Items filtered by date: November 2025

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that thrives in warm and moist environments such as locker rooms, sweaty footwear, and damp socks. It may appear as scaly, peeling, or cracked skin between the toes or along the soles, sometimes with small blisters or redness. Symptoms often include itching, burning, and stinging sensations that can become more intense after removing shoes. The skin may feel dry, irritated, or tender to the touch, and the infection can spread if left untreated. A podiatrist can provide an accurate diagnosis by examining the affected areas and identifying the specific type of fungus involved. Treatment may include prescription-strength antifungal medications, guidance on hygiene practices, and advice on footwear or moisture control. In more persistent cases, a podiatrist may use advanced therapies to target deeper infections and prevent recurrence. Prompt professional care supports faster healing and reduces the risk of spreading the condition. If you notice ongoing itching or skin changes on your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Lee R. Stein from Lake Shore Foot & Ankle, PC.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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

Pronation and supination describe how the feet roll during walking or running, affecting the way weight is distributed with each step. Pronation occurs when the foot rolls inward, allowing the arch to flatten and absorb shock. Supination happens when the foot rolls outward, placing pressure on the outer edge. When these motions become excessive, they can lead to foot pain, arch strain, and ankle instability. Overpronation may cause stress on the heel and inner arch, while oversupination often results in discomfort in the outer foot or ankle. Improper shoe support, high arches, or flat feet often influence these gait patterns. A podiatrist can evaluate the alignment and function of the feet, recommend supportive footwear or orthotic devices, and discuss corrective options, when necessary. If you have foot pain, especially after activity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

Spending long hours on your feet at work places stress on the arches, heels, and toes, which can lead to aching, swelling, or stiffness. The constant pressure can strain the plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue along the bottom of the foot, and weaken the muscles that provide arch support. Standing for long periods of time also slows circulation, which contributes to swelling and discomfort in the ankles and feet. Shoes that lack adequate support, such as flip-flops or high-heels, increase pressure on the forefoot and may contribute to bunions, corns, and heel pain. In some cases, prolonged strain leads to inflammation of tendons or ligaments, making walking or standing even more difficult. A podiatrist can assess the source of the problem, prescribe custom orthotics, recommend changes in footwear, or provide medical treatment to relieve pain. If standing at work for long periods of time is causing foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Dr. Lee R. Stein from Lake Shore Foot & Ankle, PC. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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

Hallux valgus, more commonly known as a bunion, is caused by a change in the alignment of the toes. A bump forms at the base of the big toe as the top moves inward toward the other toes. As the condition progresses, it can cause pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty in finding comfortable shoes. In some cases, the misalignment can result in additional issues like hammertoes. Bunions are often caused by an inherited foot structure, wearing tight or high-heeled shoes, and repetitive stress on the feet. Conditions like flat feet or arthritis can also contribute to the development of hallux valgus. A podiatrist can help manage bunions by offering conservative treatments, including custom orthotics, shoe modifications, and padding to alleviate pressure. In more severe cases, surgery may be recommended to correct the deformity and relieve pain. If you have developed a bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

If you are suffering from bunions, 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 a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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