Patients who have cracked heels often notice their feet can feel better when their feet are soaked in warm water, followed by applying a good moisturizer to them. Probable causes of this condition can include standing on hard surfaces for the majority of the day, or from wearing shoes that have an open back. Additionally, certain medical ailments may cause cracked heels to develop, including eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions. Older people may experience cracked heels.  This may be a result of thinning skin that has lost a portion of its elasticity and not drinking adequate amounts of water on a daily basis. If the cracks become deep and are left untreated, these are referred to as fissures, and infections may develop. If you notice the first signs of cracked heels, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Illinois . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, affects the blood vessels that deliver oxygen-rich blood to the legs and feet. The narrowing of these arteries can cause serious complications in the lower limbs. When blood flow to the feet is restricted, symptoms such as pain while walking, coldness, tingling, or numbness may develop. Cuts or sores on the feet and ankles may take longer to heal, raising the risk of infection and tissue damage. People with diabetes are at an even higher risk of peripheral artery disease, as high blood sugar can further damage blood vessels and reduce circulation. In advanced cases, untreated PAD can contribute to ulcer formation and limb loss. A podiatrist can evaluate circulation in the feet, identify early warning signs, and recommend effective treatment to restore blood flow and protect against further damage. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease that are affecting your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with one of our podiatrists from Illinois . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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

The ankle joint carries the body’s weight with every step, making it vulnerable when arthritis sets in. One common type is osteoarthritis, which develops gradually as cartilage wears down over time, leading to stiffness and pain. Rheumatoid arthritis is another, caused by the immune system attacking the joint lining, often affecting both ankles at once and causing swelling and deformity. Post-traumatic arthritis can appear years after an ankle injury, such as a fracture or severe sprain, as damaged cartilage breaks down earlier than normal. Less commonly, gout targets the ankle when uric acid crystals build up, triggering sudden, sharp pain and redness. Each form of arthritis may affect the ankle differently, but all can reduce mobility and interfere with daily life. If you have any kind of ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate care.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Illinois . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Wheeling and Berwyn, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle sprains and ankle strains are among the most frequent causes of ankle pain, yet they involve different tissues. A sprain affects the ligaments, which are the strong bands of tissue that hold the bones of the ankle together. These ligaments can stretch or tear if the ankle twists too far, such as when stepping off a curb or landing awkwardly during sports. A strain involves the muscles or tendons of the ankle, which can be overstretched or torn from overuse, sudden movements, or repetitive force, such as running long distances or frequent jumping. Both injuries can cause swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking, but sprains typically occur from acute trauma, while strains are more often linked to chronic overuse. A podiatrist can diagnose the exact problem and provide the proper treatment to restore function. If you have incurred an ankle injury, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact one of our podiatrists from Illinois . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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