Choosing the perfect pair of running shoes is essential for runners of all levels. Your choice significantly affects comfort, performance, and overall foot health. To make the right selection, start by identifying your foot type, such as neutral, pronated, or supinated. Next, consider cushioning, which should be minimal for a natural feel, maximum for long-distance shock absorption, or moderate for most runners. Shoe stability matters for injury prevention. Those with flat feet or overpronation should opt for stability features like medial posts, while high arches benefit from neutral shoes with cushioning. A proper fit is also important. Leave about a thumb's width of space between your longest toe and the shoe's front. Try on multiple pairs and take them for a test run in-store to assess comfort and stability. Also, consider the type of surface you will be running on, because road, trail, and track running require different shoe types. Running shoes can become a major investment because they should be replaced after 300-500 miles to ensure optimal performance and prevent injuries. For more help with finding the proper running shoe for your feet, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, 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.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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.

When considering your workout routine, it is easy to overlook your feet and ankles. These often neglected body parts bear your body weight and support nearly all your movements. The foot and ankle complex is a marvel of anatomy, with 26 bones, numerous muscles, and countless nerve endings. During activities such as running and jumping, the foot and ankle endure significant forces, sometimes exceeding your body weight by several times. Moreover, they manage forces in multiple directions, contributing to their intricate biomechanics. Stretching and strengthening the foot and ankle complex is vital for overall physical health and injury prevention, as it can reduce the shockwave of force traveling into the shins, knees, and beyond. Neglecting this area can lead to common injuries. Stretching is also vital to maintain balance. An easy exercise to do for balance training consists of standing on one leg for 30 seconds, then repeat on the other side. Alternate between the two legs for three rounds. Once you can complete that with ease, repeat the progression on a soft surface such as a pillow. For advanced balance training, repeat the sequence above and close your eyes. If you would like to know more about various foot exercises you can do for balance, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide you with the knowledge you are seeking.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any 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.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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.

Your feet can reveal vital insights about your overall health. Often overlooked, they serve as a unique barometer for your well-being. Foot pain is a key sign that something is amiss. Frequent foot cramping can signal dehydration or nutritional deficiencies. A sore that will not heal might be a sign of diabetes causing nerve damage in the feet. These wounds can go unnoticed and lead to severe complications. Swelling, pain, and enlargement of the big toe may indicate issues such as gout, inflammatory arthritis, infection, or trauma. Heel pain may be indicative of plantar fasciitis, often caused by footwear choices or a strain on the ligament supporting your arch. If you have foot pain of any sort and you are not sure of its source or how to get relief, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist at your earliest convenience.

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.

Onychomycosis, a fungal infection that primarily targets the nails of the toes, arises from diverse fungal sources, which can complicate effective treatment. Fortunately, a number of remedies are available to help combat this issue and restore healthy nails. Toenail fungal infections can lead to symptoms such as thickened, discolored, and deformed nails, causing discomfort and embarrassment. Topical medications, including antifungal nail polish, creams, and ointments, can be applied directly to the affected nail. For more severe infections, prescribed oral medications work from within to eliminate the underlying infection. Although they may require several weeks or even months of treatment, they offer better results for stubborn cases. Laser therapy is a less invasive option, which involves using a laser to target and destroy the fungal cells within the nail. In extreme cases, when the infection is particularly resistant or has caused significant damage, surgical removal of the affected nail may be necessary. This involves extracting the entire nail or a portion of it. If you have a fungal toenail infection that is not responding to common treatments, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for additional options.

For more information about treatment, 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.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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.

To keep ankles strong and avoid dance injuries, it is important to take good care of them. Ankle problems can make it hard to move and do activities that use the legs. Dancing can be especially tough on ankles because of the energetic moves and jumps often involved. This can lead to issues like Achilles tendonitis, sprains, shin splints, and heel spurs. Pushing too hard can also hurt the ligaments, making ankles less flexible and painful. To prevent this, dancers can follow some good habits for healthy ankles. Warming up before dancing helps the muscles prepare for action. Moving the foot like drawing the alphabet can get blood flowing and make ankles more prepared. Practicing balance by standing on one foot for a minute can make ankles stronger and improve posture. Wearing ankle weights can be helpful for building strength and using ankle supports or braces can reduce pressure and keep ankles steady during dance. Watching one’s weight is also important because too much can harm the ankles. If you are a dancer and want to maintain the support of your ankles, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss additional methods for good ankle care.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle 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.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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.

The foot is a complex structure that contains numerous tendons, ligaments, muscles, and bones, with 19 bones located in the toes themselves. Among the common causes of toe pain are gout, tendonitis, bunions, and osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis, sesamoiditis, and turf toe are other causes. Gout is a type of arthritis caused by too much uric acid in the system, leading to excruciating big toe pain. Overuse of the big toe, which is instrumental in walking, can lead to inflammation of the big toe joint. Tight-fitting shoes can cause a bump to develop at the base of the big toe, known as a bunion. Pain results from a shift in the biomechanics of the feet and friction caused by shoes. Rheumatoid arthritis can also lead to bunion-like deformities, causing sharp pain. Trauma to the big toe can also trigger osteoarthritis, which is characterized by excessive wear and tear of the toe joints. Sesamoiditis is an inflammation of the tissue surrounding the two tiny sesamoid bones, located at the base of the big toe. Turf toe, an overstretching of the ligament at the base of the big toe. For assistance with big toe pain that is limiting your daily activities, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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.

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a common fungal skin infection that can become serious for some people. Severe athlete's foot may be caused by different strains of the fungus or a weakened immune system, due to factors like diabetes, poor foot hygiene, or undertreatment of the infection. Symptoms of severe athlete's foot include intense itchiness, scaling, cracking between the toes, reddened or darkened skin, and a burning sensation. In severe cases, the infection can spread across the entire foot, causing dry, scaly skin, blisters, and painful ulcers. Risk factors for severe athlete's foot include sharing footwear, walking barefoot in public areas, and having sweaty feet. People with diabetes, compromised immune systems, or who live in areas where specific fungal strains are common are also at higher risk. Treatment of severe athlete's foot typically involves improved foot hygiene and antifungal medications. Preventive measures, such as keeping feet clean and dry, avoiding public spaces without shoes, and changing socks regularly, can help reduce the risk of infection. Untreated severe athlete's foot can lead to complications such as bacterial infections, cellulitis, and fungal nail infections. If you are suffering from athlete’s foot, especially if it has become severe, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for needed treatment.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Dr. Jeffrey J. Betman & Associates .  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best 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 and ankle needs.

A broken toe can be painful. Despite the discomfort it can cause, it is generally not a serious injury. A broken toe can happen from stubbing it into a piece of furniture, or from dropping a heavy object on it. Bruising, swelling, and the inability to walk are common symptoms that can be experienced with a broken toe. A severely broken toe may have a protruding bone, and surgery may be required to align it properly. The buddy taping method is effective in treating toes that are mildly fractured. This is done by taping the affected toe to the toe next to it. This treatment method is generally successful in providing the necessary stability as the healing process occurs. Mild relief may be found if the foot is frequently elevated, which may help to reduce some of the swelling. If you have fractured your toe, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat this condition.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Dr. Jeffrey J. Betman & Associates . Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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.