September 2023

As parents, ensuring the well-being of your children is a top priority, and this extends to their footwear. Selecting the right shoes for your child goes beyond fashion considerations. It is more about promoting the child's comfort, development, and overall health. This can begin with prioritizing the fit. Children's feet are continually growing and developing, so it is helpful to choose shoes that provide enough room for their toes to wiggle and grow. Measure their feet regularly to ensure a proper fit. Support is another critical factor. Look for shoes with good arch support and cushioning to absorb shock during play and daily activities. Sturdy soles with good traction can help to prevent slips and falls. Air circulation is essential, as your child's feet can sweat quite a bit. Choose shoes made from breathable materials to reduce the risk of fungal infections. Lastly, involve your child in the selection process. Let them try on shoes and assess comfort. This empowers them and ensures that they are more likely to wear the shoes you buy. By keeping these factors in mind, you can make informed choices when shopping for your child's shoes, promoting their comfort, health, and happy feet. If you would like additional information about what type of shoes to buy for your child, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist. 

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, 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.

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 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.

The management of foot pain is extremely individualized, depending on its cause. Patients typically combine non-pharmaceutical methods with medications for relief. Performing specific exercises that maintain muscle strength and flexibility can help to prevent future injuries. Podiatrists are essential and can offer orthotics tailored to each patient's needs. These insoles, rigid or soft, alleviate walking or running discomfort. Medications come in various forms including oral analgesics and corticosteroid injections to help control inflammation. In severe cases hindering mobility, surgery may be necessary, such as fracture repair, arthroscopic debridement, or joint fusion. Post-surgery rehabilitation and follow-up appointments are crucial for a successful recovery. If you are suffering from chronic foot pain, or if it becomes worse, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and individualized treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Lee R. Stein from Lake Shore Foot & Ankle, PC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

Bunions are painful bumps at the base of the big toe that can make walking uncomfortable and even interfere with your daily activities. When it comes to non-surgical treatment of bunions, often the first step is changing your footwear. Shoes with a wider toe box can give your toes more room to breathe and reduce friction. Toe spreaders can also be beneficial by helping to maintain proper toe alignment and preventing further deviation. Finally, your podiatrist can prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs or pain relievers to provide relief. If non-surgical options fail to provide relief and the bunion severely impacts your daily life, bunion surgery is an option to consider. Two common types of bunion surgery are osteotomy and fusion. Osteotomy involves removing a portion of the bone to realign the toes properly. Fusion surgery entails joining the joint at the base of the toe and is typically reserved for more severe cases. Recovery from bunion surgery can take up to eight weeks, while swelling may persist for several months. A podiatrist can provide personalized advice based on the severity of your condition and your individual needs. It is suggested that you make an appointment today.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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.

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 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.

As temperatures rise, flip-flops emerge as the popular choice of footwear for casual comfort. Yet, their popularity sparks an ongoing debate regarding their merits and drawbacks. On the plus side, flip-flops are incredibly easy to slip on, making them perfect for quick outings or beach days. Their open design keeps feet cool, preventing sweat accumulation. However, this very feature can lead to issues. The lack of arch support and cushioning may result in foot pain or strain during extended wear. Flip flops provide minimal protection, possibly making feet vulnerable to injuries. Additionally, there is often a different walking gait, which can affect posture and stability. While flip flops offer undeniable convenience, it is crucial to balance their benefits with potential drawbacks, choosing them for appropriate situations while prioritizing foot health. If you would like to have more information about the pros and cons of wearing flip-flops, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can offer you valuable knowledge.

Flip-flops can cause a lot of problems for your feet. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Lee R. Stein from Lake Shore Foot & Ankle, PC. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

Flip-flops have managed to become a summer essential for a lot of people. While the shoes may be stylish and easy to slip on and off, they can be dangerous to those who wear them too often. These shoes might protect you from fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, but they can also give you foot pain and sprained ankles if you trip while wearing them.

When Are They Okay to Wear?

Flip-flops should only be worn for very short periods of time. They can help protect your feet in places that are crawling with fungi, such as gym locker rooms. Athlete’s foot and plantar warts are two common fungi that flip-flops may help protect your feet against.

Why Are They Bad for My Feet?

These shoes do not offer any arch support, so they are not ideal for everyday use. They also do not provide shock absorption or heel cushioning which can be problematic for your feet. Additionally, you may suffer from glass cuts, puncture wounds, and stubbed toes since they offer little protection for your feet.

More Reasons Why They Are Bad for Your Feet

• They Slow You Down
• May Cause Blisters and Calluses
• Expose Your Feet to Bacteria

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.