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If you are planning a summer vacation trip outside the Chicago metropolitan area, you are not alone. Last Memorial Day weekend saw 37 million Americans hit the road or the runways, the highest level in 10 years (AAA). And the rest of the summer promises to equal those levels. You will probably remember to pack…

Have you noticed that one or more of your inner toes are beginning to look different? Have they become more rigid or even curled? Is it painful to wear certain shoes because the tops of the toes have begun to rub against the shoe? Are corns or calluses appearing on the toe tops? If you answer “yes”…

If your summer plans include a vacation at Silver Lake Sand Dunes or just hanging out around the pool, make sure you have plenty of sunscreen – and don’t forget to apply to feet and ankles too. Your feet are exposed to the harmful rays of the sun which are the primary cause of dangerous…

What better way to pamper yourself than to visit a nail salon or spa for a relaxing pedicure? Summer’s barefoot look calls for pretty and polished toes looking their best. The Chicago area boasts dozens of nail salons but some may be somewhat careless in cleanliness or may not use properly sterilized equipment. Stavros O. Alexopoulos,…

Have you experienced a sharp pain or swelling at the back of your heel and ankle after an exercise session? You may have an inflamed Achilles tendon, or Achilles tendonitis. The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles at back of your lower leg to your heel bone. With overuse, this tissue may be damaged. The fibers…

High heels are high fashion and many women enjoy wearing them. But long-term high heel wearing can cause foot problems like corns and calluses and ingrown toenails, and even tendon damage that may be irreversible. Your Whole Body is Affected by Wearing High Heels While wearing high heels, your body weight shifts to the ball of the foot which is…

It still feels like summer but soon those bright yellow school buses will start filling our Chicago streets. A new school year is exciting for children and comes with its own traditions like choosing a new backpack – and shopping for shoes. Shop Smart for Comfort and Protection Your child may beg you for shoes…

Have you been awakened in the night by excruciating pain in the foot or calf? Have you felt severe calf pain after a strenuous run? If so, then you have experienced muscle cramps. A muscle cramp, also called a charley horse, is a sudden involuntary contraction of one or more muscles. Although incredibly painful, these…

Research shows that exercise is good for us in many ways. Regular exercise can help control weight, fight disease, promote restful sleep and even boost our mood and energy. So if you’ve been a steady customer of your local gym or swimming pool – congratulations! Unfortunately, visiting public pools, gyms and showers increases the risk…

Have you seen those tiny shoes for infants that look like miniature ballet slippers, or Converse sneakers to match Dad’s? It’s tempting to grab them – but don’t do it! The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies need shoes only when they begin to walk. And shoes don’t help them learn to walk faster…