During pregnancy, many women experience noticeable changes in their feet due to natural physical and hormonal adjustments. Feet may increase in size as ligaments loosen, arches may flatten, and additional weight can increase pressure on joints, often reducing overall foot stability. These changes can lead to discomfort or difficulty with mobility. Choosing the right footwear is essential for support and comfort. Shoes with a wide toe box, proper arch support, cushioned heels, adjustable fit, and breathable materials can help reduce pain and improve balance. A podiatrist can provide personalized guidance, treatments, and support throughout pregnancy. If you have developed foot pain during your pregnancy, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on additional relief tactics.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Michael Schwartzman, DPM from Illinois and Indiana . Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

Retrocalcaneal bursitis is a painful condition that affects the small fluid-filled sac located between the heel bone and the Achilles tendon. This bursa helps reduce friction, but when it becomes inflamed, every step can feel uncomfortable. The pain is usually felt at the back of the heel, especially when walking, running, or wearing tight shoes that put pressure on the area. Swelling, tenderness, and stiffness surrounding the heel are also common signs. The condition often develops from overuse, repetitive stress, or footwear that irritates the heel. Athletes and individuals who spend long hours on their feet may be more prone to bursitis. Treatment may involve rest,  heel lifts, or changes in footwear to reduce pressure on the tendon and bursa. If pain persists, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can provide custom orthotics, targeted exercise, or other advanced treatments to restore comfort.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Michael Schwartzman, DPM of Illinois and Indiana . 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 our offices located in West Chicago, IL and Whiting, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Healing from an ankle fracture does not end when the cast or boot comes off. This stage is when the real work begins. The ankle may feel stiff, weak, or unsteady, and it takes patience to restore full strength and movement. Gentle exercises help improve flexibility and prevent the joint from becoming rigid. Wearing supportive footwear can make walking safer and more comfortable, while avoiding uneven surfaces reduces the risk of another injury. Swelling can linger for weeks, so elevating the foot and using cold therapy may still be helpful. Some people benefit from targeted exercises to rebuild balance and coordination. Listening to the body and progressing slowly allows the ankle to recover without unnecessary setbacks. Careful attention during this period supports long term mobility and helps prevent future problems. If you need help with recovery or it stalls, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for expert advice.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Michael Schwartzman, DPM from Illinois and Indiana . 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 our offices located in West Chicago, IL and Whiting, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenails can range from mildly uncomfortable to severely painful and infected. For more advanced cases, a podiatrist may lift and trim the ingrown portion of the nail or perform a partial nail removal to relieve pressure and allow proper healing. If the problem is recurrent, a procedure can be done to remove part of the nail root using a chemical or laser to prevent regrowth in that area. In cases of severe infection or persistent ingrowth, full nail removal may be recommended. These treatments aim to reduce pain, prevent infection, and correct nail growth. If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to deeper infection and more serious complications. If you have a persistent ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment that best suits your condition.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Michael Schwartzman, DPM of Illinois and Indiana . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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