Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel and arch discomfort that can interfere with daily movement and comfort. Targeted exercises can help relieve pain by improving flexibility, strength, and support in the foot and lower leg. The gastrocnemius stretch is performed by standing with one leg behind the other and gently leaning forward to stretch the upper calf, which helps reduce strain on the heel. The soleus stretch is done in a similar position with the back knee slightly bent to target deeper calf muscles that affect walking mechanics. Additionally, a plantar fascia stretch can be performed by pulling the toes back toward the shin while seated to stretch the tissue along the bottom of the foot. Strengthening exercises such as the short foot exercise involve gently lifting the arch without curling the toes, while marble pick ups require grasping small objects with the toes to improve muscle control. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately plantar fasciitis, and guide you toward additional pain-relieving techniques.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Paul Potach, DPM from Illinois . Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our practitioner to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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.

Diabetes can affect the feet in many ways, often developing slowly and without obvious symptoms, at first. High blood sugar levels can damage nerves, leading to diabetic neuropathy, which causes numbness, tingling, burning, or loss of sensation. When you cannot feel pain or pressure normally, small injuries may go unnoticed and become more serious. Diabetes also affects circulation, reducing blood flow to the feet and making it harder for cuts, blisters, or sores to heal. Dry, cracked skin, thickened nails, calluses, and changes in foot shape can also occur as the disease progresses. One of the most serious complications is the development of foot ulcers, which can become infected, if not treated promptly. Regular foot checks, wearing proper footwear, and early intervention from a podiatrist can help prevent complications and protect long-term foot health. If you have diabetes, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for foot checks on a regular basis.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Paul Potach, DPM from Illinois . Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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.

Foot blisters are fluid filled sacs that form when friction, pressure, and heat damage the outer layers of skin. They commonly develop from wearing tight boots or shoes that rub against the foot during walking or prolonged standing. Excess moisture from sweating can soften the skin, making it more vulnerable to friction and blister formation. Dirty feet may increase irritation and allow bacteria to weaken the skin barrier. Additionally, excess heat from activity or poorly ventilated footwear can further aggravate the skin and contribute to blister development. Symptoms often include redness, pain, swelling, and a pocket of clear fluid that makes walking uncomfortable. A podiatrist can help by safely treating blisters, preventing infection, and recommending proper footwear and hygiene practices. Guidance on moisture control and skin protection can reduce future problems. If foot blisters are affecting comfort or mobility, it is suggested that you schedule a podiatry appointment for professional care and effective prevention tips.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Paul Potach, DPM of Illinois . Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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.

Foot and ankle problems like fractures, diabetes related changes, and gout can affect daily comfort and stability. A fracture may cause sudden swelling, bruising, and sharp pain while bearing weight, and the area may look misshapen or severely tender. Diabetes can lead to reduced sensation, dry skin, slow-healing wounds, and swelling that may feel heavy or numb. Symptoms of gout include intense redness, warmth, and throbbing pain, usually in the big toe, and the affected joint may look shiny or swollen. These conditions may feel limiting, stressful, or unpredictable, especially when movement increases discomfort. A podiatrist can begin by performing a full examination, ordering imaging or lab tests when needed, and identifying the underlying cause of symptoms. Treatment may include fracture stabilization, wound care, footwear recommendations, or long-term management strategies to prevent complications. Because early professional care protects foot health and supports safe recovery, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

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.