- Warts
- Arthritis
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Diabetes Care
- UltrasoundUltrasound diagnosis is performed with high frequency sound waves, higher than the range of human hearing. Visualization of soft tissue structures is created when the ultrasound beam is transmitted into the foot and echoes are reflected from these structures. The echoes are then seen on a small television-like screen.
- X-Rays
- Orthopedics
- ArthroscopyAnkle arthroscopy is a valuable aid in the diagnosis and treatment of ankle joint problems. The procedure involves placing a small camera called an arthroscope into the ankle joint which allows the surgeon to view the anatomy of the ankle on a television screen. In addition, a second instrument may be inserted at a second site in order to treat the patient’s problem by cleaning, irrigating, or removing any abnormal pathology within the joint.
- Wound Care
- Ankle SurgeryDr. Michal Zemela grew up in Northbrook, a northern suburb of Chicago. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he majored in Molecular and Cellular Biology. Upon completion, he obtained his Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine degree at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. After graduating, he went on to Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, where he completed a three-year foot and reconstructive rearfoot/ankle surgical residency. During this time, he had extensive surgical training in all aspects of foot and ankle care and worked alongside many physicians in and around Chicago. He is board qualified in both foot and reconstructive rearfoot/ankle surgery and is an Associate of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. He is a first-generation American and speaks Polish fluently. He enjoys traveling, especially visiting some of his family that are still in Poland. He is an avid Chicago sports fan and enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He currently resides in Chicago.
- Bunion SurgeryThe purpose of bunion surgery is to not only reduce pain, but also to remove the painful prominence of bone and realign the joint to restore normal function. Guidelines for bunion surgery vary from simple to complex, depending on the severity of the deformity and the presence of arthritic changes within the joint. Procedures vary from simple removal of the bony enlargement with realignment of ligaments and tendons surrounding the joint, to cutting of the bone and shifting it to a proper position, and possibly fusion of a joint. If it is necessary to cut bone or fuse a joint, the correction will typically be maintained with screws. Many times a slipper or short leg cast is worn from three to four weeks, with walking assisted by crutches. The foot, after surgery, should better serve as a propulsive structure and carry the weight of the body in a more efficient manner.
- Joint ReplacementDr. Adam Bryniczka Is a native of the northwest suburbs of Chicago. He began his studies at the University of Connecticut before obtaining his Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine/Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in 2006. Thereafter, he completed three years of Reconstructive Foot and Ankle surgical training at Yale University Hospital residency program. In his final year of training, he was awarded and served as the Chief Administrative Resident at Yale University Hospital/DVA Healthcare Systems in 2008-2009. He is board certified in foot and reconstructive rearfoot and ankle surgery. He is a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and a member of the Yale Podiatric Society. In his comprehensive training, he had the opportunity to participate in the multidisciplinary approach to treat lower extremity limb threatening diseases with the cooperation of vascular, orthopedic, and plastic physicians. He specializes in complex foot and ankle surgeries utilizing the latest advancements in various forms of internal and external fixation devices, including joint replacement surgeries of the foot and ankle, as well as Ilizarov external fixation surgical techniques. In addition, he is highly trained in plastic surgery techniques for the creation of skin flaps to assist the coverage of diabetic and traumatic induced wounds. He currently resides in the western suburban area of Chicago with his wife Eva and daughters Anna and Ashley.
- BunionsBunions are a subluxation or dislocation of the great toe joint, in which an abnormal, bony bump is formed causing pain. Conservative treatment includes padding and wider shoe gear. Surgery is available to remove the bump and realign the great toe joint so that it functions normally and is able to fit in a shoe more comfortably. This is typically a progressive deformity, and if not currently painful, may become so in the future. Early evaluation by a podiatric surgeon is important to assess the deformity and determine a course of treatment.
- ArthroscopyIf you display any of the mentioned symptoms, call or visit one of our offices at Northwest Podiatry Center. Our doctors will evaluate your particular problem to decide if the procedure is right for you. Ankle arthroscopy may be performed at a hospital or surgical center. The surgeons at Northwest Podiatry Center are on staff at many convenient locations to perform out-patient ankle arthroscopy. We’re here to help you. For more information, or to make an appointment, please contact the physicians of Northwest Podiatry Center, at any of our convenient locations.
- Ingrown ToenailsIngrown toenails are a common affliction affecting many Americans of all ages. These may become significantly painful with frequent infections resulting. It is important these are addressed by a physician at the onset of symptoms. Attempts at home remedies or nail removal should not be made as these frequently result in infection.
- Plastic Surgery
- CornsCorns are a buildup of skin over a toe joint that is contracted, most often referred to as a “hammertoe.” Many times the corn can be associated with bursitis, an inflammation of a small pouch which lays above the affected joint between the tendon and the skin. If left untreated, the toe’s ability to function normally can be impaired, limiting its mobility which could lead to ulceration and infection.
- CallusesPoorly fitting shoes are the number one cause of foot injury when it comes to diabetes. Red spots, sores, blisters, corns, calluses, or any persistent pain should be taken seriously, and properly fitting footwear (along with orthotics) should be worn.
- Fungus
- Lesions
- Sports MedicineDr. Gregory Bryniczka graduated from the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine in 1974 and completed his surgical residency at both Northlake Community Hospital and Hines Veterans Hospital. Board certified in foot and ankle surgery, he is a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. A past president of United Podiatry Services of America, he also serves as a consultant to Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company. Dr. Bryniczka is especially interested in sports medicine and is an Associate of the American College of Podiatric Sports Medicine. He began private practice in 1976.
- Physical TherapyTreatment is designed to try to eliminate the pain, either conservatively or with a surgical procedure. Modifying shoes, wearing in-shoe orthotics or pads to take pressure away from the area, physical therapy, and cortisone injections are some of the conservative methods of treatment. If conservative therapy fails, an excision of the nerve (neurectomy) can be performed.
- Heel Pain
- Orthotics and Prosthetic TherapyDr. David O’Brian earned his medical degree at the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine and completed his residency training in foot and ankle surgery at Northlake Community Hospital. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgery. Dr. O’Brian is well known in the running, triathlete and dance community. He has worked over the years with many of the area high school, college and personal coaches. Dr. O’Brian is a Fellow of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine and his expertise includes biomechanics, orthotic therapy, physical and regenerative rehabilitation in addition to foot and ankle surgery.
- General PodiatryThe podiatrists at Northwest Podiatry Center, Ltd., will assess each patient individually to determine if an orthotic is an appropriate choice for you, based on your specific symptoms, activities, hobbies, and lifestyle. If orthotics are meant for you, they will be uniquely fabricated for your feet, based on a detailed exam. Specific measurements are taken to correct for misalignments within the foot that may have developed recently, or slowly over a lifetime.
- Achilles TendonitisNorthwest Podiatry Center is privileged to be one of the very few podiatry practices that offers diagnostic ultrasound for the investigation and visualization of soft tissue diseases of the foot and ankle. Chronic or acute pain resulting from such problems as Achilles tendonitis or rupture, bursitis, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, plantar fibromas, Morton’s neuroma, rheumatoid arthritis, general tendonitis or capsulitis, ankle sprains or strains, cystic masses, and degeneration of fat pad thickness of the bottom of the foot can be more easily treated with the use of this specialized diagnostic instrumentation. In some instances, stress fractures can even be visualized.
- Ankle Instability
- Ankle SprainTreatment of ankle injury or pain varies with the specific pathology the patient presents to our doctors at Northwest Podiatry Center.
- Bunions ProblemsA bunion is a painful, bony enlargement of the big toe joint where the toe stops pointing straight ahead, and begins drifting towards the little toe. The foot becomes wider, especially when compared to the heel, causing difficulty fitting shoes comfortably. Most shoes aren’t made to accommodate bunions, and soon the bony prominence becomes irritated with redness, swelling, and pain.
- Calluses
- Diabetic Foot Care
- Flat Feet12.) I began a new job and I’m on my feet all day. My dad had fallen arches, and a podiatrist made him some steel arch supports years ago. Do you think I might need the same?
- Fungus ToenailsOnychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nails. This is a common infection that often (40 percent of the time) accompanies a fungal infection in another area of the body. Fungi can live in warm, dark, moist environments like shoes, socks and stockings, and often infect your toenail beds when the protective nail surface becomes damaged or broken. In addition, there is a possibility that the toenail fungus can infect through person-to-person contact in social places such as health clubs, pools, showers, or even shared emery boards as used in a professional nail salon. Once a nail fungus makes itself at home in your nail bed, it can be difficult to eliminate and should be treated immediately by a podiatrist.
- HammertoesA hammertoe may be flexible or rigid, and can occur on any of the lesser toes. The reason that the toe “buckles” is because ligaments and tendons have tightened, cocking the toe upward, causing a pressure point for shoes to rub on, therefore causing the corn.
- Heel SpursAns. Morning heel pain is a common symptom of plantar fasciitis and possibly heel spur syndrome. Podiatric evaluation, including X-rays to view the heel bone, is important to rule out other diagnoses, such as a stress fracture. Many treatments are available for this common problem, including stretching, icing, anti-inflammatory medication, cortisone injections, and custom orthoses. Your podiatric surgeon will determine the appropriate course of treatment following your evaluation.
- Heel Pain
- Foot Pain
- Foot Infections
- Ingrown ToenailsFungal infections affect the appearance of the toenails and can symptomatically cause pain. This may be due to the thickness of the nail causing friction inside shoe gear or even create ingrown toenail pain leading to infection. Typically, you will first notice the fungal infection because of nail discoloration. You may develop green or yellow nails, or nails that turn an even darker color.
- Foot Injuries
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Podiatric SurgeryDr. Benish Ali grew up in the northern suburbs of Atlanta, GA. She completed her undergraduate degree at Kennesaw State University where she graduated Summa Cum Laude in Biology. Upon graduation, she obtained her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree with Magna Cum Laude distinction from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. After graduating, she went on to Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Hartford, CT, where she completed a three-year podiatric surgical residency. During this time, she had extensive surgical training in all aspects of foot and ankle care and worked alongside many physicians in and around the Hartford area. Prior to joining Northwest Podiatry Center, she served as Podiatrist at the Hartford HealthCare Medical Group. She is board qualified in foot surgery and is an Associate of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. She is also a board certified Diplomate at the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. She is an avid reader, enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends. She is fluent in English, Urdu, Pashto and Hindi. She currently resides in Saint Charles.