Diabetic wounds, especially on the feet, are a serious concern for individuals with diabetes, due to poor circulation and reduced sensation. These wounds may begin as small cuts, blisters, or pressure sores and can quickly develop into ulcers if not properly treated. They may appear red and swollen, or drain fluid, but may not be painful due to nerve damage. Common causes include high blood sugar levels, poor foot hygiene, ill-fitting shoes, and unnoticed injuries. A podiatrist plays a vital role in diabetic wound care by diagnosing the severity of the wound through physical examination and, when needed, imaging or lab tests. Treatments may include wound cleaning, debridement, pressure offloading, and advanced wound dressings. A podiatrist also provides education on proper foot care and prevention strategies to reduce the risk of future wounds. If you notice signs of a foot wound, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist immediately to avoid serious complications.

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 Gelbmann Podiatry. 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 Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a condition that causes poor blood flow in the lower limbs due to a narrowing of the arteries in the legs. Symptoms of PAD include leg pain and cramps while walking, numbness, weakness, coldness, and poor wound healing in the feet. However, many patients do not experience any symptoms at all. A podiatrist can diagnose peripheral artery disease by obtaining a full medical history, performing a physical exam of the lower limbs, and performing a noninvasive vascular test. Treating and managing PAD is often a team effort among your primary care physician, a vascular specialist, and your podiatrist. The podiatrist can help you maintain your foot health and keep you on your feet. For more information about PAD, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist. 

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 Gelbmann Podiatry. 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 our offices located in Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a form of arthritis that commonly affects the feet, especially the big toe joint, and develops when uric acid crystals build up around a joint. The earliest stage of gout, called asymptomatic hyperuricemia, involves crystal deposits without pain. The second stage, acute intermittent gout, is when sudden attacks occur, often at night or early in the morning. These episodes cause severe pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the affected toe, ankle, or foot joint. It sometimes makes it difficult to walk or even touch the area. If gout is not properly managed, it can progress to chronic tophaceous gout, where hard deposits, known as tophi, form under the skin or within joints. This advanced stage can cause ongoing pain, deformity, stiffness, and limited mobility in the toes, feet, or ankles. If you are experiencing foot pain related to gout, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and ongoing help managing this painful condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Gelbmann Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

Toe pain does not always come from an injury and can often result from underlying conditions that affect the feet. Skin problems are a common source of toe pain. Corns, calluses, blisters, warts, athlete’s foot, and ingrown toenails may cause discomfort, redness, or swelling. Infections can also lead to painful changes in the toenails or surrounding skin. Joint issues, such as bunions, bunionettes, hammer toes, arthritis, or gout, can make walking difficult and alter toe alignment. Pain may also develop in the ball of the foot from metatarsalgia. Nerve problems such as Morton’s neuroma, tarsal tunnel syndrome, or neuropathy can produce tingling, burning, or numbness in the toes. Additionally, circulatory changes, often seen in people with diabetes, can further contribute to nerve damage and pain. A podiatrist can diagnose the source of your toe pain and provide effective treatment, depending on the condition. If you are experiencing toe pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Gelbmann Podiatry. Our doctors 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 contact our offices located in Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.