May 2023

One of the most common causes of pain under the foot is a condition known as plantar fasciitis. Thought to be an overuse injury, plantar fasciitis is inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs from the toes to the heel. It is imperative to avoid further stress on the foot until the pain subsides, but at that point, a few simple exercises can help to overcome the ailment through stretching. The first exercise calls for sitting in a chair with one leg crossed over the opposite thigh. Gently pull the toes of the painful foot toward the shin with one hand, while slowly massaging the length of the sole of the foot with the other hand. Do this 10 times for 10 seconds each and repeat. If the plantar fasciitis is also in the other foot, change sides. Next, kneel on a mat with your toes tucked under and the heels facing upward, while supporting your weight on your hands. Sit up until you feel a gentle stretch. Hold for a minute and repeat three times. Do two sets. For further help with the pain of plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

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 Dr. Anna Petrov from Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor 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 doctor 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 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.

Believe it or not, there are special shoes for pickleball, just as they are for running and walking. However, usually, shoes that should be worn for other racquet sports, like tennis or badminton, will work fine for pickleball. Appropriate shoes for this sport should be lightweight, have a good grip, and have adequate cushioning. If you decide to take the plunge and purchase actual pickleball shoes, it is important to know that these shoes are not as effective on certain surfaces that might be more common outdoors, like concrete or smooth tile. Suppose you are a seasoned or beginning pickleball player and would like more information about proper footwear for this activity. In that case, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist for advice.

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.

Heel pain is a fairly common symptom of a foot condition known as plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is caused when the plantar fascia, or band of tissue in the foot arch, becomes inflamed. Living with this heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis can be challenging, especially if you are someone that engages in weight lifting. Due to the extra strain that is caused by lifting weights, this could potentially make lifting weights with plantar fasciitis challenging. However, there are a number of steps that one might consider taking to make this activity easier. If your case of plantar fasciitis is not that severe and a medical professional has cleared you to engage in weight lifting, then you might consider warming up the feet before lifting weights to prevent the onset of pain or injuries. You might also try avoiding lifting weights on hard, uneven surfaces that might just aggravate the pain. If you are someone living with heel pain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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.

One of the most common foot problems is plantar fasciitis. It is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue that is found on the sole of the foot. It connects the heel to the toes, and it can become inflamed for various reasons. These include standing on hard or uneven surfaces for long periods of time or wearing shoes that have inadequate heel support. It can also happen from the aging process that may gradually wear down the heel pad. Some people endure an injury that can tear the plantar fascia, including a sudden fall, repetitive cycling, or frequent participation in running or jumping activities. Plantar fasciitis can be a common condition among people who are overweight, which may cause the fat pads to prematurely flatten as a result of the added weight the feet must carry. If you have pain in your heel or arch area, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose the condition and offer the correct treatment options. 

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Anna Petrov from Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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.

A broken or fractured ankle can interfere with every aspect of one’s life. Besides interfering with life routines, a broken ankle can cause severe discomfort, and possibly chronic pain years later. This can happen from prolonged inflammation of the joints, tissues, and bone, which may be caused by arthritis, or a bone infection. An anti-inflammatory diet, which involves eliminating processed food, refined sugar, and excessive carbs, may help to reduce chronic inflammation. Nutritional supplements and physical therapy can also help with persistent inflammation. If you have broken your ankle, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist and follow the advice that is given. Proper healing of a fractured ankle can significantly help in preventing chronic pain.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Anna Petrov from Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor 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 one of our offices located in Wheeling and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.