When arthritis develops in the toes, the joints can become swollen, achy and less flexible, making everyday movement harder. The condition happens as the smooth cushioning inside the joint wears down, which allows the bones to grind together. This can create discomfort, stiffness, and sometimes visible changes in the way the toes look or bend. Many people find it painful to walk long distances, stand for extended periods of time, or wear certain shoes. Age, past injuries, and inherited traits can all increase the likelihood of arthritis in the toes. While it cannot be cured, there are effective ways to manage it. Wearing supportive footwear, custom orthotics, targeted stretching exercises, anti-inflammatory treatments, and, in some cases, surgery may ease symptoms and improve mobility. If toe pain is limiting your comfort or activity, it is recommended that you visit a podiatrist for a personalized treatment plan.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. 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.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your 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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper diabetic foot care is essential for preventing serious complications, such as infections, foot ulcers, and even limb loss. Diabetes can cause poor circulation and nerve damage, making it harder to feel injuries and allowing them to worsen unnoticed. Daily foot inspections, proper hygiene, moisturizing, and wearing protective footwear are vital steps to maintain health. A podiatrist plays a key role by monitoring foot health, treating wounds, and recommending specialized footwear or orthotics to prevent pressure points. Regular checkups help detect issues early and protect long term-mobility. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can guide you toward proactive strategies, helping you to manage this serious condition.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, 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.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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.

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, often affecting the big toe. It may appear suddenly, causing intense pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected area. The skin may look shiny and feel extremely tender, making even the touch of a sheet unbearable. Common causes include a diet high in purines, obesity, certain medications, and genetic factors. Gout attacks can last for days or weeks and may recur if not properly managed. A podiatrist can diagnose gout through physical examination, review of medical history, and tests such as joint fluid analysis or blood work. Treatment options include anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, dietary guidance, and long-term management strategies to reduce uric acid levels. Preventive care and lifestyle changes are essential to avoid future flare-ups. A podiatrist can also help rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. It is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for accurate diagnosis and care.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Dr. Jeffrey J. Betman & Associates . Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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.

An ingrown toenail is a condition in which the sides or corners of a toenail dig into the surrounding skin. Ingrown toenails are classified into three stages based on their severity. In stage 1, the end of the toe becomes reddened and mildly swollen. The affected toe can feel warm and painful to the touch, but has no pus or drainage. In stage 2, the toe becomes increasingly red, swollen, and painful, with yellow or white pus draining from the area. An infection may develop. In stage 3, the redness and swelling increase even more, and a mass of new tissue can grow around the nail, adding even more swelling and more pus.  At this stage, infections may be more severe and can be accompanied by a fever. If you have a painful or infected ingrown toenail, it is strongly recommended that you visit a podiatrist for treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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.