The heel is an interesting part of the foot. It is a cushioned area that is formed with fatty tissue and is able to hold the weight of the body. Patients may experience heel pain for various reasons. These can include frequently standing or walking on hard surfaces, becoming obese, or if a foot injury has occurred. The condition that is known as plantar fasciitis affects the heel and can be painful. It can happen as a result of an irritated plantar fascia, which is the portion of tissue on the sole of the foot that connects the heel to the toes. This can become injured or torn, and medical attention is often sought for relief. Heel pain can also happen from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or if a heel spur has developed. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can correctly determine what the cause is, and offer effective treatment options.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Michael A. Wood of Foot Health Institute. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

Diabetes is a condition that results in erratic blood sugar levels in the body. It is not an easy disease to navigate. It can have widespread effects on the body, including feeling and blood flow to the feet. Beyond managing blood sugar levels, it is important to examine your feet regularly looking for any cuts, sores, calluses, or changes to your skin or nails. A diabetic can develop neuropathy, making it hard to detect sensations in their extremities, such as pain. If this is difficult to do, a handheld mirror can help, as can asking a family member or care provider for assistance. Participating in regular physical activity and eating healthy can help keep blood sugar within a normal range. Problems brewing on the feet of a diabetic can turn into serious issues with life-threatening consequences. Those with diabetes can develop peripheral artery disease or poor blood flow to the feet, which puts them at risk for foot ulcers, gangrene, and tissue death. If you have diabetes, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist regularly to have your feet examined as well as obtain prompt treatment for any problems that arise.

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. Michael A. Wood from Foot Health Institute. 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 Lansing, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Having an abscess on the toe can be a painful and annoying experience. A toe abscess may be caused by germs or oil in the toe, a hair follicle, or a skin puncture. An abscess is a sign of infection causing the sore to fill with pus and other fluids. Inflammation sets in, and the toe becomes red and painful to the touch. Ignoring a toe abscess can lead to more serious infections within the entire body. Before a podiatrist can treat an abscess, certain information is needed, including how long the abscess has been there and whether the toe was injured. If the abscess is advanced, the podiatrist will proceed to make a small cut to drain it, and then will flush the area with an antiseptic solution. A bandage will be applied to guard against further infection, and pain medication may be prescribed. One way to prevent another toe abscess is to maintain daily foot hygiene habits. For more information on wound care for a toe abscess, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

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. Michael A. Wood from Foot Health Institute. 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 Lansing, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Patients who have fibromyalgia can have pain anywhere in their bodies, including the feet. This type of pain can greatly impact the quality of life because walking is such an essential function. Those who have fibromyalgia and foot pain have described it as a burning sensation on the bottom of the feet. It can also be uncomfortable as the shoes touch the soles or tops of the feet. The reason some people with this ailment have foot pain is unknown, but some studies have shown the nerves of the feet may get triggered. Additionally, the inflammation that comes with fibromyalgia can affect the fascia, which is a band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes. The plantar fascia is on the bottom of the foot and helps to support the arch and the joint just below the ankle. There may also be coexisting conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus that can exasperate the foot pain felt with fibromyalgia. Left untreated, foot pain and a change in gait can lead to problems in the rest of the body. If you have fibromyalgia and are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can provide the best treatment for you.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Michael A. Wood from Foot Health Institute. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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