Podiatrists are medical professionals specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower limbs. These doctors play a critical role in maintaining foot health and addressing a wide range of foot-related issues. Podiatrists treat various conditions, including ingrown toenails, plantar fasciitis, and bunions, in addition to corns, calluses, heel pain, and foot deformities. During an appointment with a podiatrist, patients can expect a thorough examination of their feet, ankles, and lower legs to assess their condition and identify any underlying issues. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment options may include custom orthotic devices, medication, or minimally invasive procedures. Podiatrists also provide guidance on proper foot care, footwear selection, and preventive measures to promote overall foot health and prevent future problems. With their specialized knowledge and expertise, podiatrists help patients maintain mobility, alleviate discomfort, and achieve optimal foot function. If you are experiencing any type of foot or ankle pain, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can make an accurate diagnosis and provide the necessary treatment.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Dr. Lee R. Stein from 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 Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease caused when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time. Osteoarthritis often impacts the feet and may target any of their 30 joints. However, it most commonly impacts the big toe, midfoot, and ankle. Symptoms of osteoarthritis in the foot include persistent pain during or after movement, stiffness after periods of inactivity, and swelling in one or more joints. As the condition progresses, the range of motion in the foot may decrease, making it difficult to perform activities like walking or climbing stairs. The pain might also become more constant, even occurring while at rest. Managing these symptoms involves a variety of treatments, for which podiatrists, or foot doctors, are specially trained. Suggested professional treatment may include supportive footwear, low-impact exercises to maintain joint function and mobility, and orthotic devices to relieve pressure on the affected joints. In more severe cases, medication or surgery may be necessary to relieve pain and improve joint function. If you have symptoms of osteoarthritis in the feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for proper and complete care. 

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Lee R. Stein from Lake Shore Foot & Ankle, PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

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.

In the bustling environment of a restaurant, the importance of wearing the correct shoes cannot be overstated. Restaurant employees face various hazards, from slippery floors to sharp objects, making appropriate footwear essential for their safety and well-being. Slip-resistant shoes are essential to prevent slips and falls, especially in busy kitchens or dining areas where spills are common. Additionally, shoes with reinforced toes and sturdy soles offer protection from dropped utensils, hot liquids, and other workplace hazards. Beyond immediate safety concerns, wearing the right shoes also promotes long-term foot health. Shoes that provide adequate support and cushioning can help prevent foot fatigue, arch strain, and other common ailments associated with prolonged standing and walking. If you are employed in a restaurant environment and are seeking information about the importance of adequate foot protection, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Dr. Lee R. Stein from Lake Shore Foot & Ankle, PC. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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.

Cuboid syndrome, though less common than other foot ailments, can cause significant discomfort and impairment in affected individuals. This condition occurs when the cuboid bone, located on the outer side of the foot, becomes displaced from its normal position within the foot's arch. The exact cause of cuboid syndrome is often attributed to overuse or repetitive stress, such as excessive running, jumping, or wearing poorly fitting shoes. Symptoms of cuboid syndrome typically include pain and tenderness along the outer edge of the foot, difficulty in walking or bearing weight, and limited range of motion in the ankle and midfoot. While cuboid syndrome is considered a rare injury, it is important to seek prompt medical attention if suspected, as delayed diagnosis and treatment can lead to prolonged discomfort and complications. Treatment options for cuboid syndrome may include rest, orthotics, and in severe cases, manipulation or mobilization techniques performed by a podiatrist to realign the cuboid bone and restore proper foot function. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, 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.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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.

Gout, a form of inflammatory arthritis, can be excruciating, often affecting the big toe and ankles. Recognizing its symptoms is vital for timely management. The diagnosis begins with a keen observation of the symptoms, which are often sudden, intense joint pain, swelling, redness, and warmth, typically striking at night or in the early hours. The affected joint might feel tender to the touch, making even the lightest pressure unbearable. An accurate diagnosis often involves a comprehensive medical history review and a physical examination by a podiatrist. They may also conduct tests like joint fluid analysis to detect urate crystals, which are consistent with gout. Blood tests measuring uric acid levels can aid in confirmation, although high levels do not always guarantee a diagnosis. Imaging tests, such as X-rays, may reveal joint damage in chronic cases. If you have pain in the top of your foot, with a focus on the big toe, it is strongly suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can effectively treat gout.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. 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 form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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.