Items filtered by date: April 2023

When a woman becomes pregnant, it can be especially important for them to maintain proper foot health. One condition that might occur during a woman’s pregnancy is known as athlete's foot. This particular condition of the foot may develop when a woman becomes pregnant because the pregnancy can often make a woman sweat profusely, causing the feet to become moist and susceptible to fungal infections. If you are a pregnant woman with athlete’s foot, your medical professional might advise you against using certain over-the-counter antifungal medications incompatible with pregnancies. If you are demonstrating any of the signs of athlete's foot, such as itching, redness, or flaking, then it is highly suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for immediate attention.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Dr. Jeffrey J. Betman & Associates . Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the 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 needs.

Having a foot massage performed may be an effective method of reducing stress. Research has shown there is a difference between foot massage and foot massage therapy. People who get foot massages are aware of the good feeling they can bring, whereas foot therapy targets the pain points that are triggered, and the correct amount of pressure is applied to them. This may be helpful in keeping the feet strong, as they carry the weight of the body. Wearing shoes that do not fit correctly may result in overstraining the foot muscles, and this can be addressed during foot massage therapy. It can be easier to relax when this is performed, and an added benefit may be better blood circulation, lowered blood pressure and sleep quality may be improved. Patients have found existing foot wounds have healed faster, and the immune system may be enhanced. If you have questions about foot massage therapy, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide a detailed explanation.

Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, consult with 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.

Most Common Injuries

People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track. 

What to Do When Injured

Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.

During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:

Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.

Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.

Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full 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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Blisters on the feet can be an annoyance to anyone that develops them because they can cause potential pain and discomfort. Some individuals recommend wearing cotton socks to prevent the development of blisters. However, it is important to note that this is not a cure-all remedy because blisters can still form when wearing cotton socks. Specifically, since cotton socks retain moisture on the skin of the feet, this added moisture can essentially increase the friction that causes blisters in the first place. Rather, an effective way to prevent the onset of blisters is to wear shoes that fit properly and are spacious enough not to cause rubbing. If you are someone that is concerned about the development of blisters on the feet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for an appointment.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Dr. Jeffrey J. Betman & Associates . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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.

Recent studies have shown that falling episodes in seniors may be more prevalent in the fall and winter months. This may be a result of the changes the body undergoes in this type of weather, and people may not be able to react in time to prevent a fall from occurring. Falling is said to be a leading cause for a variety of injuries in people over 65 years old. Many seniors who fall can develop a fear of falling, which may lead to limiting everyday activities. This can limit mobility, and physical activity may be stopped. It is beneficial to learn about effective fall prevention methods to restore mobility and enjoyment in daily activities. These can include improving lighting in the household and removing worn rugs from the steps. Additionally, it is important to have routine physical and eye examinations to update existing medication and eyeglasses. Falling can impact the feet, and it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can inform you of practical fall-prevention techniques for foot protection.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Dr. Jeffrey J. Betman & Associates . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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.