Diabetes can quietly change the health of your feet in many ways. Poor circulation and nerve damage can cause numbness, tingling, or burning sensations that make it hard to feel pain or temperature changes. This loss of sensitivity increases the risk of unnoticed injuries that may develop into open sores, known as foot ulcers. Skin and nail changes are also common, including dryness, thick nails, fungal infections, or even a gradual shift in foot shape, such as a collapsed arch known as rocker-bottom deformity. Type 1 diabetes tends to affect circulation earlier, while type 2 often brings slower but progressive nerve and tissue changes. Both can lead to serious complications, if left untreated. Regular foot checks, proper footwear, and prompt attention to any wounds are essential. If you have diabetes, and notice changes in your feet, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.

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 Elie C. Daniel, DPM from Illinois. 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 offices located in Princeton, Peru, and Mendota, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toe stretches help keep feet flexible, improve circulation, and ease tension from long periods of standing or wearing cramped shoes. Here are three effective examples that can make a difference when done regularly. For the toe extension stretch, sit with one leg crossed over the other, gently pull your toes back toward your shin, and hold for 10 seconds. This loosens tight muscles and relieves strain on the arch. In the toe splay exercise, spread your toes apart as wide as possible, hold briefly, and then relax. Repeat several times to strengthen the small muscles that support balance and stability. For the towel scrunch, place a towel on the floor and use your toes to grab and pull it toward you. This strengthens the muscles in the feet and helps improve coordination. If foot stiffness or pain persists despite stretching, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for evaluation and tailored treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Elie C. Daniel, DPM of Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Princeton, Peru, and Mendota, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle pain can result from an injury, overuse, or an underlying condition such as arthritis or tendonitis. Because the ankle bears your full body weight, even mild pain can interfere with balance and mobility. Common symptoms include swelling, stiffness, and tenderness that worsen with activity. In some cases, untreated ankle issues can lead to instability or chronic discomfort. Proper diagnosis is key to preventing long-term problems. A podiatrist can assess the cause through examination and imaging, then create a treatment plan that may include rest, targeted exercise, or other interventions to promote healing and stability. If ankle pain is limiting your movement or does not improve within a few days, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and professional treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Elie C. Daniel, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

Wearing shoes that do not fit properly can cause a range of painful foot problems. Shoes that are too tight may lead to blisters, bunions, hammertoes, and corns, in addition to ingrown toenails, and sore arches. Shoes that are too large can cause inadequate ankle support, increasing the risk of ankle sprains and instability. Poorly fitted footwear also alters the way you walk, which can lead to long-term joint or posture issues. A podiatrist can assess your feet, recommend the correct shoe size and style, and provide treatments for any existing conditions caused by improper footwear. If you have foot pain or a specific condition from wearing the wrong shoe size, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on the correct size shoes to wear.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Elie C. Daniel, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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