Items filtered by date: December 2024

Falling can significantly affect the feet, leading to injuries such as sprains, fractures, or bruises. When a person falls, the feet often bear the brunt of the impact, which can cause immediate pain and long-term complications. Several risk factors contribute to falls, including poor balance, weak muscles, slippery surfaces, and wearing improper footwear. People with certain health conditions, like diabetes or poor vision, may also face a higher risk of falling. To prevent falls and foot injuries, it is important to maintain good balance through exercises that strengthen the lower body. Wearing well-fitted, supportive shoes with non-slip soles can reduce the likelihood of slipping. Keeping living areas free of obstacles and ensuring proper lighting can also help minimize fall risks. If you have endured foot injuries from falling, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can educate you about effective fall prevention techniques.

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.

Heel pain is often caused by excessive pressure, injury, or strain. The heel’s fatty cushion helps absorb impact during movement, but activities like running, jumping, or standing on hard surfaces can lead to pain. This is particularly true among older adults, pregnant women, and people who are overweight. Ill-fitting shoes and abnormal walking patterns can also contribute to heel pain. Plantar fasciitis, a common cause, occurs when the band of tissue along the sole becomes inflamed, often resulting in sharp pain under the heel. Heel spurs, which are bony growths on the heel bone, can develop from chronic strain and can be painful. In children, Sever’s disease is a frequent cause of heel pain due to stress on the heel bone's growth plate during physical activity. A podiatrist can evaluate your symptoms, identify the root cause, and provide effective treatment, including custom orthotics, supportive footwear, or other measures to alleviate pain and improve foot function. If you are experiencing heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to find out the cause, and receive the appropriate treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please 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.

A broken foot can cause pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. The symptoms often worsen with movement or pressure on the affected foot. There are different types of fractures that can occur in the foot. A metatarsal shaft fracture involves a break along the length of one of the five long bones in the foot. A proximal 5th metatarsal fracture affects the base of the bone on the outer side of the foot, often resulting from twisting or rolling the ankle. A 5th metatarsal tuberosity avulsion occurs when a small piece of bone is pulled away by a tendon or ligament, typically from sudden force. Additionally, a Jones fracture, which involves a break at the base of the 5th metatarsal, can be more difficult to treat due to poor blood supply. If you have broken your foot, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can determine the type of fracture it is, and guide you toward effective treatment strategies.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. 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.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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.

Seed corns, medically known as heloma miliare, are small, well-defined areas of thickened skin that typically form on the soles of the feet. These hard, circular spots are often caused by friction, pressure, or dry skin, and they may appear in clusters. Seed corns are distinct from calluses and plantar warts. Calluses are larger and irregularly shaped, while plantar warts disrupt the skin's natural lines and may include tiny dark dots. Though seed corns are typically painless, they can cause some discomfort, especially in weight-bearing areas of the foot. A podiatrist can diagnose seed corns through a foot examination and distinguish them from other conditions. Treatment includes safely trimming the thickened skin to reduce discomfort, as well as addressing underlying factors like wearing ill-fitting shoes or excessive pressure. Podiatrists also provide guidance on preventive measures, such as selecting proper footwear and using orthotic devices to minimize friction. If you have a problematic corn on your foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for guidance.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Dr. Jeffrey J. Betman & Associates . Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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.

Neuropathic pain in athletes can stem from nerve damage or dysfunction in the feet and lower limbs, often presenting as burning, tingling, or shooting pain. Causes may include repetitive stress, direct trauma, or conditions like tarsal tunnel syndrome, where nerves are compressed. Diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, and excessive alcohol use can also increase the risk of nerve damage, although athletes may overlook these factors due to otherwise healthy lifestyles. The hidden dangers of neuropathic pain lie in its potential to impair performance, affect the feet, cause gait changes, and worsen with time if left untreated. Athletes may alter their stride to minimize discomfort which can lead to further injuries in the knees, hips, or back. If you are an athlete with neuropathic pain, it is suggested you consult a podiatrist who can help diagnose the root cause, assess nerve function, and create a treatment plan specific to you.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, 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 for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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.