February 2024

Educating diabetic patients about foot care is vital for preventing serious complications. Diabetes can lead to nerve damage and poor circulation in the feet, increasing the risk of infections and ulcers. Proper foot care practices, such as daily inspection, keeping feet clean and dry, trimming nails carefully, and wearing appropriate footwear, can help diabetic individuals avoid these issues. Additionally, understanding the importance of regular foot examinations by podiatrists can aid in early detection and treatment of any problems. Podiatrists play a vital role in assessing foot health, providing specialized care, and offering valuable guidance on preventive measures. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you schedule regular appointments with a podiatrist for examinations and important education that may help to prevent serious consequences of diabetes in the feet.

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 Advanced Foot and Ankle Surgeons, Inc. . 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 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.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, a condition in which the tibial nerve is compressed as it passes through the tarsal tunnel in the ankle, has a variety of treatment options. Conservative treatment is usually recommended at first. This may include rest and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Shoe choice is also important. Wearing supportive footwear and using orthotic inserts can help alleviate pressure on the affected nerve. In cases where conservative measures do not resolve symptoms, corticosteroid injections may be administered to reduce inflammation and provide relief. Severe or persistent cases may require surgical intervention to release the compressed nerve. Each treatment approach is tailored to the patient's specific symptoms and needs. If you have pain and numbness along the inner side of the ankle or bottom of your foot and suspect you have developed tarsal tunnel syndrome, it is suggested you consult a podiatrist who can diagnose you and offer personalized treatment. 

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, 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.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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.

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, can cause crampy, painful sensations in the legs during walking, often dismissed as mere exertion or aging. However, it is important not to overlook these symptoms, as PAD stems from fatty deposits that obstruct blood flow in the arteries outside the heart and brain. The lack of blood flow to the lower extremities can result in serious foot problems. Risk factors of peripheral artery disease include smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Classic PAD pain, known as claudication, typically occurs in the calf and subsides with rest. But other signs, like coldness, discoloration, or slow-healing sores in the feet may indicate inadequate blood supply, necessitating prompt treatment. Early detection via tests like the ankle-brachial index is vital, with lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, and regular exercise, playing a key role in PAD management. Walking enhances blood flow in smaller leg arteries, creating alternative pathways to alleviate pain. Health experts recommend at least 30 minutes of walking, three times a week, for individuals with peripheral artery disease, to help slow the progression and associated complications. For help with the foot problems linked to PAD, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist as quickly as possible.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, 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.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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.

Gout management involves medication, lifestyle changes, and dietary adjustments. The main goals of gout treatment are to relieve acute attack pain and inflammation, and to lower uric acid levels to prevent future attacks, protect joints, and maintain daily activities. Gout often presents itself as severe pain in the big toe. Medications play a key role for acute gout attacks and for long-term uric acid control. A healthy lifestyle is essential, with dietary changes focusing on avoiding high-purine foods, maintaining a balanced diet, and staying hydrated. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can also reduce uric acid levels and joint stress. Additionally, regular physical activity, when appropriate, can lower uric acid levels, aid weight management, and support joint mobility. In some cases, surgical options like tophi removal, arthroscopic uric acid crystal removal, joint fusion, or joint replacement may be considered to address severe gout-related damage. If you suffer from gout and it is causing persistent foot discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to obtain treatment that will help you manage this condition more effectively.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot and Ankle Surgeons, Inc. . Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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.