Extra body weight places greater pressure on the feet with every step. This added stress can affect bones, joints, muscles, and soft tissues, making daily movement more difficult. People who are obese are more likely to experience heel pain, arch pain, and discomfort in the ball of the foot. The extra force can also change the way the feet move while walking, increasing strain on important structures that support the foot. Foot pain can make staying active more challenging, creating a cycle that affects both mobility and overall health. Research also shows that obesity is linked to reduced balance and higher pressure across the bottom of the feet, especially in weight-bearing areas. These changes can reduce comfort and increase fatigue throughout the day.

Obesity can also increase the risk of foot conditions that interfere with normal movement. Flat feet can become more noticeable because added weight places greater stress on the arch. Plantar fasciitis, which causes pain near the heel, can also develop from repeated strain. Arthritis can become more painful because the joints carry heavier loads while walking. A podiatrist carefully examines the feet, evaluates walking patterns, and identifies areas receiving too much pressure. This detailed assessment helps guide treatment that supports healthier foot function. Shoes that lack proper support can increase discomfort and reduce stability, making proper shoe selection an important part of care.

A podiatrist creates a treatment plan based on each patient's symptoms, foot structure, and daily activities. Treatment includes custom orthotics,  wearing supportive shoes, and regular monitoring of foot health. Orthotics improve foot alignment and reduce pressure on painful areas. Regular evaluations help identify changes before problems become more serious. Early care can improve comfort, increase stability, and help people move with greater confidence. If you have symptoms of foot pain related to obesity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned 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.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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.

Summer is a time for vacations, outdoor activities, and spending more hours on your feet. Whether you are walking along the beach, exploring a new city, or attending outdoor events, your feet often work harder during the warmer months. Open-toed shoes, sandals, and increased activity can also make existing foot problems more noticeable. Conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, or heel pain may become more uncomfortable when footwear provides less support or places added pressure on sensitive areas. Skin and toenail concerns may also be easier to notice during sandal season. Preparing your feet for summer activities can help identify developing problems early and support healthier, more comfortable movement throughout the season.

As activity levels increase, foot discomfort can interfere with enjoying summer plans. Some people experience soreness after spending more time walking, while others notice swelling or pain after standing for long periods. Existing foot conditions may also become more noticeable because of changes in footwear or increased physical activity. Even mild symptoms should not be ignored, as they can become more limiting over time. A professional evaluation can determine whether foot pain, changes in foot shape, or nail concerns are signs of an underlying condition. Addressing these issues early may help improve comfort and support better mobility throughout the summer months.

A podiatrist can help patients prepare their feet for summer by identifying problems before they interfere with seasonal activities. During an examination, the podiatrist evaluates foot structure, walking mechanics, and any symptoms affecting comfort or mobility. Treatment is individualized to improve foot function, relieve discomfort, and help patients stay active with greater confidence. Regular podiatry care also supports long-term foot health during every season of the year. If you are experiencing foot pain, changes in your feet, or difficulty walking this summer, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. 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.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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 not always caused by overuse or injury. In some cases, it may be a sign of ankylosing spondylitis, a chronic inflammatory disease classified as a type of arthritis. This condition leads to enthesitis, which is inflammation at the points where tendons and ligaments attach to bone. In the foot, the most commonly affected areas include the Achilles tendon and the plantar fascia, both of which play a major role in movement and support.

Symptoms of inflammatory heel pain often differ from typical strain-related discomfort. Patients may notice persistent pain that is worse after rest and improves slightly with activity. The back of the heel may feel sore due to Achilles tendon involvement, while the underside of the heel may be tender from plantar fascia inflammation. Swelling and stiffness can make walking uncomfortable, especially during the early part of the day or after long periods of inactivity.

The causes of this condition are linked to immune system activity rather than physical stress alone. Ankylosing spondylitis triggers inflammation at tendon and ligament attachment sites, leading to pain and irritation. While the exact cause is not fully understood, genetic factors and immune responses play a significant role. Because the heel absorbs repeated pressure throughout the day, it is often one of the first areas where symptoms appear.

Risk factors include a family history of inflammatory arthritis, early adulthood onset, and ongoing joint stiffness. Identifying symptoms early allows for better management and improved outcomes. Supportive care and medical evaluation are key components of treatment. If you have heel pain or symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and effective relief and treatment solutions.

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.

Ankle arthrodesis, also known as ankle fusion surgery, is a procedure designed to treat chronic ankle pain by permanently joining the bones of the joint. This approach is often used when cartilage damage has led to bone on bone contact, causing inflammation and limited mobility. By eliminating joint movement, the surgery reduces pain and provides a stable foundation for standing and walking. It is widely recognized as an effective treatment for advanced ankle joint disease.

During the procedure, the podiatric surgeon carefully removes the remaining cartilage and prepares the bone surfaces for fusion. The bones are then aligned in a functional position and secured with surgical hardware, such as screws or plates. In some cases, bone graft material may be used to support healing and improve fusion success. The healing process requires time, and patients typically follow a structured recovery plan that includes immobilization and a gradual return to activity.

This type of foot surgery is recommended for certain conditions, such as severe arthritis, deformity, and long term joint instability. It is also used for patients who have experienced traumatic injuries or progressive degeneration of the ankle joint. Risk factors that may lead to the need for this procedure include repeated ankle injuries, improper alignment, and chronic inflammation. When non-surgical treatments no longer provide relief, ankle arthrodesis becomes a dependable solution.

Patients who undergo ankle arthrodesis can expect improved stability and reduced pain, although some stiffness is normal due to the loss of joint motion. Many individuals return to daily activities with greater confidence and less discomfort. Long-term success depends on proper healing and supportive care. If you have severe ankle pain and are exploring this type of foot surgery, it is suggested that you seek care from a podiatrist who can determine if this type of surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Dr. Jeffrey J. Betman & Associates . Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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.