February 2020

The feet and ankles endure increased pressure if one is overweight. This may cause foot conditions to develop that can include different types of arthritis, plantar fasciitis, and flat feet. Additionally, the skin on the feet may be affected, which may cause pain and discomfort. It may be difficult to maintain a good quality of life while there is general foot pain, and it is suggested that a healthy diet is implemented. This can include eating fresh fruits and vegetables, drinking plenty of water daily, and practicing a gentle exercise regime. If you would like more information about how obesity can affect the feet, please consult with a podiatrist.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Dr. Milton N. Kondiles from Kondiles Chicagoland Footcare. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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

Children are often born with flat feet, as well as with generally more flexible feet. It can be beneficial to have them walk barefoot while indoors, as this can help to strengthen their feet. The feet may become stronger when the toes grasp the floor, which can be easily accomplished when shoes are not worn. Ideally, your child’s feet should be measured approximately every three months for the first few years, and every six months for children that are over the age of five. The arch will normally fully develop as walking and running are practiced. If this ceases to occur, this may indicate an underlying foot or bone structure condition. Additionally, if your child walks on their toes, or with their toes pointed inward or outward, it is strongly suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly diagnose existing abnormal conditions.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Dr. Milton N. Kondiles of Kondiles Chicagoland Footcare. 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 one of our offices located in Arlington Heights, and Chicago, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Have your child's feet been examined lately?

Children that have ingrown toenails may tell their parents their big toe hurts. Upon examining the toe, it may appear red, swollen, and may have drainage from the outer edges of the nail. These symptoms may be indicative of an ingrown toenail. This can occur as a result of improperly trimming the toenails, or from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Children’s feet grow rapidly, which is why it’s advised to have your child’s feet frequently measured. This can help you to determine the correct size shoe that your child needs to wear. The toe may feel better when it is soaked in warm water several times per day, as this may help to soften the affected area. If you notice an ingrown toenail on your child’s foot, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Milton N. Kondiles of Kondiles Chicagoland Footcare. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

It is beneficial to purchase running shoes that are designed based on a particular style of running. There are several types of shoes that can meet the needs of any runner, which is why it’s important to be informed about what type of running shoes you should choose based on your preferences of the sport. Road shoes have more additional cushioning than race shoes, and may help to provide shock absorption as running is performed. Trail shoes can be worn if the type of running that is done is through muddy areas, or on uneven surfaces, and may help to offer adequate ankle support. Patients who prefer training for a marathon are often aware of the need to run in shoes that have maximum cushioning. If you would like additional information about what type of shoes to wear for a specific style of running, please consult with a podiatrist.

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact Dr. Milton N. Kondiles from Kondiles Chicagoland Footcare. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

• Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• There should be little to no slipping at the heel
• Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
• Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
• Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

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