If your toes and fingers turn blue and ice cold, it may be more than just the Chicago winter. 5 to 10 percent of all Americans suffer from Raynaud’s but only a few seek treatment. Raynaud’s phenomenon is a condition which results in a bluish-white discoloration of fingers and toes, often as a result of exposure to cold. Stress, smoking, and certain medications may trigger or worsen symptoms. The color change, which occurs from spasms in small blood vessels, becomes red and then returns to normal when blood flow resumes. The condition most often affects women, with symptoms varying depending on...

Back-to-school sports season linked to ankle injuries If your children are playing sports this fall, pay attention to six tips that could protect them from serious ankle injuries. Every fall, Chicago foot and ankle surgeon Kaye Lagdaan, DPM, at Lincoln Foot and Ankle Center notices an increase in ankle injuries among young athletes. Football, soccer and basketball are the sports most likely to lead to sprains, broken bones and other problems, she says. Dr. Lagdaan has an office on Lincoln Avenue in the Northcenter neighborhood of Chicago. Dr. Lagdaan's top recommendation is for parents is to get ankle...

With painful conditions like nerve inflammation (called a Morton's neuroma), bursitis, bunions, hammertoes, nail damage, ankle sprains and tight tendons (equinus), high heels can come at a high price. There is good news though! It is not necessary to give up high heels forever. Following these tips can help take the hurt out of this guilty pleasure.

• No higher  than about 2 inches for a pair you intend to wear all day long.

• The widest part  of the shoe should fit the widest part of your foot.

• Seek out  high quality, soft, leather materials.

• Don't wear  high heels every day. Have a...

Chicagoans, flip-flop season is upon us, but unfortunately these airy styles can be the culprit of foot and body pains from stubbed toes to joint misalignment. So you can enjoy this beloved footwear favorite, free of foot pain and problems, Australian podiatrist and founder of Vionic with Orthaheel Technology Phil Vasyli and leading wellness guru, Dr. Andrew Weil have offered us a few shopping tips and their picks for the best flip-flops for both women and men.

• Choose Flip Flops  that Bend Only in the Ball of the Foot Most flip flops lack any kind of structure/support for the foot, which can cause foot...

It has been a long winter in Chicago. Icy sidewalks, snowed in parks and polar vortices have kept most Chicagoans indoors and sedentary. With spring on the way, it is time to get outside and get active. Follow these tips for preventing stress fractures this spring:

• Set incremental goals. Whether it is running or team sports, build up slowly and steadily to your ability level. For example, do not immediately set out to run five miles a day; instead gradually build up your mileage by about 10% each week. Also be sure to build rest days into your workout regimen.

• Cross-train. Alternate activities...

Downhill skiing provides an exhilarating feeling and an excellent workout, too. But as with most winter sports, skiing requires proper equipment and footwear to prevent foot and ankle injuries. Don’t ruin your ski holiday with ill-fitting ski boots. Choosing the right kind of ski boots will enhance your skiing experience and make it more enjoyable. When choosing ski boots to buy or rent, it’s important to remember that boots should be comfortable. Ski boots should be snug and have an accurate fit. If the boots are too loose, your foot and ankle can slide around inside the boot, potentially leading to...

Most people get concerned about the health and appearance of their feet during the summer months. During the cold and wet winter months, your feet can really take a beating. Your feet will thrive during these cold months if you follow these foot-health tips:

• Footwear — Invest in a good pair of waterproof winter boots or shoes. Make sure your shoes fit properly. If they are too tight, they can cause ingrown toenails or blisters. If you do get a blister, apply antiseptic cream and bandages. If the blister doesn’t heal in a timely manner, consult your podiatric physician.

• Foot care — The winter months...

People have used home remedies for foot ailments for many years. Many of these “cures” are not medically sound. Below are some foot myths, debunked.

• Listerine and Vicks VapoRub will cure toenail fungus. The claim is that these chemicals will cure toenail fungus and provide a safe alternative to prescription antifungal pills and a cheaper alternative to topical fungal medications. These chemicals cannot effectively penetrate the skin underneath the nail where the nail fungus is located. Nail fungus should be diagnosed and treated properly by a podiatric physician.

• Vinegar can cure foot odor. People...

Even the most avid outdoorsmen don’t realize just how much stress and strain they put on their feet and ankles during autumn hikes. Those long, vigorous walks on uneven terrain may be fun, but without proper care, they could lead to damage to their feet and ankles. Poor choice in footwear and lack of conditioning can lead to foot and ankle injuries that will keep you from participating in the sports you love. Follow these precautions and you can enjoy all the season has to offer. Wear the Right Shoes and Socks You don’t wear hiking boots to play basketball, so practice the same common sense in return....

Make Sure it’s a Comfortable Switch It’s almost time to say goodbye to your sandals, slip-on shoes and bare feet of summer and hello to socks, shoes and boots. Our patients find that the change in shoes and season can bring unwanted foot problems, including:

Ingrown toenails Ingrown toenails can result from wearing improperly-sized shoes. Trim your toenails as straight across as possible and wear shoes that are not tight around your toe area.

Toenail fungus Fungus thrives in dark, moist, warm environments such as your shoes. Wearing the same shoes every day can promote fungal growth. Disinfect your...

During back-to-school season and throughout the year, one of the most important purchases on any parent's shopping list should be a pair of proper fitting shoes for their child. For many parents, shoe shopping may seem easier than a pop-quiz in gym class, but several important factors should beconsidered: Children's Feet Change with Age.

• Children's Feet Change with Age.  Shoe and sock sizes may change every few months as a child's feet grow.

• Shoes that don't Fit Properly can Aggravate the Feet.  Always measure a child's feet before buying shoes, and watch for signs of irritation.

• Never Hand...

Feet are the Rodney Dangerfield of body parts; they don’t get no respect. That’s especially true for men's feet. Men often resist going to the doctor when they're sick or in pain. But most foot conditions are treatable, and easier to treat, when diagnosed early. Five foot problems they should never ignore:

• Heel pain  is often caused by tissue inflammation, but can also result from a broken bone, a tight Achilles tendon, a pinched nerve, or other problem. A qualified physician will know how to diagnose and treat the true cause of heel pain.

• Ankle sprains  always, always, always require a...