Items filtered by date: August 2025

Sever’s disease is a common source of heel pain in growing children, particularly those who are active in sports. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed, often due to repetitive stress or overuse. Symptoms include tenderness, swelling, and pain in the back of the heel that worsens during physical activity. Risk factors include rapid growth, high levels of athletic activity, tight calf muscles, and wearing improper footwear. A podiatrist can evaluate the condition, recommend stretching and strengthening exercises, provide supportive footwear or orthotics, and offer strategies to reduce stress on the heel. If your active child has heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide effective relief and management tips.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. John P. Beaupied from Palos Podiatry. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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.

Negative pressure wound therapy is a treatment option that can help promote healing for wounds that do not respond well to standard care, particularly those on the feet and ankles. This therapy involves sealing the wound with a special dressing made from sponge material or gauze, connected to a pump that removes fluids from the wound. This reduction in pressure encourages blood flow to the area and helps keep the wound moist, which can improve healing. It is commonly used for chronic wounds that have failed to heal after several weeks. Negative pressure wound therapy is particularly effective for large or infected wounds that cannot be closed directly. While studies suggest that this treatment may improve healing times, results can vary depending on the type and severity of the wound. If you have foot wounds that will not heal properly, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to see if negative pressure therapy is right 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 Dr. John P. Beaupied from Palos Podiatry. Our doctor 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 contact our office located in Palos Heights, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, often starting between the toes. It can cause itching, burning, redness, cracking, and peeling skin. In more severe cases, blisters and sores may develop. The infection thrives in warm, damp environments like locker rooms, communal showers, and sweaty shoes. Athlete’s foot may look like dry, flaky skin or a red, scaly rash. It can feel itchy and uncomfortable, especially after removing shoes. This  condition is highly contagious and can spread through direct contact or shared surfaces. A podiatrist can diagnose athlete’s foot and offer effective treatment options, including prescription antifungal creams, oral medications, and foot hygiene guidance. They can also help manage recurring infections and check for complications, especially in people with diabetes. If you have persistent athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate care.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Dr. John P. Beaupied from Palos Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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.

Diabetes can have a serious impact on foot health due to its effects on nerves and circulation. Damage to the nerves, known as peripheral neuropathy, can reduce feeling in the feet, making it harder to notice injuries like blisters, sores, or pressure points. Poor blood flow caused by narrowed arteries may delay healing and increase the risk of infections. These problems can lead to serious complications, including ulcers, deformities, spontaneous fractures, infections, and, in severe cases, limb loss. A podiatrist can help identify early signs of diabetic foot problems and provide medical care to reduce complications. This may involve careful removal of damaged tissue, pressure relief techniques, or wound care to promote healing. Ongoing medical care helps prevent problems from worsening and protects against serious outcomes. If you have foot problems related to diabetes, it is suggested that you schedule regular visits to a podiatrist for an exam and ongoing treatment.

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 Dr. John P. Beaupied from Palos Podiatry. 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 Palos Heights, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.