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May 2019

You use your feet differently when you walk than you do when you run. When you walk, your feet do not experience too much impact. Conversely, when you run, you feel almost three times more impact in your feet. Therefore, having different shoes for the different types of exercise is vital to the overall health of your feet and legs. There are four factors to remember while buying shoes. First, a running shoe should have a more flexible sole than a walking shoe. Next, the heel of a running shoe should be slightly elevated, while the heel of a walking shoe should be flat. A running shoe should additionally give you less motion control than a walking shoe, as your foot moves more while running. Finally, a running shoe should be lighter than a walking shoe, so you can move quickly. If you have any questions about what shoe to use, be sure to contact a podiatrist.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Dr. Lee R. Stein from Lake Shore Foot & Ankle, PC. Our doctor can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

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

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Monday, 20 May 2019 00:00

Most Babies Are Born with Flat Feet

Babies feet are soft and flexible, and this is a result of bones that have not fully developed. Research has indicated the importance of wearing shoes and socks that fit correctly, and this can help in preventing uncomfortable foot conditions. It is beneficial that children walk barefoot while indoors, and this aids in strengthening the toes which help to provide the grasping motion. It is important to measure children's feet approximately every other month until the age of three. This will ensure the correct size shoes are worn for their rapidly growing feet. Most babies are born with flat feet, and the arch will fully develop by seven years old. If you notice your child is walking with their feet pointed inward or outward, it is advised that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly examine your child’s feet.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Dr. Lee R. Stein of Lake Shore Foot & Ankle, PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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

Read more about What to Do to Keep Your Child’s Feet Healthy

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

Monday, 13 May 2019 00:00

What Is a Blister?

Many runners are familiar with the pain and discomfort that blisters on the feet can bring. They are typically caused by friction as a result of wearing poorly fitting shoes, or non-absorbent socks. When the skin becomes raw and damaged, a blister will form to protect the skin. It is filled with fluid that will naturally drain when new skin has formed over the affected area. If the blister should rupture before the healing process is completed, the possibility of getting an infection may increase. There are methods that can be implemented to possibly prevent blisters. These include choosing shoes that fit correctly and covering the area with a bandage where blisters are most likely to develop. Additionally, it is beneficial to use a foot powder that helps to absorb moisture. If you have a blister on your foot that is not healing correctly, please consult with a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. Lee R. Stein of Lake Shore Foot & Ankle, PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often 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.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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

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Monday, 06 May 2019 00:00

Possible Causes of Gout

A form of arthritis that is referred to as gout is known to produce considerable pain and discomfort. Patients who are afflicted with this condition often experience difficulty in walking and performing daily activities. It develops as a result of excess uric levels in the bloodstream, which cause crystals to form in the joints of the big toe. This ailment can happen for different reasons. Genetics may play a significant role in contributing to the onset of gout. Additionally, if foods that are high in purine levels are frequently eaten, the result may be a gout attack. These types of foods include shellfish, alcohol, and red meat. If you have developed gout, it is suggested to consult with a podiatrist who can begin the correct treatment for you.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Lee R. Stein from Lake Shore Foot & Ankle, PC. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

Read more about Everything You Need to Know About Gout
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