The majority of pregnant women notice their feet undergo changes during this time in their lives. There are hormones that are produced during pregnancy, which may cause the ligaments in the feet to loosen. The added weight from the growing fetus may cause the ankles to swell, and the arches may flatten. It is beneficial to wear shoes that fit correctly, are comfortable, and it is helpful to refrain from wearing high heels. Maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in a gentle exercise routine may help to reduce the swelling in the feet and ankles. Many women notice their shoe size becomes larger while they are pregnant, and it is beneficial to properly measure your feet to determine what the correct size is. Drinking plenty of water daily and wearing compression stockings may help the feet to feel better, which may improve the quality of this time period. If you are pregnant, and have questions about how to reduce swollen feet, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can address any concerns you may have.

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 Paul Potach, DPM from Illinois . Our practitioner 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.

Many people take their feet for granted until they begin to hurt. The feet are the foundation and carry the entire weight of the body, making it possible to walk, run, and jump. Having foot cramps can wreak havoc on the day. They can cause pain and discomfort, and it may be difficult to walk. A common reason why foot cramps may happen from wearing shoes that are too tight. This may cause limited movement in the feet, possibly leading to foot and muscle cramps. Dehydration may be another reason why foot cramps may occur. Lack of water may cause the muscles to malfunction, and this may also result in foot cramps. This type of foot pain may be avoided when a routine stretching and exercise regime is practiced. Strong foot muscles help to keep the body balanced, and it is beneficial to avoid overstretching, which may lead to foot fatigue. If you have foot cramps, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer you the correct relief options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Paul Potach, DPM from Illinois . Our practitioner 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.

The main reason why cracked heels develop is a lack of moisture in the skin. It can happen for various reasons, consisting of standing on hard surfaces for most of the day and wearing shoes with an open back. Medical conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, or a thyroid disorder regularly have the symptom of cracked heels. Cracked heels can be unsightly and may develop into a serious foot condition if left untreated. The cracks can deepen and bleed, and these are known as fissures. One of the first signs this condition may be developing is thick skin on the edges of the heels. Temporary relief may be found when the feet are soaked in warm water, followed by applying a good moisturizer. Additionally, a pumice stone can be used to remove a portion of the thickened skin, and it may help to wear appropriate shoes that can provide adequate heel support. If you have developed cracked heels, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer you permanent relief, which may come from prescribed medicine.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Paul Potach, DPM from Illinois . Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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.

Corns on the feet are a relatively well-known affliction of the foot that occurs essentially when friction on the skin produces an area of hardened skin. There are many things that can make the onset of corns on the feet more likely for patients. For example, wearing shoes that fit too tightly can exacerbate friction and make corns more likely. Additionally, another risk factor that makes corns more likely is standing for too long. Although this might not immediately seem intuitive, individuals who stand for periods of time that are too long ultimately put continuous weight-bearing pressure on their feet. As a result, this pressure can lead to the hardening of skin on the feet. If you are someone who stands for a large percentage of the day, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for treatment. A podiatrist is a foot specialist that can treat a wide range of different foot conditions.  

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Paul Potach, DPM of Illinois . Our practitioner will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

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

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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.