With our feet bearing the weight of our entire body, it’s no surprise that carrying excess weight may increase the chance of developing foot problems.  In fact, recent studies have shown that overweight people experience more heel pain, tendonitis, arthritis, ball-of-foot pain, fractures and sprains in their feet and ankles than individuals at a normal, healthy weight.

Extra weight doesn’t have to be substantial to have an impact on your feet and ankles. As little as 10 or 20 pounds can trigger pain in the lower extremities. Being overweight changes the way your foot functions, and the force on the feet intensifies.

The most common foot problems from being overweight include:

• Plantar Fasciitis: Excess weight adds strain to the plantar fascia, overusing and weakening it. This causes it to become inflamed and irritated. Heel pain is one of the most common problems caused by weight gain.
• Tendonitis: When the feet endure extra weight, it eventually causes the tendons/ligaments to be overused, which leads to injury and inflammation.
• Fallen Arches: An increase in body weight and pressure causes the supporting structures in your feet (muscles, tendons, and ligaments) to become stretched and weakened, breaking down over time. This can weaken the muscle which gives the foot its arch, causing over-pronation and leading to other problems such as knee and hip pain.
• Other effects from carrying extra weight include changes in posture, changes in gait (steps become shorter) and stress fractures.

Losing extra pounds can help ease the pain and reduce problems caused by carrying excess body weight. Unfortunately, it's tough to lose weight when your feet hurt. To combat foot problems triggered by weight gain, ease into a low-impact activity that doesn’t require you to place pressure on your foot, such as water aerobics.  Always start any new workout routine slowly and work with your regular physician and podiatrist at Dr. Frankel to find healthy ways to modify your diet and select the best, supportive footwear for your feet.

Foot pain is never normal, regardless of weight, as it indicates some type of stress or injury. You should always consult an experienced podiatrist at our Chicago office if you are experiencing any pain in your foot.

Rosemarie Danchik had never set foot in the office of a podiatrist until she broke her foot at the age of 61.  After sustaining a fall while putting away Christmas decorations Danchik found herself in a wheelchair and facing reconstructive surgery.   Broken bonesare not an uncommon complaint as people agebecause bones lose calcium.  While not everyone can expect broken bones with age, foot problems tend to increase and can often be the early signs of a serious illness.  Aging does a number on people’s muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones which can mean an increased need for podiatric attention.  Diabetes can also sometimes be spotted by a podiatrist through routine care.  

If you are suffering from any podiatric complaints that may be related to age you should seek out the care of a podiatrist such as Dr. Neal Frankel of A Foot & Ankle Centre. Dr. Frankel can diagnose any injuries you may have sustained as well as provide you treatment options that work for you.

Geriatrics and Podiatry

When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and even rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health without care.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseases can affect your overall health and having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities.

As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns, etc.

Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock, the higher the chance of exposure to bacteria.

Lastly, good foot health means you can have a more active lifestyle.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices in Chicago, Lincolnwood, and Oak Brook, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment services for all your podiatric needs.

Read more on Geriatrics and Podiatry.

The summertime is a great time to show off your new sandals and allow your feet to breathe. But since the warmer months can be rough on your feet, it's important to give your feet a little extra care to keep them looking great and feeling healthy. Here are a few tips from Dr. Frankel for keeping your feet in tip-top shape during the summer.

Keep feet clean

The best line of defense against fungal infections is proper hygiene and regular inspection of the feet and toes. Wash feet with soap and water daily, and dry them thoroughly to prevent infection. Wear shower shoes in public places, like pools and locker rooms. And to prevent ingrown nails and toenail fungus, keep toenails trimmed straight across.

Avoid walking barefoot

Walking outside in the summertime without shoes increases the risk of injury and infection.

Protect feet from the sun

Wearing sunscreen is extremely important in the summertime- and that means lathering up the exposed skin on your feet and ankles too.

Keep your feet fungus free

Coupled with good foot hygiene, you can also prevent toenail fungus by alternating your shoes. And if you suspect a fungus infected nail, visit Dr. Frankel right away for early treatment.

Treat your feet to a pedicure

Eliminate rough, dead, winter skin and improve the appearance of your toenails with a pedicure. Do it yourself or pamper yourself to a professional one for attractive summer feet you'll be proud to show off. But don't leave nail polish on all summer long. Remove it periodically to allow your nail bed to breathe.

Prevent painful blisters

Sandals and flip flops can lead to irritating blisters when they rub against your bare skin. Use padding or bandages to prevent and reduce friction.

Examine your flip flops

Flip flops are great for allowing your feet to breathe all summer long, but thong sandals can result in sore feet and ankles. Choose styles with arch and heel support to keep feet healthy and pain free.

Following these easy steps during the summer months can go a long way in keeping your feet looking and feeling their very best. Inspect your feet daily, and if you encounter any unusual foot problems or experience pain, contact our Chicago office for a thorough evaluation.

Chelsea McKell, owner of UtahRunningGuide.com and former Brigham Young University cross-country athlete, urges those who have had trouble running not to give up.  As an avid runner McKell has experience with choosing running shoes and so she offers some tips to others looking to select the perfect pair.  

Buying running shoes a half to a whole size larger than what you’d normally wear is recommended because feet typically swell during exercise and need the extra room.  Getting a running-gait analysis is also recommended because it is a process that can assess the needs of your feet.  McKell also recommends not buying into trends, since everybody is different.  

As McKell points out, getting the proper running shoeis vital to a good workout and learning the difference between walking and running shoescan help you get the most out of your workout and prevent injuries. In order to further help you with your exercise regimen, it is recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist such as Dr. Neal Frankel of A Foot & Ankle Centre. Dr. Frankel can work with you and give you a better understanding how your feet are affected by both running and walking shoes.

Walking

Flexibility – walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

Heel – walking shoes also have a beveled or angled heel. This helps absorb shock and puts less pressure on the ankles.

Running

Light Weight – running shoes are generally made of more lightweight material to reduce the amount of weight your body needs to lift with each stride.

Thicker Soles – running shoes also provide shock absorbers that reduce the rippling effects of impacting the ground during each stride.

To learn more about how these types of shoes play a role in fitness, visit our link below.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices in Chicago, Lincolnwood, and Oak Brook, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment services for all your podiatric needs.

Read the Full Article on The Difference Between Running and Walking Shoes.

With age, many people experience changes in their feet. This may include a change in their shape; a loss of the fatty pads that cushion the bottom of the feet; thinner, drier skin and brittle nails; and even arthritis. As the feet change, they also naturally develop more problems. But aching feet are not a natural part of growing old or something to be tolerated. You can do many things now to help relieve pain, improve comfort and keep the spring in your step.
Taking good care of your feet has many benefits including increasing your comfort, limiting the possibility of additional health issues, and keeping you active and mobile. The following tips may help keep feet feeling and looking their best into the golden years:

• Choose proper-fitting shoes with adequate support, a firm sole and a soft upper for your everyday activities
• Walk—it’s the best exercise for your feet
• Avoid going barefoot
• Never cut corns or calluses on your own
• Bathe your feet daily in lukewarm water with a mild soap
• Moisturize daily
• Trim and file toenails straight across
• Inspect your feet daily. If you notice redness, cracks in the skin or strange sores, consult our Chicago office
• Have your feet examined by S Michigan Ave Chicago, IL at least once a year

There are more than 300 different foot ailments. Some are inherited, but for older people, most foot conditions stem from the impact of years of wear and tear. The good news is that even among people in their retirement years, many foot problems can be treated successfully.
Never ignore the natural changes that aging brings.  Since feet are referred to as the “mirror of health,” podiatrists are often times the first to identify signs of systemic diseases, such as diabetes and arthritis. Regular visits to A Foot and Ankle Centre can help prevent foot problems and alleviate pain to keep you active for life.