Elgin Foot and Ankle Center, S.C.
750 Fletcher Drive
Suite 300
Elgin, IL 60123
(847) 741-3127
Basketball
Happy Feet...Happy Bride
Comfortable footwear can help make the perfect day even better. Many times foot or ankle discomfort can be alleviated with appropriate shoes. It is not unusual for people to buy shoes that are too small for their feet. If your foot problem has an easy solution, our podiatrists will gladly provide you with that information. Sometimes the right shoe is not enough and custom-made orthotics is necessary to help the feet maintain the best position. Our podiatrists can utilize a three dimensional digital scan to have custom made inserts (orthotics) fabricated for your shoes, made from the scan of your feet to correct your specific foot abnormality and fit your feet only. If your foot or ankle problem can be resolved with conservative treatment, our podiatrists will advise you of the best treatment for you. There are times when the best solution for a foot or ankle problem is surgery. If you require foot or ankle surgery, our podiatrists can provide you with the latest state of the art surgical techniques. They will take the time to explain to you what to expect before, during and after surgery and will try to answer all your questions. Whatever your foot or ankle problem may be, our podiatrists will explain the various treatment options available to you. Everyone is happier when their feet are happy!
Thoughts on Celebrating 25 Years
In 2009, Dr. Jacoby celebrated 25 years in practice! What a surprise when by pure coincidence, the very first patient he treated returned for an appointment on the anniversary date!
Some thoughts from Dr. Jacoby:
On April 30, 1984 I took over this podiatry practice. Elgin became my professional home as well as my personal home. I am forever grateful to Dr. Roger Hess who started this practice 50 years prior. Dr. Hess was a gentleman whom I admired and emulated both professionally and personally. I am forever honored to continue caring for the patients who initially trusted Dr. Hess.
My first office was at 860 Summit on the East Side of Elgin. I remember painting the office myself. I moved twice into larger space at 860 Summit. Eventually we outgrew the space there and moved to larger space at the Sherman Hospital Medical Building and then finally here to 750 Fletcher. I am grateful to the multitude of patients we have had the privilege of treating and that have kept us growing. I am also grateful to the multitude of other physicians in the area whom I am so privileged to work with.
Not only has this practice grown in physical space, but we have grown technologically as we offer many state of the art alternatives. I am so pleased to cross from my first 25 years into my next 25 years in the same community.
My staff has been and continues to be essential. I am very please to have two other full time podiatrists at Elgin Foot and Ankle Center, Dr. Beata Bialon and Dr. Nolaska Souliotis. To all my staff, both past and present, I say a most sincere Thank You.
I look back on the last 25 years with much pride and sentimentality. I look forward to the next 25 years with the same enthusiasm and joy I felt on April 30, 1984. I love what I do and every day I realize how blessed I am to be in this wonderful profession!
With all its running, twisting, turning, and jumping, basketball is one of the hardest games on feet. Different movements put all the areas of the foot at risk. That is why proper conditioning, stretching, and well-fitted shoes are critical to a healthy enjoyment of the sport.
Ankle sprain is a particularly common injury in basketball. But the repeated shock and pressures on the foot can also lead to inflammations, including Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and sesamoiditis.
Basketball Shoes
Foot and ankle stability, shock absorption, and traction are the most important qualities for basketball shoes. If you are susceptible to ankle injuries, consider a high-top or three-quarter shoe that provides added support to key foot structures during play. Look for shoes that offer the following:
- A wide toe box with plenty of room for your toes to move around. Not enough room can lead to blisters, corns, and calluses.
- Lightweight, breathable material for uppers; generally, leather is recommended.
- Dense, abrasion-resistant soles that are low to the ground for better traction and support.
- A well-cushioned midsole for a shock-absorbing layer. An EVA or EVA-compressed layer is lightweight but not as durable or stable. A polyurethane layer has greater stability, but it is often heavier, too.
- Bend in the forefoot of the shoe, which is at the ball of the foot near the toes. Be sure there is less bend in the arch where you need the added support to keep the foot stable.
- A firm heel counter that fits snugly.
- Laces as the form of closure give you the ability to adjust for the support you need throughout the foot.
When buying basketball shoes, be sure to take the socks you plan to wear with them to ensure a proper fit. Have your feet measured standing up and fit the shoes to your larger foot. Walk around, turn, twist, and jump in each pair on a hard surface to see how your foot feels during each of these movements. Most importantly, make your choice based on comfort.
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NEWS at ELGIN FOOT AND ANKLE CENTER
Working the medical tent at the Annual Avon Breast Cancer 2-Day Walk has many rewards. Dr. Jacoby especially likes hearing the stories of why people participate in this strenuous and emotional endeavor. Why does Dr. Jacoby participate? He does so out of respect for the many people he knows whose lives have been touched by breast cancer. And by participating, he helps hundreds each year to achieve their own personal goal of participating in the walk.
