Items filtered by date: May 2025

Foot pain related to obesity often develops due to the strain that excess weight places on the feet, toes, and ankles. This additional pressure may cause persistent aching, swelling, and heel pain, especially during walking or standing. The arches of the feet can flatten under the excess weight, leading to changes in foot structure and discomfort in the joints. Conditions like plantar fasciitis and overpronation may also develop, as the feet work harder to support the body. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot alignment and function, recommend custom orthotics for support, and provide medical treatment for pain and inflammation. In advanced cases, surgery may be considered if structural damage has occurred. Left untreated, obesity-related foot pain may lead to mobility problems, joint strain, and further complications. If you are experiencing foot pain that may be related to your weight, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis, guidance, and appropriate treatment.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned 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.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

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.

Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, especially between the toes. Athlete’s foot can happen to anyone, not just athletes. Symptoms may include itchy, white or scaly patches, redness, or skin that cracks and becomes sore. In some cases, blisters may appear, and the infection can spread to the soles or toenails. If left untreated, the infection can worsen or spread to other parts of the foot. A podiatrist can diagnose athlete's foot through a physical exam and may take a skin sample, if needed. Depending on the severity, a podiatrist may prescribe medicated creams, antifungal tablets, or, in rare cases, surgery if the infection affects deeper tissue or the nails. If you have an athlete's foot infection, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for immediate treatment.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from Gelbmann Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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.

Achilles tendinopathy is a common condition that causes pain and stiffness in the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel. It often affects runners, athletes, or anyone who suddenly increases their level of activity. The pain usually starts gradually and worsens with movement, especially after rest or in the morning. Swelling or thickening along the back of the heel may also appear. This condition develops over time from overuse, wearing poor footwear, tight calf muscles or improper training techniques. Early treatment can prevent long-term damage. Rest, stretching, and strengthening exercises are often recommended. Supportive shoes or heel lifts can reduce strain. In more serious cases, targeted exercises or advanced treatments may be needed. If your heel or lower leg hurts with activity or becomes stiff, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, 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.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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

A broken pinky toe can cause significant discomfort despite the small size of the bone. Symptoms include immediate pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking or putting weight on the foot. In some cases, the pinky toe may appear crooked or out of alignment, and touching or moving the toe can increase the pain. Causes of a broken pinky toe typically involve direct trauma, such as stubbing the toe against a hard object, dropping something heavy on the foot, or twisting the foot awkwardly during a fall or misstep. Stress fractures from repetitive impact activities can also affect the pinky toe. If you believe you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can  accurately diagnose this condition and offer appropriate treatment.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Gelbmann Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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.