Items filtered by date: November 2022

Walking barefoot can be better than walking in ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or flimsy flip-flops but there are a host of dangers that walking barefoot can bring on, from stepping on glass to acquiring an infection. Flip-flops should not replace sturdier casual footwear even if they look fashionable. Wearing flip-flops for a prolonged time can cause pain. Researchers have discovered that wearing flip-flops alters the way one walks, and an altered gait can lead to serious sole, heel, and ankle problems. This footwear also lacks foot support. One scrunches their toes to keep them on their feet while the heel is lifted into the air. This motion stretches the plantar fascia, the band of connective tissue that runs from the heel to the toes on the bottom of the foot, and can cause inflammation to the heel and sole, as well as heel spurs and tired feet. Flip-flop wearers shorten their stride and turn their ankles inward, probably to keep the flip-flops from falling off, which can cause ankle problems. If you have questions about wearing flip-flops, contact a podiatrist, an expert in everything related to the feet and ankles.

Flip-flops can cause a lot of problems for your feet. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Dr. Jeffrey J. Betman & Associates . Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

Flip-flops have managed to become a summer essential for a lot of people. While the shoes may be stylish and easy to slip on and off, they can be dangerous to those who wear them too often. These shoes might protect you from fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, but they can also give you foot pain and sprained ankles if you trip while wearing them.

When Are They Okay to Wear?

Flip-flops should only be worn for very short periods of time. They can help protect your feet in places that are crawling with fungi, such as gym locker rooms. Athlete’s foot and plantar warts are two common fungi that flip-flops may help protect your feet against.

Why Are They Bad for My Feet?

These shoes do not offer any arch support, so they are not ideal for everyday use. They also do not provide shock absorption or heel cushioning which can be problematic for your feet. Additionally, you may suffer from glass cuts, puncture wounds, and stubbed toes since they offer little protection for your feet.

More Reasons Why They Are Bad for Your Feet

• They Slow You Down
• May Cause Blisters and Calluses
• Expose Your Feet to Bacteria

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Northwest Chicago, Southwest Chicago, and Wicker Park, Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Falls are common among seniors and once one falls, their chances of falling again are doubled. Unfortunately, falls can create serious injuries, including head injuries and broken bones, which can make everyday activities and mobility difficult. Causes can be a weakness in their lower body, being deficient in Vitamin D, or having trouble with walking or balance. Other falls may be from medicines that impact steadiness on the feet and cause poor vision. Wearing ill-fitting footwear can also make one more likely to fall. Broken ankles are often the result of falls, and this can further impact normal life. It is important to pay attention to risk factors and try to remedy as many of these as possible to prevent falls. Visiting a podiatrist can be helpful in being evaluated for fall risks and getting specific suggestions for changes that need to be made.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Dr. Jeffrey J. Betman & Associates . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Northwest Chicago, Southwest Chicago, and Wicker Park, Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sever’s disease is a condition that affects children and young teenagers who participate in running and jumping activities. A noticeable symptom is heel pain, and this can occur when the muscles and tendons grow at different rates. Many parents may become aware of this foot condition when they notice their child is limping and complaining of heel pain. Relief is often sought at this time, despite the fact that children may outgrow this condition as the aging process occurs. Mild comfort may be found when the feet are rested as often as possible, in addition to wearing cushioned pads at the heel of the shoes. It is beneficial to temporarily stop the activity that caused this ailment, and replace it by performing specific stretches. An effective stretch is done by standing on a step, and lowering the heels one at a time until a gentle pull is felt. Sever’s disease can cause your child to have heel pain, and it is strongly urged that you consult a podiatrist who can help you and your child manage this condition.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Dr. Jeffrey J. Betman & Associates . 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.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Northwest Chicago, Southwest Chicago, and Wicker Park, Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

As a car gets older, its parts start to wear out. This is also true with the feet. Foot problems begin to mount as one ages. This can be attributed to wear and tear, along with a number of other factors. The skin on the feet, along with other parts of the body, begins to lose its elasticity, creating an environment for infections or injuries. The fatty heel pad thins out, causing a loss of cushioning that may increase the likelihood of heel pain. Tendons and ligaments can become looser, leaving one open to strains and sprains. Further, the size of the foot may change as the feet naturally widen with age. It’s suggested that older adults check their shoe size before purchasing new footwear. Shoes that are too tight can invite foot and toe maladies. Finally, certain medical and health conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, and arthritis can affect the circulation of blood to the lower legs, feet, and toes. This can develop into neuropathy, which if not monitored, can lead to serious infections. As an older adult, it is a good idea to make an appointment with a podiatrist to check out the health of your feet.  

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Dr. Jeffrey J. Betman & Associates . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Northwest Chicago, Southwest Chicago, and Wicker Park, Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Even though our feet are responsible for so much of what we need to get through life, they are often neglected until they cause us discomfort. Given that our feet often get dry, and can be exposed to harmful bacteria, such as toenail fungus, it is beneficial over the course of one’s life to take proper care of them. Not many people know that soaking feet in apple cider vinegar has many benefits. It can help control infections, neutralize bad odors, soften the skin, hydrate feet, and calm itching. Apple cider vinegar is rich in acids and antifungal ingredients that can help regulate the pH balance of our skin. Simply add a cup of vinegar to a bowl of warm water and soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes. Repeat this treatment two or three times each week. Though this is a unique and natural part of routine foot care, if you should feel pain or notice something unusual going on with your feet, consult a podiatrist who can diagnose any problems and provide treatment for relief.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Dr. Jeffrey J. Betman & Associates . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Northwest Chicago, Southwest Chicago, and Wicker Park, Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.