August 2019

People who are interested in providing care for the feet and ankles may want to pursue a career in podiatry. This can include diagnosing injuries to the feet, ankles, and lower leg, and treating them accordingly. After completing a three year program as a resident, many podiatrists can choose to work in their own practice, or may share a practice with other podiatrists. Research has indicated that there is likely to be a ten percent growth rate of people joining this field between 2016 and 2026. This may be indicative of longer life spans and patients with increased medical issues concerning the feet. If you are considering starting a career in this field of medicine, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Dr. Lee R. Stein from Lake Shore Foot & Ankle, PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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.

People who participate in sporting activities may experience Achilles tendon injuries. If it is torn, surgery may be necessary to repair the tendon, and a lengthy recovery period is often needed. The Achilles tendon is located in the back of the calf, and its purpose is to connect the heel to the calf muscles. It may become injured if sudden jumping or sprinting is performed. This may occur if certain sports are played that can include volleyball and basketball. There are existing conditions which could weaken the Achilles tendon. These can consist of diabetes, specific forms of arthritis that can include gout, or if certain medications are taken. The symptoms that are often associated with this condition can include difficulty in walking, and there may be severe pain while attempting to point and flex the foot. If you have endured an Achilles tendon injury, it is advised to speak with a podiatrist who can guide you toward the proper treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, 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.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A sesamoid is a bone that is embedded in a tendon. They are found in several joints in the body. In the foot, they are located in the ball, just beneath the joint of the big toe. The sesamoid bone absorbs all of the weight put on the ball of the foot when walking, running and jumping. People with high arches and frequent wearers of high heels are at an increased risk for developing sesamoid problems. Injuries to this bone stem from activities requiring increased pressure on the ball of the foot. There are different types of sesamoid injuries that can occur such as turf toe, fracture of the bone and sesamoiditis, which is an overuse injury. Nonsurgical treatments for these sesamoid injuries include physical therapy, steroid injections, custom orthotics and oral medications such as ibuprofen to help relieve pain and inflammation. Surgery is only required if the sesamoid injuries fail to respond to nonsurgical treatment. If you are dealing with a sesamoid injury, it is encouraged to see a podiatrist for the best treatment option.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Dr. Lee R. Stein of Lake Shore Foot & Ankle, PC. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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.