Featured Topics for September:

NIFAS Wins Best of Bloomingdale and Best of the Fox
Cold Laser Therapy for Pain and Inflammation
Fall Risk Awareness Week Tips for Families and Caregivers
Annual Exams and Performance Checks to Keep You Moving
ASK THE PEDORTHIST: Store-Bought vs. Custom Orthotics
Protecting Athletes from Common Football Injuries
Why Daily Foot Checks Matter
Upcoming Community Events
Read the Latest Blog Posts
New Feature: Easy Bill Pay with QR Codes

Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists is proud to be recognized with two major community honors this month:

Best of Bloomingdale – Health Services Winner
Best of the Fox – Best Podiatrist, 3 Years Running

These awards reflect the trust of our patients and the dedication of our team.

THANK YOU!

We are honored to be recognized and we look forward to continuing our mission of providing the highest-quality podiatric care.

Cold laser therapy is a safe, non-invasive option that helps reduce pain and swelling by stimulating healing at the tissue level. It is often recommended for arthritis, tendonitis, sprains, and sports injuries. It is helpful for neuropathy as well.

Each session takes only a few minutes and is completely painless, making it simple to fit into your schedule. Because results build over time, treatments are offered in convenient six-session packages for $360.

Ask your NIFAS provider if cold laser therapy is right for you and discover how it can help you get back to the activities you enjoy.

CALL 847.639.5800

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

September 22–26 is Fall Risk Awareness Week, a reminder that falls are the leading cause of injury for older adults.

Most falls can be prevented with small adjustments:

Wear supportive shoes with slip-resistant soles
Keep walkways and stairways free of clutter
Use bright lighting in hallways and entryways
Remove rugs from the ground as they are slipping hazard
Add handrails or grab bars in key areas of the home
Schedule regular foot and ankle checkups to address balance or muscle weakness concerns

Caregivers and family members should watch for changes in how their loved one walks or stands. Addressing small issues now can prevent serious injuries later.

Call today at 847.639.5800 to schedule a fall-risk evaluation for yourself or a loved one.

Preventive care is the foundation of healthy feet. Schedule your yearly check-ins today:

Diabetic foot exams to prevent complications like ulcers and infections
Orthotic performance tests to ensure your orthotics are still supporting you properly
Annual foot and ankle health checks to keep you active, regardless of age

Appointments can be scheduled easily at illinoisfoot.com/appointment_request.

What are the differences between store-bought shoe inserts and custom orthotics?(opens in a new tab)

Each month, our #AskthePod segment features a different NIFAS provider answering one of your most common questions. This month’s edition is a little different. We are spotlighting our Certified Pedorthist, Michael Fishkin, in a special Ask the Pedorthist feature.

Michael explains why custom orthotics are a far superior choice for foot and ankle health, and why generic inserts found in stores cannot provide the same level of support or long-term benefit.

Have a question you would like answered in a future Ask the Pod? Submit it here.

Football season is in full swing, and so is the risk of foot and ankle injuries. Sprains, turf toe, and stress fractures are among the most common issues athletes face.

To reduce the risk of injury:

Warm up and stretchbefore practices and games
Wear properly fitted cleatswith good support
Replaceworn-out shoes or insoles
Rest and iceafter activity if soreness develops

If an injury does occur, don’t delay care. Early treatment helps athletes recover quickly and safely return to the field.

Same-day appointments are available. Call 847.639.5800 if an injury occurs to get back in the game safely.

For seniors, daily foot checks are a simple but powerful habit. Taking a few minutes each day to inspect your feet can prevent small problems from becoming serious complications.

Look for:

Cuts, blisters, or sores
Redness, swelling, or skin changes
Nail problems such as thickening or ingrown edges

Tips for checking your feet:

Use a mirror to view the bottoms of your feet
Ask a family member or caregiver to help if you have difficulty bending
Pay attention to changes in sensation, like tingling or numbness

Report anything unusual to your podiatrist right away. This small step can make a big difference in protecting independence and overall health.

You can reach us via phone at 847.639.5800 or text us at 224.219.1447.

Mark Your Calendar for October

Our team will be out in the community this fall. Stop by, say hello to your favorite NIFAS providers, and learn more about keeping your feet healthy.

Oct. 3–4 | Harmony Fest & Taste of Arlington Heights
Oct. 11 | Trunk or Treat at All Star Pediatrics
Oct. 13 | 45th Annual Cortland Parade & Event |
Oct. 14 | Senior Health Fair - Crystal Lake
Oct. 18 | Crystal Lake Community Expo
Oct. 22–26 | Sycamore Pumpkin Fest
Oct. 25 | Cary-Grove Annual Halloween Walk
Nov. 5 | Western Springs Wellness Fair

Dr. Spencer Keane Joins Western Springs Clinic(opens in a new tab)

NIFAS Wins Best of Bloomingdale and Best of the Fox(opens in a new tab)

Senior Corner: Why Wearing Shoes at Home Makes a Big Difference

By Dr. Walter Alm

Ask the Pod: How to Deal With Sweaty Feet

By Dr. Leonard Vekkos

What is Sever’s Disease? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment for Heel Pain in Kids

By Dr. Patrick McEneaney

New Feature: Easy Bill Pay with QR Codes

Your next statement will include a personalized QR code for faster access to our secure payment portal. Just scan the code with your phone or tablet to go directly to your account and pay your bill in seconds.

It’s a simple, convenient way to manage your balance without extra steps.

FOLLOW NIFAS ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

September 2025

What are the differences between store-bought shoe inserts and custom orthotics?(opens in a new tab)

Dr. Spencer Keane Joins Western Springs Clinic(opens in a new tab)

NIFAS Wins Best of Bloomingdale and Best of the Fox(opens in a new tab)