Pickleball is a fun way to stay active, but your feet and ankles work hard during every game. Quick starts, sudden stops, and side-to-side movements place repeated stress on the feet. Wearing the right pickleball shoes can help protect your feet while improving comfort and confidence on the court. Good shoes should provide support, stability, and cushioning. They should also fit well and allow your toes enough room to move naturally.

The wrong shoes can make pickleball harder on your feet. Running shoes are designed mainly for forward movement and may not provide enough side-to-side support. Shoes with poor traction can increase the risk of slipping or twisting an ankle. Inadequate cushioning may contribute to heel pain or soreness after playing. Other possible injuries include ankle sprains, blisters, and stress injuries. Players who regularly play on hard courts may notice symptoms sooner when their footwear does not provide enough protection.

Choosing shoes made for court sports can help address these concerns. Look for a secure fit that keeps your heel from sliding. A stable sole can help support quick lateral movements. Reliable grip can improve traction during stops and changes in direction. Cushioning can reduce some of the impact placed on your feet during play. Additionally, comfortable materials can also help prevent rubbing and pressure points. Replace worn shoes when the tread becomes smooth or the cushioning feels less supportive.

If foot or ankle pain develops, a podiatrist can examine your feet and determine what may be causing the problem. Depending on the injury, treatment may include activity changes, supportive footwear, or other appropriate care. The podiatrist may also evaluate your walking pattern and footwear needs to help reduce future problems. If you have foot or ankle injuries from playing pickleball, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and injury prevention tips.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, 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.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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.

A tailor’s bunion is a bony prominence that develops along the outside edge of the foot near the base of the little toe. Commonly called a bunionette, it forms when the fifth metatarsal bone shifts outward as the little toe angles inward. Symptoms include a bump, tenderness, and pain when wearing narrow shoes. People may develop thickened skin or irritation over the area. Although a tailor’s bunion is not usually dangerous, discomfort can interfere with walking and activities.

Several factors can contribute to a tailor’s bunion. Genetics may influence foot structure, making some people more likely to develop abnormal toe bones or changes in alignment. Flat feet can alter how pressure moves through the foot and may increase stress along the forefoot. Other foot and ankle conditions can also affect alignment and contribute to bunionette formation. Tight or pointed shoes may worsen pressure around the little toe. Risk factors include inherited foot structure, flat feet, and repeated stress from activities that place pressure on the forefoot.

A podiatrist begins treatment by examining the foot and reviewing symptoms, footwear, and history. X-rays may be recommended to evaluate bone position and joint alignment. Treatment often starts with wearing wider shoes that provide adequate toe room. Additionally, padding can protect the bump from friction, while orthotics may help improve pressure distribution. A podiatrist may also recommend medication to reduce discomfort. If pain remains despite conservative care, surgery may be considered to realign the affected bone and improve function.

Understanding the cause of a tailor’s bunion can make treatment more effective. Early care may reduce irritation and prevent symptoms from becoming limiting. If you have a painful tailor’s bunion, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide effective relief, treatment, and management solutions. 

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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 a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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.

Shoes that fit correctly can protect the feet. Poorly-fitting shoes can cause blisters, corns, and calluses. They can also create added pressure and contribute to pain in the heels or arches. Since foot size and shape can change with age, relying on an old measurement may lead to the wrong fit. Both feet should be measured while standing, preferably later in the day when swelling is more likely. Length, width, and arch length matter.

Shoe sizes vary between brands, so the number on the box may only be a guide. Shoes should fit the larger foot, because one foot is frequently bigger. Experts suggest leaving about half an inch between the longest toe and the front of the shoe. The toe box should be wide enough for the toes to move without rubbing or feeling squeezed. Walk around to check for heel slipping, pressure, or pinching. A suitable shoe should feel comfortable right away and bend near the ball of the foot, where the toes naturally bend. Laces or adjustable straps can help hold the foot securely.

When pain continues or a foot condition makes buying shoes difficult, a podiatrist can evaluate shoe fit. The examination includes checking foot shape, joint movement, and pressure points. A podiatrist can determine whether the shoe provides enough support for the patient’s activity and foot structure. Recommendations can address heel height, cushioning, and toe-box space. For patients with diabetes, nerve damage, or a history of sores, careful fitting is important because rubbing may go unnoticed. Custom orthotics can improve pressure distribution when standard shoe support is not enough. A podiatrist can recommend specialty shoes or modifications to accommodate a bunion, hammertoe, or difference in foot size. If you have foot pain that may be related to your shoes, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for relief tips, and helpful guidance on how to choose shoes that fit properly.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from Gelbmann Podiatry. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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.

A broken toe, also called a toe fracture, can happen after a direct injury to the foot. Dropping a heavy object on the toes or striking a toe against furniture or other hard object can cause a break. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and bruising around the injured toe. Walking can also become uncomfortable, especially when pressure is placed on the front of the foot. A broken lesser toe, meaning any toe other than the big toe, usually heals without surgery. However, proper evaluation is important to determine the position and severity of the fracture.

Most lesser-toe fractures heal in about six weeks, although discomfort can continue longer in some patients. Swelling can also remain after the bone has healed. Patients can usually place weight on the injured foot as comfort allows. Shoes with a firm sole can provide support and protect the toe when walking. Some fractures can cause the toe to look crooked or out of position. A podiatrist can determine whether the toe needs to be realigned. Continued pain, significant changes in toe position, or difficulty returning to normal activities can indicate that further evaluation is necessary.

A podiatrist can examine the injured toe and determine how the fracture is affecting foot function. The evaluation can include checking alignment, swelling, and tenderness around the injury. A podiatrist can recommend appropriate support to protect the toe while the bone heals. Treatment can also address changes in walking that develop because of pain. In some cases, imaging can help show the location and extent of the fracture. More complex fractures can require additional treatment, especially when the toe is badly displaced. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. 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 Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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.