Diabetic neuropathy is a complication of diabetes that occurs when high blood sugar levels cause damage to nerve fibers. The nerves in the legs and feet are primarily affected. This can lead to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness in the affected areas. Patients typically have a difficult time feeling heat, cold, or pain. This reduced sensation increases the risk of injuries going unnoticed and becoming infected, potentially leading to severe complications. A podiatrist, or foot doctor, plays an important role in managing diabetic neuropathy by conducting regular foot examinations to monitor for potential injuries that patients may not detect themselves. They can also provide guidance on proper foot care practices, recommend suitable footwear to protect the feet, and promptly treat any foot problems, such as ulcers or infections. If you have neuropathy, it is suggested that you regularly consult a podiatrist to monitor any foot concerns. 

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists  from Itasca Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then 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 are among the most common and painful foot issues people face. An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge or corner of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing irritation, redness, swelling, and pain. If left untreated, ingrown toenails can become infected, leading to more severe discomfort and potentially serious complications. Podiatrists, or foot doctors, specialize in treating ingrown toenails and offer effective solutions to alleviate the pain associated with this condition. When you visit a podiatrist for an infected ingrown toenail, they will first assess the severity of the problem. Targeted treatment typically involves gently trimming or removing the ingrown portion of the nail, along with providing relief for any associated infection. Podiatrists can also offer guidance on proper nail care techniques to help prevent future occurrences. If you're dealing with the discomfort of an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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.

Stress fractures are common injuries to the bones of the legs and feet, resulting from repetitive stress rather than sudden injury. These hairline cracks in the bone affect athletes, including runners, basketball players, or dancers. Pain from stress fractures is particularly felt during weight-bearing activities and direct pressure on the bone. They may be difficult to diagnose as the pain often subsides when activity stops. Because they do not always show up on an  X-ray, further diagnostic tests, like CT or MRI scans may be needed. Left untreated, stress fractures in the feet or ankles can worsen, leading to more severe complications. Seeking timely medical attention from a podiatrist is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment tailored to individual needs. This facilitates pain relief, promotes healing, and prevents further damage. If you are experiencing symptoms suggestive of a stress fracture, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Itasca Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

Choosing the right shoes is important for people with arthritic feet. Wearing proper footwear can significantly alleviate pain and improve mobility, while the wrong shoes can worsen symptoms of arthritis. Shoes with a wide toe box, cushioned soles, and adequate arch support can help distribute weight evenly, reduce pressure on sensitive areas, and support the foot's natural shape. Additionally, shoes with adjustable closures, such as Velcro straps or laces, can accommodate changes in foot size due to swelling. Podiatrists play a key role in this selection process by evaluating your specific foot structure, identifying areas of concern, and recommending footwear that addresses your unique needs. Podiatrists may also suggest custom orthotics, which are personalized insoles that fit inside your shoe. If you suffer from arthritic feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist when choosing shoes for maximum support and comfort. 

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, 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.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Itasca and Hoffman Estates, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.