Plantar warts are skin growths on the bottom of the foot caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, which enters through tiny cuts or weak spots in the skin. They may appear as small, rough, grainy lesions that interrupt the normal lines of the skin, sometimes with tiny dark spots inside. Plantar warts can feel tender or painful while standing or walking, often creating a sensation similar to stepping on a pebble. Symptoms may include localized pressure, mild swelling, or discomfort that worsens with activity. Causes are often linked to walking barefoot in warm and moist environments, such as locker rooms or around pools, as well as reduced immunity or repetitive foot stress. A podiatrist can start by evaluating the lesion, confirming the diagnosis, and ruling out other conditions like corns or calluses. Treatment options include topical therapies, debridement, or custom padding to relieve pressure. Because early professional care supports faster relief and prevents spreading, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Michael Schwartzman, DPM from Illinois and Indiana . Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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.

Newborn feet can look unusual at first, and much of this comes from how the baby was positioned in the womb. Some infants have feet that curve inward, called metatarsus adductus, which often improves naturally as they begin to move and grow. Others may appear flat-footed because the arch has not yet formed. Occasionally, a foot may point upward or downward due to soft tissues still adjusting after birth. Most of these early differences resolve over time with gentle movement and normal development, but some may benefit from closer observation. A podiatrist can evaluate flexibility, check alignment, and offer guidance to support healthy growth. If your newborn’s feet look unusual or if you notice little improvement as they grow, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for proper evaluation and reassurance.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, 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.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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.

Diabetic foot ulcers are open sores or wounds that can develop on the feet of diabetics due to poor circulation, neuropathy, or prolonged pressure. They may look like red, inflamed areas with possible drainage or a foul odor, and the surrounding skin can appear thickened or callused. Many patients do not initially feel pain because nerve damage reduces sensation, making early detection challenging. Diabetic foot ulcers affect approximately 15 percent of people with diabetes during their lifetime and are a leading cause of lower limb loss, if not properly managed. A podiatrist can help by thoroughly examining the foot, assessing circulation and nerve function, and determining the severity of the wound. Treatment may include debridement, specialized dressings, offloading pressure with orthotics or footwear, infection management, and guidance on daily foot care. Prompt professional care supports faster healing, prevents infection, and reduces the risk of serious complications. If you notice a non-healing wound or unusual changes on your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Michael Schwartzman, DPM from Illinois and Indiana . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

Resistance bands are elastic tools that can be used to strengthen the muscles of the feet and ankles. These bands come in varying levels of resistance, allowing for gradual strengthening of the smaller stabilizing muscles that support balance, arch structure, and gait control. Exercises using resistance bands, such as foot flexes, toe curls, and ankle rotations, help improve flexibility, coordination, and joint stability. They are also useful for those recovering from foot injuries or seeking to prevent strain from repetitive movements. By maintaining proper form during each exercise, the muscles of the feet can become stronger, which supports better movement and reduces the risk of overuse injuries. A podiatrist can assess foot mechanics, identify muscle weakness, and recommend the most effective exercises for specific needs. For guidance on resistance band exercises for the feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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.