- Warts
- Arthritis
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Diabetic Foot Care
- Diabetes Care
- Ultrasound
- MRI
- X-Rays
- Orthopedics
- Wound CareUlcers on the foot may not always come with pain, but they are serious conditions that should be evaluated by a medical professional. The symptoms of ulcers may include drainage, or red, inflamed tissue. To properly diagnose and develop a treatment plan x-rays may be ordered.
- Ankle Surgery
- BunionsA 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.
- Ingrown ToenailsThis happens when the nail grows downward into the skin instead of straight out, usually causing an infection. Ingrown toenails are most common on the sides of the big toe. It can also be caused by shoe pressure, injury, fungal infections, poor foot structure, etc.
- CornsCorns tend to be smaller than calluses and are the hard center is surrounded by irritated skin. While corns can be found on the bottom of the foot where pressure is usually applied, it is more common that you find corns on the tops and sides of your toes and even between your toes. When pressure is applied, corns can cause significant pain and discomfort.
- CallusesWhile most plantar warts are not a major health concern, it is advised you see a doctor to have the warts examined and removed. Some symptoms include small, rough lesions on the base of the foot, calluses in one spot, and tenderness when walking or standing for long periods of time.
- Fungus
- Lesions
- Sports MedicineDr. Merckx is a board certified podiatrist who participates in all aspects of medical and surgical treatment of the foot and ankle; with a special interest in sports medicine and biomechanics. As a father of two high school athletes, Dr. Merckx enjoys spending many hours taking in basketball, soccer, and tennis matches. He is an avid runner having completed numerous trail runs, half marathons and more recently his first full marathon. He enjoys helping athletes recover and rehabilitate from their injuries and get back to the sports they love. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Loyola University in Chicago before obtaining his Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine Degree from the William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Merckx completed a three year surgical residency program at the Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago before relocating to Madison in 2001.
- Physical Therapy
- Flatfoot Correction
- General PodiatryThat is why we offer the highest standard of care in podiatry. We seek to make your visit simple, stress-free, and effective! It is our goal to resolve your pain and function issues in a way that allows you to live the life you are accustomed to.
- Achilles TendonitisAchilles 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.
- Ankle InstabilityChronic 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.
- Ankle SprainTeam Sports: Baseball, basketball, soccer, football, field hockey, and lacrosse often lead to foot and ankle injuries. Artificial surfaces, improper footwear, and inadequate stretching are recipes for disaster. read more Our customized treatment plans allow us to individualize your experience and help you achieve your specific goals. We aim to treat your symptoms while addressing the cause of your pain, and we will work on establishing healthy practices to prevent future injuries. As a reminder, you should always wear sport-appropriate shoes and stretch for at least 15 minutes before playing sports.
- Bunions ProblemsFor 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.
- Calluses
- Diabetic Foot CareDaily 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.
- Flat Feet
- Fungus ToenailsFungal infections in the toe or fingernails can appear as thickened, discolored, or disfigured. While it may seem like the condition is just an aesthetic concern, fungal infections can lead to worsened symptoms and pain. Diabetes, a weakened immune system, and the normal aging process are all causes associated with fungal infections. It is more likely for senior citizens and adults to develop a fungal infection as opposed to children.
- Geriatric Foot CareAs we age, foot problems are almost inevitable and completely normal. However, there are important steps to take to make sure you stay on your feet.
- HammertoesHammertoe is a deformity where one or both joints of the second, third, fourth or fifth toes begin to bend outside of their normal alignment. Pressure can begin to weigh heavy on the toes as you wear shoes which is where pain and other symptoms develop.
- Heel SpursHeel spurs occur in at least 50% of people who have plantar fasciitis. Past treatments for heel spurs, a bony growth that begins on the front of your heel bone and points toward the arch of your foot, included surgery to remove the growth. Nowadays, surgery is rarely a treatment option and more plans for physical therapy, ice, and pain medications are used to treat heel spurs.
- Ingrown ToenailsWe have all made the painful mistake of trimming our nails too short at some point in our lives. Sometimes, this can really affect our foot health by causing ingrown toenails.
- Plantar FasciitisMartial Arts and Kickboxing: Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, and ankle sprains. Proper stretching is vital to injury prevention, specifically, a minimum of 15 minutes before beginning exercise.
- Podiatric Orthopedics
- Podiatric Surgery