Foot & Ankle

Achilles tendon injuries affect the strong tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone and are a common cause of pain and mobility limitations. These injuries can range from inflammation and degeneration of the tendon to partial or complete tears. Patients may experience pain, swelling, stiffness, weakness, or difficulty walking, running, and participating in sports. Achilles tendon injuries often develop from overuse, sudden increases in activity, sports participation, or age-related tendon changes.

Early diagnosis and treatment are important to promote healing and prevent further damage. At Fox Valley Orthopedics, our specialists provide comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plans to help relieve pain, restore function, and safely return patients to their daily activities and athletic pursuits.

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Achilles tendinitis is a common overuse injury affecting the Achilles tendon, the large tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. The condition often develops gradually due to repetitive stress from running, jumping, sports, or increased physical activity. Symptoms may include pain, stiffness, swelling, and tenderness along the back of the ankle, particularly during or after exercise.

Without proper treatment, Achilles tendinitis can become chronic and increase the risk of a tendon tear or rupture. At Fox Valley Orthopedics, our specialists provide comprehensive treatment options to help patients reduce pain, restore mobility, and safely return to their active lifestyles.

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An ankle fracture occurs when one or more of the bones that make up the ankle joint break as the result of trauma, twisting injuries, falls, sports accidents, or motor vehicle collisions. These injuries can range from small, stable fractures to complex breaks involving multiple bones and ligaments. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, deformity, and difficulty bearing weight.

Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to ensure proper healing and restore ankle stability. At Fox Valley Orthopedics, our specialists provide comprehensive ankle fracture care to help patients recover safely and return to their daily activities.

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An ankle sprain occurs when one or more of the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn, usually as the result of a twist, roll, or sudden change in direction. Ankle sprains are among the most common orthopedic injuries and can affect athletes, active individuals, and people of all ages. Symptoms often include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot.

While many ankle sprains heal successfully with conservative treatment, more severe injuries may require advanced care to restore stability and function. At Fox Valley Orthopedics, our specialists provide comprehensive treatment plans to help patients recover safely and return to their normal activities.

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A bunion is a common foot condition that causes a bony bump to develop at the base of the big toe. As the deformity progresses, the big toe gradually shifts toward the smaller toes, which can lead to pain, swelling, difficulty wearing shoes, and changes in foot alignment. Bunions often develop slowly over time and may worsen without treatment.

While many patients find relief through conservative treatment options, surgery may be recommended for severe or persistent symptoms. At Fox Valley Orthopedics, our specialists provide comprehensive bunion care to help patients reduce pain, improve function, and return to their daily activities comfortably.

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Charcot foot is a serious condition that develops when weakened bones and joints in the foot or ankle begin to break down, often without significant pain due to underlying nerve damage. Most commonly associated with diabetes-related peripheral neuropathy, Charcot foot can lead to fractures, joint dislocations, deformity, instability, and an increased risk of skin breakdown and ulceration. Early symptoms may include swelling, redness, warmth, and changes in foot shape.

Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent permanent deformity and preserve mobility. At Fox Valley Orthopedics, our specialists provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment plans designed to protect the foot, promote healing, and help patients maintain long-term function and quality of life.

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Diabetic foot problems are a group of conditions that can affect the feet and ankles of individuals with diabetes. Reduced circulation and nerve damage, known as peripheral neuropathy, can make it difficult to feel injuries, pressure, or developing infections. As a result, seemingly minor issues such as cuts, blisters, calluses, or wounds can progress into serious complications if left untreated. Patients may also develop foot deformities, ulcers, infections, or conditions such as Charcot foot.

Early diagnosis, routine foot care, and prompt treatment are essential for preventing complications and protecting long-term mobility. At Fox Valley Orthopedics, our specialists provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment plans to help patients manage diabetic foot conditions, reduce the risk of complications, and maintain an active, healthy lifestyle.

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Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, occur when the arches of the feet collapse or fail to develop fully, causing most or all of the sole to contact the ground. While some people with flat feet experience no symptoms, others may develop foot pain, fatigue, swelling, instability, or problems affecting the ankles, knees, hips, and lower back.

Flat feet can be present from childhood or develop later in life due to injury, tendon dysfunction, arthritis, or age-related changes. Early evaluation can help identify the cause of symptoms and prevent further complications. At Fox Valley Orthopedics, our specialists provide comprehensive assessment and personalized treatment plans, including orthotics, physical therapy, supportive footwear recommendations, and surgical intervention when necessary, to help patients stay active and comfortable.

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A foot fracture occurs when one or more bones in the foot break due to trauma, overuse, or repetitive stress. Fractures can range from small stress fractures that develop gradually to severe breaks caused by falls, sports injuries, or accidents. Symptoms often include pain, swelling, bruising, difficulty walking, and tenderness around the injured area.

Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to ensure proper healing and prevent long-term complications. At Fox Valley Orthopedics, our specialists provide comprehensive foot fracture care to help patients return to their daily activities safely and confidently.

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Foot and ankle arthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joints gradually wears down or becomes damaged, causing pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility. The condition can affect any joint in the foot or ankle, but it most commonly develops in the ankle, midfoot, and big toe joints. Common types include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis, which can develop following an injury such as a fracture or severe sprain.

Symptoms often worsen with activity and may make walking, standing, exercising, or performing daily tasks more difficult. Treatment ranges from conservative options such as physical therapy, bracing, orthotics, medications, and injections to surgical procedures when symptoms become severe. Early evaluation and treatment can help relieve pain, preserve joint function, and improve quality of life.

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Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that occurs when uric acid crystals build up within a joint, causing sudden and often severe pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness. The condition most commonly affects the big toe but can also develop in the foot, ankle, knee, wrist, elbow, or other joints. Gout attacks often occur without warning and can significantly impact mobility and quality of life.

Fortunately, effective treatment options are available to help manage flare-ups, reduce pain, and prevent future attacks. At Fox Valley Orthopedics, our specialists provide comprehensive gout care to help patients find lasting relief and protect long-term joint health.

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Hammertoe is a common foot deformity that causes one or more of the smaller toes to bend abnormally at the middle joint, creating a hammer-like appearance. The condition may begin as a flexible deformity but can become rigid and more difficult to treat over time. Hammertoe often causes pain, corns, calluses, and difficulty wearing certain shoes.

While many cases can be managed with conservative treatments, surgery may be recommended when symptoms become severe or interfere with daily activities. At Fox Valley Orthopedics, our specialists provide personalized treatment plans to relieve pain, improve toe alignment, and restore mobility.

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Heel pain is one of the most common foot and ankle complaints, affecting people of all ages and activity levels. The pain may occur on the bottom of the heel, the back of the heel, or both, and can make standing, walking, exercising, and other daily activities uncomfortable. Heel pain is often caused by overuse, inflammation, tendon injuries, nerve irritation, stress fractures, or structural abnormalities of the foot. Conditions such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendon disorders are among the most frequent causes.

While heel pain can worsen over time if left untreated, most patients experience significant improvement with conservative treatment. At Fox Valley Orthopedics, our specialists provide comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plans to relieve pain, restore function, and help patients return to an active lifestyle.

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An ingrown toenail develops when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, swelling, and irritation. While often affecting the big toe, ingrown toenails can occur on any toe and may lead to infection if left untreated. At Fox Valley Orthopedics, our specialists provide comprehensive care for ingrown toenails, from conservative treatment options to in-office procedures designed to relieve pain, prevent recurring problems, and help you return to comfortable daily activities.

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Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that occurs when tissue surrounding a nerve in the forefoot becomes thickened and irritated, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. Patients often describe a sensation of standing on a pebble, along with burning pain, tingling, numbness, or discomfort that radiates into the toes. Symptoms often worsen with walking, running, or wearing narrow or high-heeled shoes.

Although Morton’s neuroma is not a true tumor, the enlarged nerve tissue can become increasingly painful if left untreated. At Fox Valley Orthopedics, our specialists provide comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plans to relieve pain, improve foot function, and help patients return to their normal activities.

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Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, affecting people of all ages and activity levels. The condition occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot, becomes irritated or inflamed. Patients often experience sharp heel pain that is most noticeable with their first steps in the morning or after periods of rest.

While plantar fasciitis can be frustrating and painful, most patients find relief through conservative treatment options. At Fox Valley Orthopedics, our specialists provide comprehensive care to help reduce pain, restore mobility, and get patients back to the activities they enjoy.

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A plantar fibroma is a noncancerous growth that develops within the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot. These firm nodules typically form in the arch and may gradually increase in size over time. While some plantar fibromas cause little to no discomfort, others can lead to pain, tenderness, and difficulty walking, particularly when pressure is placed directly on the affected area. The exact cause is not always known, but genetics and certain medical conditions may increase the risk of developing plantar fibromas.

At Fox Valley Orthopedics, our specialists provide comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment options to reduce discomfort, improve foot function, and help patients remain active.

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Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs when the tibial nerve becomes compressed as it passes through a narrow space on the inside of the ankle called the tarsal tunnel. This nerve compression can cause pain, burning, tingling, numbness, and other abnormal sensations in the foot and ankle. Symptoms may develop gradually or appear after an injury and often worsen with prolonged standing, walking, or physical activity. Tarsal tunnel syndrome can result from swelling, injury, flat feet, arthritis, cysts, or other conditions that place pressure on the nerve. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent worsening symptoms and potential nerve damage.

At Fox Valley Orthopedics, our specialists provide comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plans to relieve nerve compression, improve function, and help patients return to their daily activities comfortably.

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