January 2021

A callus is a thick, toughened section of skin that often forms on the ball of the foot, as this area bears the most weight when you walk or stand. A corn is a callus that is made of dead skin and often develops on the tops or sides of toes. Corns and calluses are the skin’s natural response to excess friction or pressure. They develop to protect the raw skin underneath. While corns and calluses can be uncomfortable, they are rarely dangerous. Hard skin on the feet usually responds well to home treatment. Soaking, exfoliating, and moisturizing the feet can help smooth the skin. In some cases the hard skin may require medical treatment. For example, if the hardened skin causes pain or cracks and becomes infected, it should be examined by a podiatrist. For more information about how to deal with hard skin on the feet please consult with a podiatrist. 

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Foot and Ankle Surgeons, Inc. . Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Sycamore, and Yorkville, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

People who have diabetes need to be aware of wounds on their feet. If prompt medical attention is not received, cuts and scrapes may heal slowly, and ultimately could become infected. Diabetic patients are also prone to developing peripheral arterial disease which can cause a lack of sensation in the feet. When this occurs it becomes even more difficult to feel existing wounds. Treatment options may include wearing specialized shoes or insoles, and it may help to have any dead tissue removed. Taking antibiotics may accelerate the healing process if the wound has become infected. If you have developed wounds on your feet it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can decide what the best treatment is for you.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot and Ankle Surgeons, Inc. . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

Blisters on the feet are fluid-filled bubbles of raised skin that are usually caused by repetitive friction over an area of the foot. If you are a runner, you have likely experienced blisters. The discomfort and pain associated with them can make running difficult. Fortunately, there are measures that you can take to prevent blisters. These include ensuring that you wear properly fitted shoes and moisture-wicking socks to keep your feet comfortable and dry and to reduce friction as you run. You may also consider applying tape or wearing a pad over areas that tend to blister. Applying a small amount of lubricant to these areas can also help reduce friction. For more information about blister prevention, please consult with a podiatrist.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Foot and Ankle Surgeons, Inc. . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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