When a child’s feet turn inward while walking, this is called in-toeing. It often happens because the bones in the leg are slightly rotated, causing the toes to point inward instead of straight ahead. This is common in toddlers and young children, and is often part of normal growth. Some children may trip more often, while others have no pain or trouble staying active. In-toeing can come from the shin bone, called the tibia, or the thigh bone, called the femur, turning inward. A podiatrist can examine how your child walks, check foot and leg alignment, and determine if the condition is likely to improve with growth or if further care is needed. In rare cases, imaging or surgery may be discussed if the problem is severe. If your child is in-toeing, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and effective management of this condition.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, 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.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body uses glucose, leading to high blood sugar that can damage nerves and blood vessels. This often affects the feet by reducing sensation and slowing healing, increasing the risk of injury and infection. Proper foot care is essential and includes daily inspection, gentle cleansing, and wearing supportive footwear. Regular exams and careful monitoring of blood sugar, along with consistent exercise and a balanced diet, help reduce complications. Risk factors include poor circulation, long-term elevated glucose, and inadequate foot care. A podiatrist can detect early changes, provide treatment, and guide prevention strategies. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help 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.

The feet and ankles support body weight and help with balance, so weakness or stiffness in these areas can lead to pain and poor movement patterns. Certain exercises can play an important role in keeping the feet strong, stable, and flexible. Strengthening exercises improve muscle control and help support the arch. Stretching exercises improve flexibility and reduce tightness in the joints and soft tissue. Regular movement can also improve how forces move through the foot while walking or running. This helps to lower the risk of injury. A podiatrist can assess foot structure, identify areas of weakness or limited motion, and design a targeted exercise plan based on your specific needs. This plan may include exercises to build strength, improve range of motion, and support proper alignment. If you experience foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment, which may include targeted exercises.

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.

Thick toenails often develop due to underlying conditions that affect nail growth and structure. The most common cause is toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, which leads to discoloration, thickening, and brittle nails. Other conditions include onychauxis, characterized by abnormal nail thickening without infection, and onycholysis, where the nail separates from the nail bed and may appear white or discolored. Symptoms can include crumbling edges, foul odor, and discomfort while wearing shoes. Risk factors include poor foot hygiene, damp environments, aging, and compromised circulation. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing the condition, providing targeted treatments, and guiding proper foot care. If you notice changes in your toenails, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

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.