For someone living with diabetes, the feet are especially vulnerable to problems that can escalate quickly. Reduced sensation from nerve damage can make it hard to notice cuts, blisters, or pressure spots, while changes in circulation can slow healing. A podiatrist would stress the importance of regular professional exams to detect issues before they become serious. They can identify subtle skin changes, monitor nail health, and check for early signs of infection or ulcers. Ongoing care might include trimming nails to avoid injury, fitting shoes that reduce pressure points, and treating corns or calluses safely. Education is also part of the visit, with guidance on recognizing warning signs like redness, swelling, or drainage. If you have diabetes and have even minor concerns about the health of your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for prompt care to reduce the risk of complications that can impact overall mobility and quality of life.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Itasca Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Itasca and Hoffman Estates, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Wearing shoes that fit well and provide proper support can significantly reduce the risk of falls, especially as people age. When shopping for shoes, ensure they are the right length, with about a quarter of an inch extra space beyond your longest toe, allowing comfort without crowding. Choose shoes that close securely with laces or Velcro for a snug fit. This helps to accommodate natural foot swelling throughout the day. A supportive heel cup that stays in place and a wide, rounded heel enhance stability, offering more ground contact. Heel height should be no more than an inch for proper balance. Additionally, the shoe sole should have good traction without sticking to surfaces, and the toe area should be wide and deep enough for movement. Avoid shoes like floppy slippers with open heels or heavy footwear. If you have fallen recently and have sustained foot or ankle injuries, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, while guiding you on helpful tips on falls prevention.    

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Itasca Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Itasca and Hoffman Estates, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe. It develops when the big toe pushes against the next toe, forcing the joint to protrude. Symptoms include a visible bump, swelling, redness, soreness, pain while walking, and restricted toe movement. The area may look misaligned and feel tender, especially in tight shoes. Bunions can be caused by genetics, wearing tight or narrow shoes, flat feet, or arthritis. Over time, they can worsen and lead to chronic discomfort or difficulty walking. A podiatrist can assess the severity of the bunion through a physical exam and X-rays. Treatments may include recommending wider shoes, custom orthotics, padding, anti-inflammatory medications, or night splints. In severe cases, surgical correction may be considered to realign the toe and relieve pain. If you are dealing with painful bunions, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Itasca Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Itasca and Hoffman Estates, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenails can be painful and may require surgery if they repeatedly grow into the skin or lead to infection. Ingrown toenail surgery is often considered when conservative care fails or if the nail causes swelling, drainage, or difficulty walking. During this procedure, a podiatrist may remove part or all of the nail, and, in some cases, also treat the nail bed to help prevent the problem from returning. The surgery may also involve removing built-up tissue surrounding the nail or draining infected fluid. To reduce the chance of future issues, the remaining nail edge is shaped to avoid pressing into the surrounding skin. This procedure is usually done under local anesthesia, and the foot must be kept clean afterward to support healing and lower the risk of infection. A podiatrist can evaluate the condition of the toe and determine whether surgery is the best choice for relief. If you have a problem ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Itasca Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Itasca and Hoffman Estates, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.