Keeping the feet strong and mobile is important for overall stability and comfort. Gentle exercises can help improve movement and reduce the risk of injury. One helpful practice is spreading the toes apart while seated or standing, which encourages better muscle control and coordination. Another useful activity involves placing a small towel on the floor and using only the toes to pull it inward, which can help support the arch and engage underused muscles. A third option is rising slowly onto the balls of the feet and lowering back down with control, which helps strengthen the ankles and improve balance. These small movements, when done regularly, can have a lasting impact on how the feet function during daily activities. If your feet remain stiff, weak, or sore despite incorporating basic mobility work, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an evaluation and guidance.

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 one of our podiatrists from DM Foot & Ankle Associates . Our doctors 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 doctors 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 office located in Lemont, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Wearing shoes specific to the sport you are playing can help avoid foot, toe, or ankle injuries. Sports shoes are designed to combine cushioning, flexibility, fit, and traction suited to each sport’s demands. For instance, court shoes for tennis or pickleball include rounded midsoles, and firm outward ridges along the shoe edge that improve side‑to‑side stability. Their midfoot support and herringbone-pattern outsoles help to grip hard court surfaces during pivots. In contrast, running shoes are designed for forward motion with vertical edges and soft midsoles. This shoe would increase the risk of lateral ankle sprains and Achilles tendon injuries when worn in court sports. Basketball shoes vary from low-top styles that enhance speed and ankle muscle activation, to high-top versions that offer extra protection during rebounds. Traction patterns and midfoot reinforcements under the arch help to limit twisting during quick cuts. Cleats for soccer, football, and lacrosse use strategic stud placements and carbon-fiber outsoles for grip in multidirectional movement.  Additionally, golf shoes feature spikes or hybrid soles and plates to steady the stance through swings. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot structure, sport requirements, and shoe features to recommend proper footwear. If you are experiencing foot pain after sports activity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for advice and relief tips.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from DM Foot & Ankle Associates . Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

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

Fungal infections of the feet, including athlete’s foot and fungal toenail infections, often develop in warm, moist environments where fungi thrive. Fungal foot infections are more likely to occur when the feet are frequently damp from sweat, confined in enclosed shoes, or exposed to shared areas such as locker rooms, communal showers, and around swimming pools. Wearing synthetic socks and shoes that do not allow air circulation can also raise the risk. Additional risk factors include certain health conditions, like diabetes or circulation issues, as well as a weakened immune system. Athlete’s foot may cause itching, peeling, or flaking skin, especially between the toes, while fungal nail infections can lead to thickened, discolored, or brittle toenails. The infection may begin in one area and gradually spread across the foot or nails if left untreated. A podiatrist can help by providing a proper diagnosis and selecting the most effective treatment based on the severity of the infection. If you believe you have developed a fungal foot infection, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from DM Foot & Ankle Associates .  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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