Understanding the early signs of plantar fasciitis can help prevent the condition from becoming a long lasting source of heel discomfort. Many people first notice a sharp ache when taking the first steps in the morning or after sitting for a while. This irritation develops when the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes strained, often from overuse, inadequate support, or tight calf muscles. Paying attention to these early signals allows you to adjust activity, improve footwear, and explore gentle stretching before the pain becomes more persistent. Ignoring the issue can affect walking, balance, and overall mobility. Staying informed encourages quicker relief and helps protect the long-term health of your feet. If you have recurring heel pain or morning stiffness, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate guidance.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. 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 one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best 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 care needs.

Babies do not need shoes when they are learning to crawl, pull up, or take early steps. Bare feet help them feel the ground, strengthen their muscles, and improve balance. Once a child begins walking confidently outdoors, shoes become important for protection from rough surfaces, heat, cold, and sharp objects. While indoors, it is still best for little ones to stay barefoot or wear soft, flexible socks with grips so their feet can continue developing naturally. When choosing a child’s first shoes, look for a lightweight, flexible sole that bends easily, a wide toe box for natural movement, and a secure fit that does not squeeze or rub. Avoid stiff or thick soles that limit foot motion. Healthy foot development lays the foundation for strength, balance, and comfort as children grow. If you notice unusual walking patterns, frequent tripping, or foot discomfort, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for expert guidance.

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

Running places repeated stress on the feet, and even small imbalances can lead to injury. Among the most frequent issues runners face are plantar fasciitis, metatarsal stress fractures, Morton’s neuroma, and tendon irritation around the ankle. Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot, while stress fractures occur when tiny cracks form in the metatarsal bones from repetitive impact. Morton’s neuroma causes pain between the toes from nerve irritation, and tendon problems such as peroneal or posterior tibial tendinitis can develop from overuse or improper footwear. A podiatrist can help by evaluating gait, ordering imaging studies such as X-rays, prescribing orthotics, or recommending footwear that provides proper structure and alignment. In severe cases, surgery might be required to repair damage or stabilize the foot. If you have incurred a foot injury while running, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Gelbmann Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? 
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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 care needs.

Skin ulcers on the feet are open sores that form when the skin and underlying tissue break down due to poor circulation, nerve damage, or constant pressure. Pressure ulcers develop on the heels or ankles when prolonged pressure reduces blood flow to the skin. Venous ulcers form above the ankle when veins fail to circulate blood properly, causing fluid buildup and skin damage. Arterial ulcers appear on the toes, ankles, or between toes when  blood flow is reduced by narrowed arteries, leaving the skin deprived of oxygen. Neuropathic ulcers, often seen in people with diabetes, occur on weight-bearing areas like the ball of the foot. Nerve damage prevents pain sensation, allowing minor injuries to worsen unnoticed. A podiatrist can diagnose the cause, promote healing, and help prevent limb loss. If you notice sores on the feet that do not heal properly, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

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