August 2021
Tuesday, 31 August 2021 00:00
Foot Care For Men
Though foot care products and services are often marketed to women, having a good foot care routine is highly beneficial for everybody. Taking care of your feet improves their hygiene and overall well being. At home, you can soak your feet in a basin of warm water, exfoliate the heels and balls of your feet with a pumice stone to remove dry, dead skin, moisturize your feet with lotion, and clip your toenails straight across to prevent ingrown nails. You may want to give yourself a foot massage, which can help alleviate aches and pains, stretch the feet, and aid in relaxation. Taking time to pay attention to your feet can also help you detect if there are any problems, such as athlete’s foot, heel pain, or an injury. If you notice a foot problem, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist.
Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Anna Petrov from Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Everyday Foot Care
Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.
It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Wheeling and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about Every Day Foot Care Tuesday, 24 August 2021 00:00
Lower Limb Swelling and Lupus
If you have lupus, which is a type of autoimmune disorder, you may notice swelling in your feet and ankles. Lower limb swelling occurs in approximately half of all people with lupus. Lupus frequently damages the kidneys, which are responsible for maintaining the correct quantities of fluid in the body. When the kidneys don’t work properly, fluid can build up in the lower limbs and lead to painful swelling. A podiatrist can help you reduce swelling in your feet and ankles. This foot specialist may suggest wearing compression stockings and changing your footwear, as well as improving your exercise habits or diet. They can also prescribe orthotics to increase your comfort and make it easier to walk. To learn more about caring for your feet when you have lupus, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist near you.
When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Dr. Anna Petrov from Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.
Systemic Diseases of the Feet
Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable. Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.
Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.
Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.
Diabetes of the Feet
Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.
Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Wheeling and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Tuesday, 17 August 2021 00:00
Sever’s Disease 101
Sever’s disease is an injury that causes pain in the back of the heel in patients between the ages of 8 and 15. this condition may be a result of a growth spurt when the muscles and tendons in the calves can not keep up with the growth rate of the bones. The tight muscles put more stress on the Achilles tendon particularly where it attaches to the heel bone. Sever’s disease is most common in active adolescents who do a lot of sports training or physical activity. The most common sign is pain in the back of the heel, but other signs of Sever’s disease include worsening pain with physical activity and pain that gets worse throughout the day. If your child is complaining about pain in their heels, consulting with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment is suggested.
Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Anna Petrov from Family Foot & Ankle Care. 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 one of our offices located in Wheeling and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.
Wednesday, 11 August 2021 00:00
Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?
Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.
Tuesday, 10 August 2021 00:00
What Is a Plantar Wart?
Common warts that form on the bottom of the foot are known as plantar warts. Plantar warts form as a result of the human papilloma virus, (also known as HPV) which tends to thrive in warm and moist environments like locker rooms, shower floors, and swimming pools. Common signs that the skin growth on the foot is a plantar wart include the growth being raised, feeling hard, having a rough surface, or possibly having small black dots near the center. Plantar warts may also be painful when standing or applying pressure to the wart. While many warts eventually go away on their own, plantar warts that persist should be looked at by a podiatrist. Patients with diabetes, circulatory problems, or vascular disease should also have their plantar wart checked by a podiatrist.
Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Anna Petrov from Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor 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 one of our offices located in Wheeling and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about Plantar Warts Tuesday, 03 August 2021 00:00
How Long Does an Ankle Sprain Take To Heal?
Ankle sprains occur when one or more ligaments in the ankle overstretch or tear. This usually occurs due to a sudden twisting of the ankle, or from falls or direct impacts. How long it takes to recover from an ankle sprain depends on the severity of the sprain. A Grade 1 sprain is considered mild and is characterized by minimal pain and swelling. It typically takes a few days for the injury to heal. However, while a Grade 1 sprain is healing, the ankle is in a weakened, unstable state and can be prone to re-injury. A Grade 2 sprain is moderate and is characterized by swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. This type of sprain takes several days to weeks to heal. A Grade 3 sprain, the most severe type, is characterized by swelling, bruising, ankle instability, and an inability to bear weight on the ankle. Recovering from a Grade 3 sprain takes between 6 and 8 weeks. If you have sprained your ankle, please seek the care of a podiatrist.
Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Anna Petrov from Family Foot & Ankle Care. 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 take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.
What Are the Symptoms?
- Mild to moderate bruising
- Limited mobility
- Swelling
- Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)
Preventing a Sprain
- Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
- Stretching before exercises and sports
- Knowing your limits
Treatment of a Sprain
Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity. Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.
If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Wheeling and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
