Items filtered by date: June 2023

The feet provide us with mobility and balance, and keeping them safe during the work day can easily be done when the right shoes are worn. Anti-fatigue mats can provide the cushioning that is needed for good foot support, and these stress mats can have positive effects on the overall body. One of the most important things an employee can do is to wear shoes that fit correctly. It is beneficial to check shoes for existing cracks or holes that have developed, in addition to any separation between the sole and the shoe. These are indicators that it is time for new shoes to be purchased. Placing cushioned insoles inside the shoe may be adequate in reducing impact and increasing comfort. Stretching the feet before the workday begins may help to prepare the muscles and tendons to stand for the majority of the day. Additionally, It is helpful to rest the feet and stretch them while taking breaks, which may improve poor circulation that can happen from standing for most of the day. If more information is needed about foot protection during the work day, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Paul A. Santangelo, DPM from Illinois. 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 feel free to contact our offices located in Niles and Rockford, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The foot condition that is known as Morton’s neuroma is painful. It is caused by wearing shoes that do not have enough room in the toe area and it affects the nerve between the third and fourth toes. High heels can fall into this category, and women can develop this condition if high heels are worn often and for long periods of time. Patients may feel this affected nerve can be malignant, however, it is considered to be a benign growth. The pain is often felt in the ball of the foot, and it may be difficult to walk. Temporary relief may be found when wider shoes with lower heels are worn. There may be swelling that accompanies this ailment, and it can be helpful to elevate the feet. In severe cases, some patients may choose surgery that can remove the nerve, and normal activities may be resumed. If you have foot pain from for Morton’s neuroma, it is strongly suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and offer the correct treatment methods. 

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Paul A. Santangelo, DPM of Illinois. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

Flip-flops are a simple shoe to wear and can be constructed with materials that range from neon foam to expensive leather. Despite their simplicity and array of various colors, research has shown they may not be a good choice of shoe to wear every day. This can be a result of having little or no support in the heel and arch area. Additionally, the toes may become cramped as they try to keep the shoe on the foot. It is beneficial for people who enjoy wearing flip-flops to limit the types of environments that are worn in. Ideal places to wear these types of shoes include the beach, swimming pools, and public showers. They are helpful in preventing conditions such as an athlete's foot from developing. It is recommended to avoid wearing them while driving, participating in sporting events, and walking long distances. If you would like more information about the pros and cons of wearing flip-flops, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist. 

Flip-flops can cause a lot of problems for your feet. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Paul A. Santangelo, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

Flip-flops have managed to become a summer essential for a lot of people. While the shoes may be stylish and easy to slip on and off, they can be dangerous to those who wear them too often. These shoes might protect you from fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, but they can also give you foot pain and sprained ankles if you trip while wearing them.

When Are They Okay to Wear?

Flip-flops should only be worn for very short periods of time. They can help protect your feet in places that are crawling with fungi, such as gym locker rooms. Athlete’s foot and plantar warts are two common fungi that flip-flops may help protect your feet against.

Why Are They Bad for My Feet?

These shoes do not offer any arch support, so they are not ideal for everyday use. They also do not provide shock absorption or heel cushioning which can be problematic for your feet. Additionally, you may suffer from glass cuts, puncture wounds, and stubbed toes since they offer little protection for your feet.

More Reasons Why They Are Bad for Your Feet

• They Slow You Down
• May Cause Blisters and Calluses
• Expose Your Feet to Bacteria

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

Many new parents often go to great lengths to protect the health of their newborn baby. One critical element of protecting a newborn’s health is helping the baby maintain proper foot care. Sometimes, it is possible for newborns to demonstrate slight discoloration in the feet. Specifically, the newborn may present an orange or yellowish color in the feet. This phenomenon might be explained by the fact that the baby possibly had an increase in beta-carotene levels of the blood. This condition is sometimes referred to as carotenemia, which can be more prominent in toddlers. If your baby has orange feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to help address this issue.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Paul A. Santangelo, DPM of Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Niles and Rockford, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.