric foot pain, deformities, or injuries include minimally invasive techniques, activity modification, custom orthotics, and anti-inflammatory medications. If these conservative treatment options aren’t helping your child, surgery may be required.

During your child’s appointment, we will conduct a thorough examination to pinpoint the problem, while educating both you and your child on future preventative measures. Our goal is for your child to grow up with happy, healthy, and perfectly functioning feet.

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Peripheral Neuropathy  Rockford, IL

Peripheral Neuropathy

As a result of damaged peripheral nerves, peripheral neuropathy can occur causing symptoms like weakness, numbness, burning, and tingling in the hands and feet as well as other parts of the body. Traumatic injuries, diabetes, and even some exposure to toxins can cause peripheral nerve damage.

Once damage to nerves occurs, the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are gradual and worsen with time. It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to aid in the prevention of damage to those specific nerves.

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Verucca (plantar warts)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the virus that leads to the presentation of plantar warts. Shared public spaces, such as locker rooms or showers harbor this virus frequently.

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