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Summer Steps: Your Foot Health, Our Priority This Summer

Is Your Child Ready for Summer Play?

Kids' feet grow fast, and catching small problems early can save a lot of pain and trouble down the road. We see children for all kinds of foot and ankle concerns, including heel pain, flat feet, clubfoot, toe pain, and injuries from sports or active play.
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If your child has been complaining that their feet hurt, you've noticed they walk a little differently than other kids, or their regular doctor has suggested seeing a foot specialist, we're here to help. Our doctors are great with kids and make sure both children and parents feel comfortable and heard.
Summer is a busy time for little feet! Don't let foot pain keep your child on the sidelines. With 16 convenient locations across Northern Illinois—getting seen is easy.
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Trouble Lifting Your Foot When You Walk? We Can Help

Foot drop, or drop foot, is a muscular weakness or paralysis that makes it difficult or impossible to lift the front part of your foot. It is not a disease itself, but rather a symptom of an underlying nerve, muscle, or spinal column problem. 
Podiatric treatments for foot drop primarily focus on managing the inability to lift the front of the foot by stabilizing the ankle, improving gait, and correcting underlying nerve or muscle issues.
The good news is that there are real solutions:
Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFOs)
The most common intervention for foot drop is the use of Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFOs), which help support the foot and improve walking.
Hinged AFO with Dorsiflexion Assist
These devices incorporate tamarack joints to actively assist toe clearance during swing phase, particularly useful in flaccid foot drop. These devices are typically made out of plastic material that is stiff and rigid.
Carbon Fiber AFOs (CFAFOs)
Carbon fiber AFOs offer several advantages over traditional polypropylene AFOs for foot drop, including reduced weight, energy storage and return at push-off, higher patient satisfaction, and the ability to accommodate normal-sized footwear.
If you are experiencing symptoms of foot drop, schedule an appointment with our office to discuss treatment options that may help improve mobility and daily comfort.
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Featured Deal of the Month

Give your feet the care they deserve with our therapeutic foot soak, now on sale all throughout June for just $23 per bottle, regularly $32! Formulated to help soothe tired, achy feet while supporting healthier skin and nails, it’s a great addition to your foot care routine after long days or ongoing foot discomfort. Stop by any of our offices to pick up a bottle while supplies last.
Available at your nearest NIFAS location. Ask our front desk staff for details.

Think Twice Before Stepping in Flip-Flops This Summer

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Flip-flops often become a go-to choice for comfort and convenience in the summer, but wearing them frequently can lead to foot pain and injuries. Many flip-flops lack the support and stability your feet need, which can contribute to heel pain, arch strain, blisters, and even ankle sprains. If you enjoy wearing flip-flops this season, choose a pair with sturdy, firm soles that do not bend easily. Higher quality flip flops may cost more, but they provide better protection and typically last longer
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Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists has been named McHenry County’s favorite podiatry practice year after year. We’re proud of that recognition, and we’d love your help to earn it again.
Voting for the 2026 Best of the Fox Readers' Choice Awards(opens in a new tab) are now open! You can vote once a day through July 5th.
Please vote for Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists in the "Health & Wellness > Podiatrist" category. Be sure to vote for the practice name only, not individual providers.

How to Vote

  1. Go to the official voting site: NWH-Best-of-the-Fox-2026(opens in a new tab)
  2. Scroll to the "Health and Wellness" section.
  3. Find the "Podiatrist" category.
  4. Type in "Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists" and select the clinic location.
  5. Enter your email so your vote counts.
VOTE DAILY! It only takes a minute each day and every vote matters. Thanks for your continued support and for helping us stay the top choice in our community.
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Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists | 750 E Terra Cotta Avenue Unit C | Crystal Lake, IL 60014 US