Diabetic foot care exams play an important role in preventing serious complications for people with diabetes. Ongoing high blood sugar can cause nerve damage and poor circulation, leading to numbness, tingling, burning, or slow-healing wounds. Feet may look dry, cracked, or swollen. Sometimes they develop pressure points and ulcers. Because sensation may be reduced, the feet might not feel pain even when injury or infection is present. A podiatrist can help from the start by performing a thorough exam that evaluates skin health, circulation, nerve function, and nail condition. Early diagnosis allows for timely treatment, such as nail and callus care, wound management, and footwear guidance. Ongoing exams help monitor changes and reduce the risk of infection or ulcers. If you have diabetes and are experiencing foot problems, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

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 Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. 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 office located in O'Fallon, and New Baden, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Choosing the right walking and running shoes is essential for comfort, performance, and injury prevention. Walking and running shoes differ in design, cushioning, and flexibility, based on how the foot strikes the ground during each activity. Arch type plays an important role, as high, low, or neutral arches require different levels of support. Gait type also matters, since the way your foot rolls can influence stability and shock absorption. The type of exercise you perform determines the amount of cushioning, responsiveness, and durability needed. A podiatrist can evaluate your arch structure, gait pattern, and activity level to recommend appropriate footwear or custom orthotics. If you have foot pain or are unsure which shoes are best for you, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle injuries, and guide you on the best shoes to wear for your desired activity.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with one of our podiatrists from Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. Our doctors can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

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.

Understanding ingrown toenails is important because this common condition can cause significant discomfort when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin. It affects people of all ages, but is more common in males due to nail shape, activity levels, and footwear choices. Early symptoms include redness, swelling, and tenderness along the nail border. Conservative care may help when the problem is mild, including warm foot soaks, careful nail lifting, proper trimming, protective dressings, and medication, if infection is present. When symptoms continue or return, non-conservative options provide more lasting relief. In office procedures can safely remove the offending nail edge and, when appropriate, prevent that part from growing back. These treatments are quick and allow patients to resume routine activities with little downtime. If you have a painful ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can determine the best treatment to ease pain and prevent complications.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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.

Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, occur when the arches of the feet collapse or fail to develop properly, causing the soles to make full contact with the ground. Symptoms include foot fatigue, aching in the arches or heels, ankle instability, swelling, and pain that can extend to the knees or lower back. Common causes include genetics, ligament laxity, injury, obesity, aging, or conditions that weaken the foot structures. Flat feet may also develop over time from prolonged standing or wearing improper footwear. A podiatrist can help by evaluating foot alignment and gait, providing custom orthotics, recommending supportive shoes, and creating a treatment plan to reduce pain and improve function. If you have flat feet and are experiencing foot pain or fatigue, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management tips.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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.