Limb salvage focuses on preserving a foot or leg when serious conditions threaten tissue health and function. Podiatric care plays a key role in this process, especially for individuals with diabetes, poor circulation, or chronic wounds. Early evaluation allows problems such as ulcers, infection, or pressure-related damage to be identified before they worsen. Treatment may include wound care, pressure relief, infection control, and improving blood flow, when possible. Careful monitoring and regular follow-up help track healing and prevent complications. In some cases, surgical procedures are used to remove damaged tissue or correct deformities that place the limb at risk. Education is also important, as patients need to learn how to protect their feet and recognize early warning signs. With a coordinated approach, many limbs can be preserved and function maintained. If you have a non-healing foot wound or signs of infection, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Diabetic Limb Salvage

Diabetic limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have a foot ulcer and diabetes, consult with one of our podiatrists from Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Diabetic Limb Salvage?

Diabetic limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot, that has an infected ulcer, from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Those with diabetes experience poor blood circulation, which prevents proper healing of an ulcer. If the ulcer is left uncheck, it could become infected, which could result in the need for amputation.

Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Amputation has been found to lead to higher mortality rates. This translates into higher healthcare costs, and a reduced quality of life and mobility for amputees. Podiatrists have attempted to increase the prevalence of limb salvage in an attempt to solve these issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Limb salvage teams have grown in recent years that utilize a number of different treatments to save the infected limb. This includes podiatrists that specialize in wound care, rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery. Through a combination of these methods, limb salvage has been found to be an effective treatment for infected limbs, and as an alternative to amputation. Podiatrists will first evaluate the potential for limb salvage and determine if the limb can be saved or must be amputated. 

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

Warts that develop on the bottom of the foot are called plantar warts. They are caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, which infects the top layer of the skin and causes it to thicken. Plantar warts usually appear on weight-bearing areas, like the heel or the ball of the foot. They often look like rough, callus-like patches of skin and may contain small black dots, which are tiny blood vessels within the wart. Some plantar warts cause little discomfort, while others can become painful when pressure is placed on them when walking or standing. The virus can enter the skin through small cuts or breaks in the skin and are contagious. A podiatrist can examine the growth, confirm the diagnosis, and provide medical treatment to remove the wart safely and reduce discomfort. If you notice a growth on the bottom of the foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia underneath the foot becomes irritated or inflamed. The plantar fascia is a wide band of tissue along the bottom of the foot that connects the heel bone to the toes and supports the arch. A major sign of plantar fasciitis is sharp heel pain with the first steps in the morning or after sitting for a while. The pain may lessen with movement but often returns after standing, walking, or climbing stairs. Some people feel aching or tightness in the arch or sole, and the heel may become tender. Mild swelling or a burning feeling can also develop at the Achilles tendon. Symptoms begin gradually and worsen over time. A podiatrist can assess the foot, confirm the diagnosis, and provide treatment to reduce strain and improve function. If you have symptoms of plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

Heel pain can make standing and walking difficult. Several conditions can cause pain in the heel. One common cause is plantar fasciitis, which occurs when the plantar fascia becomes irritated. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the front of the foot. This condition often causes sharp pain when people first begin walking after rest. Achilles tendonitis is another cause. It develops when the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, becomes inflamed from overuse. Heel bursitis can also lead to pain. Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction around joints, and when they become inflamed, pain and swelling may occur. In some cases, heel pain may result from a fracture, which is a break in the heel bone. A podiatrist can determine the exact cause of heel pain and provide proper treatment. If you are experiencing heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for help.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. Our doctors 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 O'Fallon, and New Baden, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.