December 2021

If trying on shoes isn’t as much fun as it used to be, it may be caused by the development of hammertoes, also known as claw toes. This condition is recognizable by an unsightly bump on the knuckle of the toe, which can rub against the top of your shoe and cause pain. Claw toes can also affect the tip of the toe as it curls under and rubs against the sole of your shoe. They can cause the ball of the foot to become painful, a feeling sometimes described as walking on marbles. Claw toes can be caused by a muscle imbalance, where the long muscles in the leg overpower the smaller foot muscles. Other causes include injury to a tendon, tight calf muscles, and family history. The four lesser toes often develop claw toes, with the second toe the most likely to be affected. Home treatments include wearing shoes with a wider and deeper toe box to relieve rubbing, toe spacers and hammertoe splints, and soft padding to cushion the affected toes. However, if these measures fail to reduce your pain and discomfort, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist to determine a more advanced course of treatment. 

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Anna Petrov from Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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

If you are wearing shoes that don’t fit correctly, you may not even notice. Wearing shoes that don’t fit correctly can lead to a variety of problems. Common foot-related issues that poorly fitted shoes can cause include plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the tendon that runs along the bottom of the foot), bunions (deformity of the big toe joint), blisters, corns, calluses and inflammation of the ball of the foot. Ways to ensure that your shoes fit correctly include making sure there is about a centimeter and a half between your toe and the edge of the shoe, checking that the ball of your foot is at the widest part of the shoe, and having your feet are measured by a professional. Anyone experiencing foot pain while wearing shoes may wish to consult with a podiatrist to be sure their shoes fit properly.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Anna Petrov from Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

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

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that causes itching and sometimes painful sores or flaking skin, most commonly between the toes. While there are a number of topical remedies to treat Athlete’s foot at home, they are not always foolproof. This fungus is highly contagious and can be transferred to another person, as well as yourself, by direct contact. It is commonly spread in public shower areas and changing rooms. The best way to reduce or eliminate Athlete’s foot is to keep your feet and toes clean. Pat the affected areas dry, rather than rubbing them. Use a separate towel for the feet to reduce the chances of spreading the infection to other body parts. Apply non-prescription sprays, creams and powders as directed, and wear cotton socks to absorb moisture that is a fungal breeding ground. Further, avoid wearing the same pair of shoes more than two days in a row. If the treatment doesn’t work, or if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, please don’t hesitate to seek the advice of a podiatrist for advanced treatment. 

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Dr. Anna Petrov from Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

You’re on vacation in Europe and walking is a major part of your day. You’ve worn a new pair of shoes, and after a few hours your feet are crying out in pain. When you stop to take a look, you see that you’ve developed blisters on your toes and heels. The first reaction may be to pop the blister, but this can cause an infection. If you accidently break the skin on the blister and the fluid seeps out, keep it clean and protect it with a sterile gauze bandage until the area dries up. To prevent blisters from forming, be sure to wear shoes that fit properly and are broken in before walking long distances. If the area around the blister becomes red, or if the blister is discolored or enlarges in size, it may be infected. In that case, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible for the proper treatment. 

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 Dr. Anna Petrov of Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor 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 one of our offices located in Wheeling and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.