Items filtered by date: August 2022

People with diabetes can also suffer from peripheral arterial disease (PAD). This is a disease in which elevated blood glucose levels cause your arteries to narrow. A narrowing of the arteries can restrict the flow of blood to the extremities,  otherwise known as poor circulation. PAD symptoms include numb or cold feet, intermittent claudication (leg pain that goes away when resting), bluish colorization in the skin of the legs, loss of hair on the legs or feet, brittle toenails and more. One of the more serious symptoms of PAD is an impaired ability to heal wounds and sores, which can be potentially dangerous for the diabetic patient. As a diabetic, it is wise to be under the care of a podiatrist. They will be able to determine if you have PAD with a non-invasive test of the blood flow in your feet called a brachial pressure index test, or ABPI test. If you have been diagnosed with PAD, your podiatrist will be able to help manage your symptoms and help prevent complications from arising.

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Dr. John P. Beaupied of Palos Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

  • Numbness
  • Tingling
  • Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
  • Pain
  • Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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

Read more about Causes Symptoms and Treatment for Poor Circulation in the Feet

Over the day, our feet can encounter a significant amount of pressure and friction. If an individual wears tight or ill-fitting footwear, their feet might rub against the shoes in a way that creates a lot of friction. Corns, callus-like areas of the skin, might develop in response to this friction and pressure. A corn is composed of layers of skin that are hardened by keratin. They may form on the toes, around the toes, or on the soles of the feet. Corns on the feet can lead to several complications. If ignored or left untreated, corns on the feet might make it more difficult for you to walk due to increased pain around the corn. Another potentially serious complication is the development of infections. For example, untreated corns could lead to infections like foot ulcers. A corn that is not addressed on your feet might even cause erythema, which is essentially redness caused by inflammation or an injury. You might even experience a pointed burning feeling if your corn is left untreated. These are just some of the many complications that are associated with untreated corns. If you have a corn, contact a podiatrist. Such a professional can help you address the problem and avoid the aforementioned complications.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. John P. Beaupied of Palos Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

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

  • Well-fitting socks
  • Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
  • Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Read more about Corns: What Are They, and How Do You Get Rid of Them
Tuesday, 16 August 2022 00:00

Foot Care Concerns for Trail Runners

Most runners have some form of foot pain at some point. Complaints range from blisters to plantar fasciitis, and even stress fractures. Taking care of the feet is sometimes overlooked by runners who concentrate more on other body parts. For trail runners who traverse uneven, wet, or slippery terrain, attention to foot health can be paramount. First and foremost for any runner is proper footwear. Be sure to find shoes that are made specifically for natural terrain and fit well. Socks can be just as important as shoes. Look for socks that wick moisture and prevent blisters. Try to keep your feet dry, if at all possible. Some runners tend the calluses on the sole of the feet with a pumice, but it’s a good idea to see a podiatrist if they cause pain or gait problems. Orthotics may be a solution to avoiding them. Other ways that trail runners can care for their feet are to keep toenails carefully trimmed, give your feet a massage, and pamper them after a run. If you experience foot pain or problems caused by running, please visit a podiatrist for more information. 

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. John P. Beaupied of Palos Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

  • Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
  • Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
  • “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
  • Cross-Training is Crucial
  • Wear Proper Running Shoes
  • Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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

Read more about Preventing Running Injuries
Tuesday, 09 August 2022 00:00

Recovering From an Ankle Sprain

Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries of people of all ages and lifestyles. This type of injury occurs when one or more ligaments in the ankle are overstretched or torn, causing pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. Usually, an ankle sprain is an inversion injury, or lateral ankle sprain, where the foot rolls inward damaging ligaments of the outer ankle. Less often these types of sprains are medial, or syndesmotic, and affect the ligaments of the inner ankle or the ligaments that join the leg bones. Syndesmotic ankle sprains most often happen in contact sports and are the ones that are more apt to cause chronic ankle issues. The more severe the sprain, the longer the recovery. If you feel you have sprained your ankle, immediately rest, ice, compress, and elevate the foot, as this often helps with pain and reduces swelling. Ankle sprains and fractures are sometimes difficult to distinguish, and an unhealed ankle injury could pose long-term problems with range of motion and stability. If there is more than slight pain and swelling that persists, it is important to seek the guidance of a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat the problem.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Dr. John P. Beaupied from Palos Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

  • Pain at the sight of the tear
  • Bruising/Swelling
  • Ankle area is tender to touch
  • In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
  • Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

  • Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
  • Stretching before exercises and sports
  • Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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

Read more about Ankle Sprains
Saturday, 06 August 2022 00:00

Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

Tuesday, 02 August 2022 00:00

Keeping Senior Feet Healthy

Healthy feet allow seniors to stay mobile and remain active and independent. Proper foot care is recommended for a lifetime but more importantly as one ages, as seniors are more prone to medical conditions and foot problems. For example, many seniors have diabetes and can be susceptible to nerve damage, infections, and poor circulation in their feet. Similarly, many in this age group suffer from some form of arthritis that causes foot pain. Daily foot care that will maintain the health of one’s feet include washing, drying, and moisturizing feet daily, and checking feet for cuts, blisters, or any problems that could lead to infection. Cutting toenails regularly and straight across to prevent ingrown toenails, wearing properly fitted footwear and soft cotton or wool socks to protect and cushion the feet, and staying active to maintain circulation in the legs and feet will also help. A podiatrist is a good medical professional to include on your healthcare team if you are a senior or providing care for the aged. Such a doctor can help in maintaining foot health, identify sources of foot discomfort, and suggest treatment options.

If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. John P. Beaupied of Palos Podiatry. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

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

Read more about Geriatrics and Podiatry

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