Items filtered by date: August 2025

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition characterized by inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel to the toes. It often develops from training on improper surfaces, suddenly increasing athletic activity, or failing to properly warm up before exercise. Symptoms typically include sharp heel pain, stiffness in the arch, and discomfort that is usually worse in the morning or after periods of rest. A podiatrist can evaluate the condition, recommend stretching exercises, provide custom orthotics, and suggest footwear modifications to relieve pain and prevent recurrence. If you are experiencing persistent heel or arch pain, it is suggested that you promptly visit a podiatrist who can effectively treat plantar fasciitis.

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. 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 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 Chicago, and Highland Park, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A bruised heel bone can occur suddenly due to a fall, jumping, or stepping on a sharp object. This type of injury also can develop gradually from repeated impact on hard surfaces or stiff shoes. Risk factors for a bruised heel include advancing age, obesity, and endurance running. A history of cortisone shots, conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, and previous heel injuries or surgery are other possibilities. Healing time for a bruised heel bone depends on the severity of the injury and level of activity. If the injury is sudden and severe or if pain persists, it is important to consult a podiatrist, as they may recommend imaging to rule out fractures or soft tissue damage. This type of doctor can prescribe custom orthotics or, in some cases, surgery. If you have symptoms of a bruised heel bone, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment options.

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

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 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.

Tennis toe is a painful condition caused by repeated trauma to the toenail, typically affecting the big toe. It often results from sudden stops, quick direction changes, or wearing shoes that allow the foot to slide forward during intense activity. The repeated impact can cause bleeding beneath the toenail, resulting in a dark discoloration, swelling, or throbbing pain. If left unaddressed, the pressure may cause the nail to lift or fall off, potentially leading to infection or nail deformity. Athletes who wear tight footwear or shoes that lack adequate support in the toe box are at increased risk. A podiatrist can examine the affected toe, confirm the diagnosis, and determine if nail removal or drainage is necessary. Proper shoe fit and addressing mechanical issues of the foot can help prevent recurrence. If you have toenail problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. 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 Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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.

A broken pinky toe often results from direct trauma, such as stubbing the toe or dropping something heavy on it. This leads to pain, swelling, bruising, or a crooked appearance. Most fractures happen at the base of the pinky toe, though other foot injuries like sprains, dislocations, or stress fractures can produce similar symptoms. A podiatrist can examine the foot, check for signs of a fracture, and order X-rays if necessary. Treatment for may involve taping the pinky toe to a neighboring toe, using a stiff-soled shoe, or recommending limited weight-bearing with crutches. In some cases, a cast may be required to immobilize the area. Surgery might be considered when the bone fragments do not align properly or when multiple breaks occur. It is important not to ignore a suspected fracture, as doing so may increase the risk of long-term foot problems. If you have injured your pinky toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Lee R. Stein from Lake Shore Foot & Ankle, PC. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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.