Bursitis in the heel occurs when the bursae in the foot become inflamed. Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs near the joints that cushion the bones and tendons. This inflammation often results from overuse or excessive pressure on the heel, commonly seen in athletes or individuals who engage in frequent running or jumping. Heel bursitis can cause pain in the back of or deep inside the heel, which may worsen with activity and improve with rest. The pain may also be more pronounced in the morning or after long periods of inactivity. Bursitis can also lead to swelling, warmth, and redness in the affected area. Treatment typically involves resting the foot, taking anti-inflammatory medications, and wearing heel pads or orthotic devices to relieve pressure on the heel. Sometimes exercises are also recommended to strengthen the surrounding muscles and tissues. If conservative treatments fail, corticosteroid injections might be considered to reduce inflammation and pain. Taking steps to manage heel bursitis can prevent the condition from recurring and allow you to return to your regular activities without discomfort. If you have painful heels and suspect bursitis, it is suggested you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation. 

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 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.

Athlete's foot, known medically as tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet. It thrives in warm, moist environments, such as locker rooms, swimming pools, and communal showers. This condition is caused by various types of fungi, primarily belonging to the dermatophyte group. Symptoms of athlete's foot include itching, burning, and stinging sensations, frequently between the toes or on the soles of the feet. As the infection progresses, the skin may become red, cracked, and blistered. In severe cases, it can lead to the development of painful ulcers or secondary bacterial infections. Athlete's foot is extremely contagious and can spread through direct contact with infected surfaces or by sharing contaminated items like towels or shoes. Practicing good foot hygiene, wearing breathable footwear, and keeping feet dry can help prevent the occurrence of this bothersome condition. If you have developed this ailment, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who will often prescribe medication for relief and healing.

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.

Strengthening your feet is important for overall well-being, reducing the risk of injury, and maintaining foot health over time. A few simple exercises can go a long way to achieving this. Toe scrunches involve placing a small towel on the floor and gripping it with your toes, then releasing it. This exercise strengthens the muscles in your feet. Another helpful exercise is toe raises, where you lift your toes while keeping your heels on the ground, and then lower them back down. This helps improve flexibility and stability. Additionally, calf raises are beneficial for foot and ankle strength. Stand with your feet hip-width apart, then rise onto the balls of your feet and lower back down. These exercises can be done regularly at home. Along with proper foot care and checkups from a podiatrist, these regular foot exercises can contribute to improved foot health and reduced risk of injury. If you want to learn about more foot exercises to incorporate, or you have questions about your foot health, make an appointment with a podiatrist today. 

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.

Metatarsalgia, a common foot condition, manifests as pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot, specifically the metatarsal region. This discomfort can vary in intensity, from a dull ache to sharp, stabbing pain, often exacerbated by standing, walking, or running. The causes of metatarsalgia are diverse, encompassing both biomechanical factors and lifestyle choices. High-impact activities, improper footwear, and excessive pressure on the forefoot can strain the metatarsals, leading to irritation of the surrounding tissues and nerves. Additionally, foot deformities such as bunions, hammertoes, and Morton's neuroma can contribute to the development of metatarsalgia. Poorly fitting shoes with inadequate cushioning or support exacerbate symptoms, worsening the condition. Furthermore, age-related changes in foot structure, such as loss of fat padding and decreased elasticity of ligaments, increase susceptibility to metatarsal pain. If you are experiencing pain in this area of your foot, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat metatarsalgia.

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.

Understanding the variance between high and low ankle sprains is vital for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Low ankle sprains, commonly known as lateral ankle sprains, affect the ligaments on the outside of the ankle and are prevalent in sudden twists or rolls of the foot. Conversely, high ankle sprains, medically termed syndesmotic sprains, occur when the ligaments connecting the tibia and fibula bones above the ankle joint are stretched or torn. While both injuries cause pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight, high ankle sprains typically involve pain above the ankle and are associated with a longer recovery period. Moreover, high ankle sprains often result from more forceful rotational movements, such as those seen in sports like football or skiing. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can determine what type of sprain it is, and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, 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 are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

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

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further 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.

Gout, often characterized by sudden and intense pain, swelling, and redness in the joints, primarily affects individuals who exhibit certain predisposing factors. Men over the age of 40 are particularly susceptible, as are postmenopausal women due to hormonal changes. Additionally, those with a family history of gout are at an increased risk, suggesting a genetic component to the condition. Lifestyle choices can also play a significant role. Excessive alcohol consumption, particularly beer, and a diet rich in purine-containing foods such as red meat, seafood, and organ meats can elevate the risk. Additionally, obesity and conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney disease are associated with a higher likelihood of developing gout. Taking certain medications, such as diuretics, can contribute to elevated uric acid levels, increasing the likelihood of gout flare-ups. If you have had one or more gout attacks, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

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.

Non-diabetic foot ulcers are open sores or wounds that occur on the feet of individuals who do not have diabetes. While less common than diabetic foot ulcers, they still pose significant health risks. These ulcers can develop due to things like poor circulation, trauma, pressure, or infections. People at risk include those with peripheral artery disease, venous insufficiency, neuropathy, or autoimmune conditions. Additionally, lifestyle factors like smoking, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk. Non-diabetic foot ulcers often manifest as painful lesions, typically on the bottom of the foot or toes. They require prompt medical attention to prevent complications such as infection or tissue damage. Treatment may involve wound care, infection management, pressure relief, and addressing underlying conditions contributing to ulcer formation. If you have sores on your feet that won't heal, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist as quickly as possible for a comprehensive treatment plan.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, 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.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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.

Cold feet can often signal poor circulation, a condition where blood flow to your extremities, especially the feet, is not adequate. There are several common causes of poor circulation in the feet. One is peripheral artery disease, where arteries narrow due to plaque buildup, reducing blood flow to your lower limbs. Diabetes can also contribute to poor circulation due to high blood sugar levels damaging blood vessels and nerves, leading to decreased sensation and blood flow. Additionally, conditions like Raynaud's disease cause blood vessels to narrow dramatically in response to cold or stress, further limiting blood flow. Smoking also worsens circulatory issues as it constricts blood vessels. It is important to get checked for any underlying health issues if you have circulatory issues in the feet and lower limbs. If you are experiencing cold feet on a regular basis, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist, a foot doctor who can diagnose the source of the issue and offer treatment solutions for poor circulation. 

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Dr. Jeffrey J. Betman & Associates . Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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.