Carrying excess body weight during childhood can place added stress on growing feet and may affect the way children move and balance. Between the ages of five and 10, the feet are still developing, and increased pressure on the bones, muscles, and joints may influence foot shape, flexibility, and stability. Some children develop lower arches or experience uneven pressure along the bottom of the feet while standing and walking. Over time, these changes may contribute to fatigue, soreness, reduced balance, or difficulty with physical activity. Increased strain on the feet can also affect muscle performance and the way a child distributes weight during movement. In some cases, children may avoid activity because of discomfort, which can further impact strength and coordination. A podiatrist can evaluate foot development, examine walking patterns, and recommend supportive treatment options that improve comfort and mobility. If your child experiences foot pain, balance problems, or difficulty staying active, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Elie C. Daniel, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

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

Arthritis in the feet can make standing, walking, and staying active painful. This condition causes inflammation in or around the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. Osteoarthritis develops when cartilage, the cushioning tissue at the ends of bones, wears down. Without enough cartilage, bones can rub together and create foot or ankle pain. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints. Post-traumatic arthritis can develop after an injury like a fracture, dislocation, or sprain.

Foot arthritis can affect areas from the heel to the toes. Symptoms include tender joints, warmth, and pain with movement. Stiffness can become more noticeable after sitting or sleeping. Some patients also have difficulty walking because painful joints do not move as freely. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect the same joints in both feet and can contribute to changes like hammertoes. Osteoarthritis can affect only one foot. Because several types of arthritis can produce similar symptoms, identifying the type and affected joints is an important part of choosing appropriate foot care.

A podiatrist can examine the feet, assess joint movement, and determine how arthritis is affecting walking. Treatment can focus on reducing pressure on painful joints and supporting comfortable movement. A podiatrist can recommend supportive shoes or custom orthotics, which are inserts designed to improve foot support and alignment. Care can also address changes in foot structure that develop because of arthritis. When joint damage is severe, surgery can be considered to reduce pain or improve function. Regular podiatric evaluations can help track changes in the feet and guide treatment as symptoms change. If you have symptoms of foot arthritis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Elie C. Daniel, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Princeton, Peru, and Mendota, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Flat feet are a structural condition in which the natural arch of the foot is lowered or absent, causing the foot to rest flat on the ground. This can affect how weight is distributed across the foot and may lead to discomfort. While some individuals with flat feet experience no symptoms, others develop pain and instability. Understanding this condition helps individuals recognize when treatment may be needed.

Common symptoms include pain in the heel or arch that becomes more noticeable during or after activity. Many people experience pain that worsens with activity, particularly during walking or running. Swelling along the inside of the ankle may also occur, often due to strain on the tendons that support the arch. Additional symptoms may include stiffness, fatigue, and changes in walking pattern. These signs can interfere with daily activities if left untreated.

Flat feet can develop due to several causes, including inherited foot structure, injury, or gradual weakening of supportive tissues. Risk factors include obesity, prolonged standing, and wearing shoes that do not provide adequate support. Conditions such as arthritis or tendon dysfunction can also increase the likelihood of arch collapse. Understanding these contributing factors can help guide prevention and early intervention strategies.

Proper management focuses on supporting the arch and reducing strain on the foot. Supportive footwear, custom orthotics, and targeted exercises can help improve comfort and stability. Addressing symptoms early can prevent progression and reduce the risk of complications. Maintaining foot health is essential for overall mobility and well being. If you have flat feet that are causing discomfort, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and management tips.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Elie C. Daniel, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

A broken toe is a common foot injury that can occur after stubbing the toe, dropping a heavy object on the foot, or experiencing a direct impact during sports or other activities. Although some fractures are minor, others can affect the position and function of the toe. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, and bruising. Some people also notice difficulty walking or putting weight on the affected foot. In certain cases, the toe may appear crooked or become difficult to move. Because the symptoms of a broken toe can be similar to those of a severe sprain, a professional evaluation is important to determine the extent of the injury and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

A broken toe can affect more than the injured bone. Ongoing pain may change the way a person walks, placing additional stress on the rest of the foot. This altered movement can also increase strain on the ankle, knee, or hip. A thorough podiatry examination helps determine which toe is injured and whether the fracture extends into a nearby joint. Imaging studies, such as X-rays, may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate bone alignment. Early diagnosis is important because untreated fractures may heal improperly and lead to lasting pain or reduced toe function.

A podiatrist specializes in diagnosing and treating broken toes while monitoring the healing process. Professional care focuses on restoring proper alignment, reducing discomfort, and helping the toe heal as expected. Treatment is tailored to each patient's injury and may be adjusted based on the severity of the fracture. Regular follow-up visits also allow healing to be monitored and any complications to be identified early. If you have toe pain, swelling, or difficulty walking after a foot injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Elie C. Daniel, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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