Items filtered by date: May 2023

Many people are aware when they have fractured a bone. The pain is sudden and often happens from an injury. This may not be true with stress fractures, as it develops over time. A stress fracture is considered to be a hairline fracture and is caused by repetitive movements. This is a common injury among people who enjoy running, or frequently participating in jumping activities. For example, osteoporosis can weaken the bones, which can make it easier for stress fractures to happen. Additionally, wearing shoes that do not fit correctly can gradually weaken the foot bones, possibly leading to developing a stress fracture. Mild relief may be found if sporting activities are temporarily stopped, and a supportive boot or cast is worn until complete healing has taken place. This can be followed by implementing specific stretches that can help to strengthen the foot. If you have a stress fracture, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat this foot condition.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, 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.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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.

The foot condition that is known as athlete’s foot is generally not a serious ailment, despite how uncomfortable it can be. Prompt medical attention is often sought for relief, which may help prevent further foot conditions. Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungus that lives in warm, moist environments. These can include shower room floors, public swimming pools, and similar areas. Athlete's foot is considered to be contagious, and it is beneficial to refrain from sharing shoes, socks, and towels. Additionally, it is helpful to wear appropriate shoes while in these types of areas, such as flip-flops or water shoes. The beginning signs of this condition may consist of red patches that can form between the toes or on the bottom of the foot. In severe cases, small blisters may develop. If you have signs of having athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer you the correct treatment options.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from Dr. Jeffrey J. Betman & Associates . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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.

Having persistent foot conditions may indicate there may be issues with overall health. Foot cramps can be a sign of dehydration, and may be remedied by drinking plenty of water. Morton’s neuroma can cause a tingling or burning sensation between the third and fourth toes and can happen from wearing shoes that do not have enough room for the toes to move freely in. Flakey skin may be a symptom of athlete's foot, which is caused by a fungal infection. Some patients have consistently cold feet, despite warm socks that are worn. This could mean there are circulatory issues, and it may be accompanied by fatigue. If you have foot pain for any reason, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide treatment, in addition to determining if the foot pain represents an underlying health condition.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Dr. Jeffrey J. Betman & Associates . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

The feet are often affected when rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, occurs. There are several joints in the feet, and this condition can make it difficult to walk and complete daily activities. RA may be responsible if the feet swell and become inflamed, often causing embarrassment. This condition may lead to bone spurs, numbness, and plantar fasciitis, which can all cause pain and discomfort. Patients afflicted with RA may need to change their shoe size and wear custom-made orthotics. RA is a painful disease, and many patients report they cannot walk without shoes. Patients with RA also report losing range of motion in their feet. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect the quality of an individual’s life. If you have developed this painful condition, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide the best treatment for you.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Dr. Jeffrey J. Betman & Associates . Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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.

When an individual sprains their ankle, it can significantly limit the extent to which he or she can engage in physical activity. The reason for this is that torn ligaments in the ankle area makes it susceptible to pain. This might pose a particular problem for patients that enjoy burning their daily calories by engaging in cycling. For this reason, cyclists may ask a medical professional if they can continue cycling while recovering from an ankle sprain. The answer will depend significantly on the individual patient’s particular case and the severity of the ankle sprain. However, it might be possible for one recovering from an ankle sprain to cycle if they do not put too much pressure on the pedals. Avoiding this extra pressure can minimize the force exerted on the sensitive ankle. If you are someone who has recently sprained an ankle, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for treatment and advice.  

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. 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.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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.