July 2018

A condition known as hammertoe may often be the result of wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. The type of shoe that is typically worn, which causes this ailment to develop may have minimum arch support and is often too narrow. This generally causes the middle toes to have muscle imbalances, which prompts the toes to bend, and may be unable to straighten. Pain commonly affects patients with hammertoe and corns and calluses may develop on top of the affected toes. This may be a result of the toes rubbing against the shoes that are worn, in addition to the toes becoming swollen and inflamed. If you feel you are afflicted with hammertoe, it’s suggested to speak with a podiatrist as quickly as possible to learn about the correct course of action to treat this condition.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Lee R. Stein from Lake Shore Foot & Ankle, PC. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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

Research has shown the importance of developing muscle strength, which may aid in the prevention of falling. Strong muscles may help to maintain balance, and this may be achieved by incorporating walking into your daily routine, and eliminating sitting for extended periods of time. Steps may be taken to improve conditions in your home, including repairing broken steps, having brighter lighting or removing rugs that are loose. There are several hazards that may exist in the bathroom as a result of wet and slippery floors. It’s beneficial to use a non slip mat in the shower or bathtub in addition to utilizing a grab bar inside and outside of the shower. It’s important to have routine check-ups with your physician to monitor the condition of your eyes and ears, and this may bring more awareness to your immediate surroundings.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Dr. Lee R. Stein from Lake Shore Foot & Ankle, PC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

Recent research has shown the importance of children walking barefoot or wearing shoes that have a soft sole when they are beginning to walk. This will enable the development of necessary muscle strength in addition to learning sensory information that originates from the soles of the feet. The feet should be properly measured once walking commences, to ensure a proper fit for shoes. Children’s feet grow rapidly, and frequent measuring of the feet will aid in choosing shoes that fit correctly. Foot conditions may develop as a result of poorly fitting shoes. These may include ingrown toenails, blisters, or the inability to walk correctly. When shopping for shoes, it’s important for the toes to have adequate room to move around and the front of the shoe should be wider than the heel. Most children are born with flat feet and arches will form when walking begins. Please consult with a podiatrist if your child appears to be flat-footed once walking has started.  

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Dr. Lee R. Stein of Lake Shore Foot & Ankle, PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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

A formation of a corn is typically the result of excessive pressure inflicted on the toes from poorly fitting shoes. It generally consists of a small round area of thickened skin that appears to be white. Hard corns may develop on the outside of the toes, as a result of consistent friction caused by shoes that are too tight. As they press into the layers of the skin, they often produce pain and discomfort. Another type of corn is referred to as a soft corn, and generally forms between the toes as a result of the moisture that exists there. Severe corns may be trimmed by a podiatrist, which may initiate relief. Prevention of corns may start with properly sizing the feet so the correct size shoes can be purchased. It’s imperative to consult with a podiatrist who can suggest methods for alleviating the pain and discomfort associated with corns.  

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Lee R. Stein of Lake Shore Foot & Ankle, PC. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Gout is caused by an excess of uric acid that typically collects in the joints of the big toe. This commonly causes severe pain as a result of the inflammation around the big toe and surrounding areas. The majority of people who are afflicted with gout have a condition that is referred to as under-excretors, which is the inability to eliminate excess uric crystals from the urine. People who may be affected with this are diabetics and patients who may be obese or have heart disease. When certain types of foods are ingested, gout attacks may be more likely to occur. These may include shellfish, red meat or excessive alcohol. In severe and frequent gout attacks, small crystals may form in the kidneys, which may gradually increase in size to become kidney stones. If you have pain in your big toe and it appears to be red and tender, you may be experiencing a gout attack. It’s suggested to consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible to discuss the best treatment options for you.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Lee R. Stein from Lake Shore Foot & Ankle, PC. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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