Podiatric Foot & Ankle Surgery

The area surrounding the foot and ankle is one of the most complex parts of the human body. When choosing a podiatrist, it's important to find one who understands the anatomy and specializes in the foot and ankle. Our state-of-the-art facility is orientated to providing our patients with the correct care to meet their needs through treatment and rehabilitation efficiently. If you've had a foot or ankle injury and need a surgeon, reach out to Dr. Schoene and her team at Gurnee Podiatry & Sports Medicine Associates today.

Why Are The Foot and Ankle Prone to Injury?

The foot is made up of 33 joints, 107 ligaments, and 26 bones, along with various muscles and tendons. With these numbers alone, it's easy to see why foot and ankle injuries are some of the most common sports-related injuries. It's also important to realize these injuries don't affect athletes alone. You can injure this part of your body simply by walking, participating in typical day-to-day activities, and even just wearing the wrong type of shoes. Your feet and ankles carry your body all day long and are in charge of helping keep you balanced.

Signs of Foot and Ankle Injuries

If you believe you've suffered a foot or ankle injury, it's essential to have a physician look at it for a diagnosis. Some injuries can present as other conditions and have many of the same warning signs. These signs include:

• Pain, including constant or sudden pain that is severe.
• Inability to bear weight on the foot or ankle
• Tenderness to the foot or ankle
• Swelling
• Bruising

If you're experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, it's important to reach out to a doctor right away to get the proper care. A foot or ankle surgeon can help provide the appropriate care and help you get back to your everyday lifestyle.

How to Prevent Foot and Ankle Injuries

Some injuries are inevitable, but there are some things you can do to help prevent them, especially for those in sports. Here are some precautions you can take to help prevent foot and ankle injuries:

• Warm-up before physical activity. Try a light stretch or go for a slow jog or walk before participating in sports. 
• Work on conditioning your body for participating in sports. Increase the time you spend on the activity to help build muscle and improve mobility.
• Make sure you're wearing the right shoes. Certain types of shoes are made for different activities. The wrong ones, when worn repetitively, can cause pain and even injury. If you have high arches, find shoes that fit correctly, such as those with more cushion. 
• Replace your shoes when they get to be worn out. If you exercise regularly, they may need replacement every six months. 
• Prevent injuries. If you've suffered an injury before, you may benefit from a tape or brace in the area to prevent recurrent injuries. 

Common Foot and Ankle Injuries

Dr. Schoene has seen a variety of foot and ankle injuries. Some of the most common include:

• Fractures. Whether it be in the foot or the ankle, a fracture is a very common injury.
• Metatarsalgia. This condition is caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes and deformities in the foot. Symptoms include pain in the ball of the foot that worsens when you stand, flex, or walk. You may also experience tingling and numbness in the foot or toes.
• Plantar Fasciitis. This condition is one of the most common culprits of heel pain. It causes inflammation along the plantar fascia on the bottom of the foot. Those with this condition commonly experience stabbing pains in the morning, which may dissipate as the day passes.

There are many more injuries that can occur to the foot and ankle than those listed above. If you're experiencing foot or ankle pain, it's best to make an appointment to be seen as soon as possible to prevent further injury to the area. 

What Is Podiatric Surgery? 

A podiatrist, also known as a podiatric surgeon, is a doctor that's qualified to diagnose, treat, and perform surgery on the foot and ankle as well as other related structures.

Podiatric surgery can be performed on:

• Neuromas
• Bunions
• Ganglion Cysts
• Soft Tissue Lesions
• Hammertoes
• Tendon and ligament tears and other injuries
• Joint replacement surgeries
• Bone spurs

Differences Between Podiatric Surgeon and Podiatrist

A podiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in the care and treatment of the foot, lower legs, and ankle. A podiatric surgeon is a highly skilled podiatrist that specializes in ankle and foot surgery. Our specially trained team of doctors, including Dr. Schoene, at Gurnee Podiatry & Sports Medicine, are dedicated to providing you with the care you need. We'll develop a treatment plan to help you get back to doing what you love.

About Dr. Schoene

Dr. Schoene is a triple-board certified podiatrist who has been practicing in the Chicago area for over 30 years. She is very interested in sports medicine and rehabilitation, which helps her develop specialized plans to treat her patients and get them back to living their active lifestyles. With a background in working with the Ballet Chicago, Olympic athletes, and gymnasts, you can rest assured you're properly taken care of while under her care. Dr. Schoene is board certified in Podiatric Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

Reach Out For Help Today

If you're experiencing foot or ankle pain and need foot surgery, contact Dr. Schoene at Gurnee Podiatry & Sports Medicine Associates today. Our office can help develop a treatment plan and get you back on your way to a pain-free life. We also do minor in-office procedures such as biopsy procedures, excisions and cryotherapy, and all kinds of nail procedures. 

You can reach our office by phone at 847-263-6073 during regular business hours or request an appointment online, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We're conveniently located in Chicago at 401 W. Ontario St., Suite 240. We look forward to working with you and getting you back on your feet.