Diabetic feet require special attention due to the risk of serious complications from diabetes. Early symptoms often include numbness, tingling, and unusual sensitivity in the feet. These sensations can be indicative of peripheral neuropathy, a common condition in diabetics where nerves are damaged due to high blood sugar levels. Another early sign is changes in skin color, such as a bluish or pale hue, which may signal poor circulation. It is important for diabetics to regularly inspect their feet for cuts, blisters, or any changes in skin texture. Promptly addressing these early symptoms can help prevent severe complications like infections or ulcers. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.
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 Stephanie Oexeman, DPM from Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC. our doctor 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 office located in Chicago, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Working on your feet for long hours can lead to a variety of foot-related issues. The constant stress on the bones, muscles, and tendons can cause inflammation, pain, and even permanent structural changes. The foot's arches, which normally act as shock absorbers, may weaken due to prolonged standing or walking, leading to flat feet. This loss of arch support can affect not only the feet but also the knees, hips, and lower back, making them more vulnerable to injury. Painful foot conditions related to working on the feet include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and bunions, all of which may worsen with time. Symptoms like fatigue, pain, and discomfort often spread from the feet to the legs and back, making it difficult to continue standing or walking for extended periods. If you have foot pain related to working on your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.
While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Stephanie Oexeman, DPM from Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC. our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Working on Your Feet
Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.
Positive Changes
Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.
Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.
Eliminate Pain
Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.
Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen.
With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Chicago, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Foot and ankle injuries are prevalent among baseball players due to the demanding nature of the sport, which involves frequent running, sudden stops, and rapid direction changes. Ankle sprains, particularly lateral ankle sprains, are among the most common injuries. These occur when the ankle rolls outward, stretching or tearing the ligaments on the outside of the ankle. Chronic ankle instability often follows, where the ankle remains prone to repeated sprains and discomfort. This condition can significantly affect a player's performance and recovery. Proper warm-up exercises, strengthening routines, and supportive footwear can help reduce the risk of such injuries. If you have endured this type of injury, your ability to play may be temporarily compromised. It is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment remedies.
Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Stephanie Oexeman, DPM of Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC. our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries
Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciosis
Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles Tendon Rupture
Ankle Sprains
Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Chicago, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Pain in the second toe can stem from various conditions, often leading to discomfort that interferes with daily activities. Capsulitis, a common cause of second toe pain, occurs when the ligament capsule at the base of the affected toe becomes inflamed. This may be due to improper foot mechanics or pressure from an unstable arch. Metatarsalgia, or pain in the ball of the foot, can occur beneath the second toe. It is often worsened by wearing ill-fitting shoes, such as high heels, that place increased pressure on the area. Additionally, conditions like bunions, ingrown toenails, and Freiberg’s disease, which involves a lack of blood supply to the second toe joint, can contribute to second toe pain. Signs that you should see a podiatrist include having difficulty putting on your shoe, noticeable swelling, and especially if your toe turns blue or very pale. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.
Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Stephanie Oexeman, DPM of Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC. our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Causes Toe Pain?
Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.
Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
Trauma
Sports injury
Wearing shoes that are too tight
Arthritis
Gout
Corns and calluses
Hammertoe
Bunions
Blisters
Ingrown toenails
Sprains
Fractures (broken bones)
Dislocations
When to See a Podiatrist
Severe pain
Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
Signs of infection
Continued swelling
Pain that prevents walking
Diagnosis
In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Chicago, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
