Runners are prone to foot and ankle injuries due to repetitive impact, improper footwear, or overtraining. Common issues include sprains, tendonitis, and stress fractures that can disrupt training and daily activities. Preventing running injuries begins with wearing supportive shoes, gradually increasing mileage, and incorporating strengthening and stretching exercises. The calf stretch improves flexibility in the Achilles tendon, while the figure four stretch helps release tension in the feet and ankles. These exercises promote stability and reduce the risk of injury. If you have endured a foot or ankle injury while running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can assess your gait, recommend custom orthotics, and design a personalized recovery plan. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Michael Schwartzman, DPM of Illinois and Indiana . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? 
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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.

Many people experience foot problems that can cause pain and limit daily activity. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that causes itching and peeling between the toes. Blisters form from friction or moisture, leading to fluid-filled sores. Additionally, bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe, often from genetics or wearing tight shoes. Gout causes sudden joint pain and swelling due to uric acid buildup, affecting the big toe. Flat feet occur when the arches collapse, leading to strain and fatigue. Each condition has unique causes and risk factors. If you have foot pain or a specific foot or ankle condition, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide appropriate relief and treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Michael Schwartzman, DPM from Illinois and Indiana . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

As we grow older, toenails often become thicker, harder, and more difficult to trim. Seniors may also face issues such as curved nails, brittle nails, or fungal infections that make routine care more challenging. Limited flexibility or poor vision can add to the problem, increasing the risk of cutting nails too short, or leaving edges that can cause discomfort. Proper toenail care begins with trimming the nails straight across and smoothing sharp edges with a file to prevent them from growing into the skin. Keeping feet clean and dry helps reduce the chance of infection, while wearing well-fitted shoes prevents pressure on the nails. For those individuals with diabetes, circulation problems, or painful nail conditions, professional care is especially important. A podiatrist can safely manage nail health and prevent complications. If toenail care has become difficult or painful, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for expert advice and guidance.

If you need your feet checked, contact Michael Schwartzman, DPM of Illinois and Indiana . Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

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.

A heel spur is a bony growth that forms on the heel bone, often linked to physical stress, inflammation, or plantar fasciitis. Heel spurs can be classified into four types, including absent, indicating no visible spur. Horizontal spurs grow straight across the heel, vertical spurs point upward, while hooked spurs curve toward surrounding tissues, often causing more discomfort. Symptoms include heel pain, tenderness, and swelling, especially during walking or standing. Causes include repetitive strain, poor footwear, obesity, and high impact activities. A podiatrist can diagnose the type of heel spur, provide targeted treatments, and recommend supportive footwear or orthotics. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Michael Schwartzman, DPM from Illinois and Indiana . Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some 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.