Stretching and strengthening exercises can help reduce pain from plantar fasciitis, which involves irritation of the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes. Tight calf muscles, including the gastrocnemius and soleus, may increase strain on the heel. Stretching these muscles by leaning into a wall with either a straight or slightly bent knee can help relieve tension. Strengthening the foot is also important. The short foot exercise, which involves lifting the arch without curling the toes, can build support in the foot. Heel raises, done by lifting the heels while standing and then lowering slowly, can improve calf strength. Other helpful exercises include picking up small objects with the toes to train the muscles that support the arch. A podiatrist may suggest these and other targeted movements as part of a broader treatment plan. If you have heel pain that may be related to plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment options.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from Gelbmann Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing irritation and discomfort. This condition most commonly affects the big toe and can result from improper nail trimming, wearing tight shoes, toe injuries, or inherited nail shapes. Symptoms include redness, swelling, pain along the nail edge, and sometimes infection with drainage or increased tenderness. If left untreated, an athlete's foot infection may worsen and lead to more serious complications. Diagnosis is usually made through a clinical examination of the affected toe. A podiatrist can provide relief by carefully removing the ingrown portion, treating any infection, and offering guidance on proper nail care. Ingrown toenails can cause severe pain and discomfort. If you have developed this condition, it is strongly suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can offer appropriate treatment remedies.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Gelbmann Podiatry. Our doctors 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 our offices located in Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Diabetes can cause serious problems for your feet if not managed well. High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves in your feet, leading to numbness, tingling, or loss of feeling, which is called diabetic neuropathy. When you cannot feel pain, you might not notice cuts, blisters, or sores. Diabetes can also slow down blood flow, making it harder for wounds to heal and increasing the risk of infection. If infections are not treated quickly, they can lead to serious complications, including loss of limbs. Daily foot care is important for people with diabetes. Check your feet every day for cuts, redness, or swelling, and wear shoes that protect your feet. If you have diabetes, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist regularly for help in addressing problems early and keeping your feet healthy.

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 Gelbmann Podiatry. 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 Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.