There is a wide spectrum of different kinds of runners. If you are someone that runs on occasion or runs professionally, you need to be intentional about selecting the right kind of running shoe. Although many people might think that one kind of running shoe will be appropriate for everyone, this view is mistaken. It is important to select the right running shoe for many different reasons. First, the right shoe can actually support your entire body while it is engaged in this physical activity. Second, supporting your feet and body properly with the right pair of shoes can actually help you prevent developing injuries from running. Third, and perhaps most obvious, running with a properly-fitted pair of shoes will make the act of running itself less uncomfortable. It is suggested you contact a podiatrist for more information about choosing the right running shoe.  

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Paul Potach, DPM from Illinois . Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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.

Broken, or fractured, toes are certainly nothing to take too lightly. As a result of breaking one’s toe, an individual can experience annoying symptoms such as pain, swelling, and discoloration of some sort. To help facilitate the healing process for broken toes, a medical professional like a podiatrist might recommend that the patient wears what is called a stiff-soled shoe. After a sufficient amount of time has passed, wearing this kind of shoe is helpful because it essentially minimizes the extent to which the toes move during physical activities, like walking. Consequently, the negative symptoms that are associated with broken toes are mitigated in the process. It is highly recommended that you contact a podiatrist if you think you have fractured your toes because this doctor can help you address any problems you might have. 

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Paul Potach, DPM from Illinois . Our practitioner will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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.

There are several bones in the ankle that can break from a foot injury. Falling is a common reason to incur a broken ankle, or if it suddenly rolls inward or outward. These types of actions can stretch the ankle joint beyond its normal range, and ligaments may tear. The symptoms that many people experience with a broken ankle can consist of immediate bruising and swelling, and it is extremely difficult to walk. Additional symptoms can include a numbing sensation, and bruising may gradually radiate to the entire foot. A crack, break, or chip in the ankle are considered to fall in the category of a broken ankle, and an X-ray is generally performed that can determine the extent of the injury. This is followed by wearing a protective boot or cast, which can help to complete daily activities. The recovery time for a broken ankle can take several weeks, and this timeframe may be increased if there are complications. If you have broken your ankle, it is advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide you with the treatment method that is correct for you.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Paul Potach, DPM from Illinois . Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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.

Flip-flops are easy to wear. They are popular shoes to purchase in the summer months for their various colors and the ease of slipping them on to go to the beach. Despite their simplicity, frequently wearing this type of shoe may cause uncomfortable foot problems. The majority of flip-flops do not have an arch, which may lead to heel pain. The toes can also begin to hurt as they are constantly gripping the shoe while walking to keep it on the foot. Additionally, cracked heels can be common among people who wear flip-flops. This can be from the shoe having little or no cushioning and the foot can lose support from the lack of a strap. This may cause the calf muscles to work harder and the foot may strike the ground abnormally. If you would like to learn more about the pros and cons of wearing flip-flops, please consult a podiatrist who can accurately answer any questions you may have.

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Paul Potach, DPM from Illinois . Our practitioner will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

• Ankle problems
• Hip problems
• Lower back problems
• Pain in the balls of the feet
• Problems with foot arches
• Changes in the way you walk

Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?

Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

• Sprained ankles
• Blisters
• Infections
• Cuts and Scrapes

I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?

When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.

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.