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Foot Pain and Daily Life

Tuesday, 26 May 2026

Foot pain can affect far more than just walking. When your feet hurt, everyday activities like shopping, exercising, working, or even standing for short periods of time can become frustrating and exhausting. Ongoing discomfort may lead people to avoid movement, which can affect physical health, independence, and overall mood. Foot pain may develop from conditions such as arthritis, nerve problems, injuries, and tendon issues, in addition to poor foot mechanics, or chronic pressure points. Because the feet support the entire body, even minor problems can create significant limitations, over time. A podiatrist can identify the cause of the pain through examination, imaging, and gait evaluation, then create a treatment plan aimed at improving comfort and function. Addressing foot pain early may help restore mobility and make daily life easier and more enjoyable. If you have persistent foot pain that affects your routine, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Centers for Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

Bunions
Hammertoes
Plantar Fasciitis
Bone Spurs
Corns
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Ingrown Toenails
Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
Flat Feet
Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Merrillville, Portage, Michigan City/LaPorte, and Schererville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Dealing With Toenail Fungus

Tuesday, 19 May 2026

Toenail fungus is a common infection that affects the nail and surrounding tissue. The nail may appear thickened, yellow, white, or brittle, and it can become distorted or separate from the nail bed. Some people notice a mild odor or debris beneath the nail. In certain cases, the area may feel uncomfortable, especially in tight shoes. Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments and infections can develop from walking barefoot in public areas, wearing damp footwear, or having small cracks in the skin or nail. A podiatrist can evaluate the nail and may confirm the infection through testing to guide treatment. Care may include topical medications, oral antifungal therapy, or debridement to reduce thickness and improve medication effectiveness. Early treatment can help prevent the infection from spreading or worsening. If you have toenail fungus, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Centers for Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Merrillville, Portage, Michigan City/LaPorte, and Schererville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Mueller-Weiss Disease and Midfoot Pain

Tuesday, 12 May 2026

Mueller-Weiss disease is a rare foot condition that affects the navicular bone in the midfoot. It can lead to ongoing pain and changes in foot structure. The navicular bone helps in shock absorption and stability during movement. It is believed to develop when the bone does not receive enough blood flow and is placed under uneven pressure, which may cause it to weaken. People with this condition often notice aching or stiffness in the middle of the foot, especially while walking or during activity. Risk factors include unusual foot mechanics, repetitive stress, or developmental factors affecting the bone. Without proper care, symptoms can gradually worsen and impact daily mobility. A podiatrist can carefully evaluate the foot, confirm the diagnosis with imaging, and create a treatment plan that may include supportive devices or activity changes. If midfoot pain continues, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management tips.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Centers for Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist. Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care.

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

Freiberg’s disease
Kohler’s disease
Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp.

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking.

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked

Wednesday, 06 May 2026

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

Sever’s Disease and Heel Pain in Children

Tuesday, 05 May 2026

Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in active growing children. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress. This condition most often affects children and adolescents during growth spurts when the heel bone grows faster than surrounding muscles and tendons. Symptoms include heel pain during activity, tenderness, and limping after exercise. Causes include repetitive impact from running or jumping sports, and tight calf muscles. Risk factors include participation in high-impact activities, poor footwear, and rapid growth. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition, recommend stretching programs, provide heel support, and guide activity modification. If your active child has heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide effective relief and management tips.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Centers for Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.