Strong and flexible ankles are essential for balance and stability, and yoga offers excellent stretches to enhance mobility. Standing on tiptoes strengthens the calves and improves control, while tree pose, or standing tall on one leg with hands reaching toward the sky, challenges balance and ankle stability. Awkward pose, or sitting back into an invisible chair with arms extended forward, builds strength in the lower legs, and squats help increase ankle flexibility and range of motion. Practicing these poses regularly can reduce stiffness and prevent injuries during daily activities or sports. A podiatrist can assess your ankle alignment, recommend additional exercises, and treat any underlying issues that limit movement. If you experience ankle pain or stiffness, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips, and guide you on additional ankle strengthening stretches.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from Illinois . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Wheeling and Berwyn, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Swollen feet are a common concern during pregnancy and often result from an expanding uterus that puts pressure on veins, which slows blood circulation. Hormonal changes can also cause the body to retain fluid, leading to swelling in the feet and ankles. Prevention strategies include elevating the feet when possible, wearing supportive footwear, staying active with safe exercises, and avoiding prolonged standing or sitting. A podiatrist can provide expert advice on managing swelling, recommend compression socks, assess foot health, and address discomfort or underlying issues. If you have swollen feet or foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief solutions.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Illinois . Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Wheeling and Berwyn, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle ulcers are open sores that develop when the skin around the ankle breaks down, but does not heal. They are often linked to poor blood flow, nerve damage, or high pressure in the veins. Venous stasis ulcers are the most common type of ankle ulcer and usually form just above the ankle joint. They occur when blood does not move back to the heart as it should, which causes swelling and tissue damage. Diabetes and arterial disease can also increase the risk of ankle ulcers. Other risk factors include varicose veins, previous blood clots, chronic swelling, inflammatory problems, and smoking, which reduces oxygen supply to the skin. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, warmth, drainage of fluid, and pain or itching. A podiatrist can examine the ankle ulcer, check circulation, provide wound care, and use compression to reduce swelling and improve healing. If you have an ankle ulcer, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment solutions.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Illinois . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Wheeling and Berwyn, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pain on the outer side of the foot, also known as lateral foot pain, can be caused by a variety of conditions including stress fractures, tendonitis, ankle sprains, or a condition called cuboid syndrome. This type of pain may feel sharp, aching, or burning and often worsens with walking, running, or standing for long periods. Swelling, bruising, or a visible bump may appear, and the foot may feel weak or unstable. The discomfort can range from mild to severe, sometimes making it difficult to wear shoes or bear weight on the affected foot. A podiatrist can assess the issue through a detailed examination, medical history, and diagnostic imaging, such as an X-ray or MRI. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include orthotics, targeted exercises, immobilization, or in some cases, surgery. Early intervention can prevent the condition from worsening. It is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to identify the cause and begin effective treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Illinois . Our doctors 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 our offices located in Wheeling and Berwyn, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.