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.

Sever’s disease is a common heel condition that affects children during growth spurts when the heel bone develops faster than the surrounding tissues. This imbalance leads to irritation at the growth plate and causes noticeable discomfort during activity. Risk factors include high-impact sports, tight calf muscles, wearing improper footwear, and having flat feet or high arches. Symptoms often begin with heel pain, tenderness, swelling, and limping after play. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition through a detailed exam and recommend conservative treatments such as stretching, footwear guidance, and activity changes to reduce strain on the heel. Early care prevents prolonged discomfort and supports healthy development. If your active child has consistent heel pain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips, ensuring your child can safely return to sporting activities.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Michael Schwartzman, DPM from Illinois and Indiana . Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their 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.

Working in food service often requires standing and walking on hard floors for long hours, which can strain the feet and ankles. Without proper footwear, this constant pressure can lead to heel pain, arch discomfort, and inflammation of the plantar fascia, the ligament that supports the foot’s arch. Shoes designed for food service should have firm midsoles, closed toes and heels, and slip-resistant soles to help prevent falls on slick surfaces. Footwear with poor structure or loose straps can cause instability and increase the risk of injury. A podiatrist can evaluate foot mechanics, check for pressure points, and prescribe custom insoles to improve alignment, cushioning, and overall comfort during long shifts. Properly fitted shoes and supportive insoles can make a significant difference in reducing foot fatigue and preventing long-term problems. If you have foot pain from standing at work, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Michael Schwartzman, DPM from Illinois and Indiana . 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 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.

Hammertoes develop when one or more toe joints bend abnormally, causing the toe to curl downward instead of lying flat. Over time, this imbalance can make it painful to wear shoes or walk comfortably. Genetics, tight footwear, high heels, or muscle imbalance often contribute to the problem, which may start as flexible and later become rigid. Early treatment can help prevent progression and reduce discomfort. Conservative options include wearing shoes with roomy toe boxes, using custom orthotics, and performing gentle toe stretches to restore flexibility. Padding or splints can also ease pressure on the affected joints. In more advanced cases, a podiatrist may recommend minimally invasive surgery to realign the toe and restore natural movement. If your toes feel stiff, sore, or bent out of shape, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss effective treatment options.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Michael Schwartzman, DPM of Illinois and Indiana . Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best 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.