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Family Foot & Ankle Care in Wheeling, IL 60090 and Chicago, IL 60613

November 2018

Monday, 26 November 2018 00:00

High Heels and the Achilles Tendon

Many women enjoy wearing high heels despite having the knowledge that the feet may be negatively affected. Research has shown the Achilles tendon may become shorter and stiffness may occur as a possible result of frequently wearing high heels. Additionally, balance and posture may become affected as the center of gravity changes, and the muscles surrounding the ankle may be compromised. There may be solutions that can be implemented to protect the feet from wearing high heels, and these may include choosing to wear shoes that have a lower heel, reducing the amount of days and time spent wearing high heels, or wearing soft insoles, which may provide adequate cushioning for the feet. If you would like additional information about the effects high heels can have on your feet, please speak with a podiatrist who will be able to suggest proper foot strengthening exercises.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Anna Petrov from Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

  • Ankle Joints
  • Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
  • Balls of the Feet
  • Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
  • Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

  • Corns
  • Calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Morton’s Neuroma
  • Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Wheeling and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Wednesday, 21 November 2018 00:00

Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

The medical condition that is referred to as athlete’s foot will typically affect many different types of people regardless if they are athletes. The tinea fungus is responsible for this uncomfortable ailment and will survive in moist and warm areas. It is known to be extremely contagious, and it often lives in public pools, showers, and surrounding areas. The noticeable symptoms may include cracked and peeling skin between the toes, dry or raw skin on your feet, or an itchy sensation that may affect the entire foot. There may be pre-existing medical conditions that may include diabetes or a weakened immune system, which can contribute to the onset of athlete’s foot. If you feel you may have developed this ailment, it is suggested to seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can perform a proper diagnosis and correct 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 Dr. Anna Petrov from Family Foot & Ankle Care.  Our doctor 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 one of our offices located in Wheeling and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Monday, 12 November 2018 00:00

How Exercise May Improve Circulation

A medical condition that is known as peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common circulatory concern. Noticeable symptoms of this ailment may include feeling a tingling sensation in your feet, numbness, or coldness in the lower extremities. Some patients experience uncomfortable heaviness in their feet in addition to possible cramping in the legs. These sensations are typically a result of diminished blood flow the body needs, which may cause difficulty in maintaining a daily exercise routine. Research has shown despite the pain that mild exercise may cause, it may be necessary to perform simple movements that may aid in adequate blood flow throughout the body. There are specific activities that can be performed frequently that may increase circulation in the body. These may include walking slowly and consistently in addition to swimming for extended periods of time. If you are experiencing cramping in your feet, it’s advised to speak with a podiatrist to learn about additional ways to improve circulation.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Dr. Anna Petrov of Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

  • Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
  • Numbness or cramping in the legs 
  • Skin discoloration
  • Slower nail & hair growth
  • Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

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 one of our offices located in Wheeling and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Monday, 05 November 2018 00:00

What Causes An Ingrown Toenail?

If you are experiencing pain and swelling surrounding the nail on the big toe, you may have what is known as an ingrown toenail. Research has shown that when this condition is treated promptly and correctly, many unpleasant and uncomfortable foot conditions may be avoided. These may include a  painful infection developing, as well as partial or total removal of the toenail. There are several causes of why this ailment may occur, including improperly cut toenails, wearing shoes and socks that may be too tight, or possible injuries to the toe. Additionally, genetics may play a role in determining the shape of the toenail, which may press more easily into the side of the toenail.  Painful symptoms may include bleeding or discharge from the surrounding area of the toenail, severe redness, or swelling. It’s advised to consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible so the correct treatment options may be discussed.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Anna Petrov of Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor 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 one of our offices located in Wheeling and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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