Items filtered by date: May 2024

Custom-made orthotics are frequently prescribed for children to address various foot and lower limb issues. These specialized shoe inserts are tailored to each child's unique needs, correcting biomechanical imbalances and providing support where necessary. Orthotics may be needed to manage conditions like flat feet, overpronation, or foot deformities, ensuring proper alignment and preventing discomfort or injury. Involving parents in the orthotic prescription process is important for successful treatment. Educating parents about the benefits of orthotics and the importance of compliance ensures they understand their child's needs and can support treatment adherence. Follow-up appointments are critical to monitor progress, make adjustments as needed, and address any concerns. Encouraging compliance in wearing orthotics among children can be facilitated by involving them in the selection process, ensuring comfort and style preferences are considered. Additionally, positive reinforcement, praise for wearing orthotics consistently, and integrating them into daily routines can help foster acceptance and compliance. Fortunately, many children find orthotics comfortable and appreciate the support they provide for their active lifestyles. If your child has foot problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and care, in addition to discussing whether custom orthotics may provide relief.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Elie C. Daniel, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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.

Foot ulcers are open wounds that occur on the bottom of the foot or around the toes. They can range in size from small sores to larger, more severe wounds. These ulcers develop from a combination of medical factors, such as poor circulation, nerve damage, and high blood sugar levels, particularly in individuals with diabetes. Additionally, non-medical reasons like improper footwear, foot deformities, and injuries can contribute to their formation. Diagnosis involves a thorough examination by a podiatrist, often including tests to assess blood flow and nerve function. Foot ulcers differ from other skin conditions by their depth and potential to worsen if left untreated, leading to serious complications like infection or even amputation. If you have a foot ulcer, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for prompt treatment, which may involve wound care, infection management, pressure relief, and addressing related underlying medical conditions.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Elie C. Daniel, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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.

Peripheral neuropathy, a complication of diabetes, occurs when high levels of fats or sugar in the blood damage nerves throughout the body, particularly in the extremities like the feet and hands. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, pain, and loss of sensation in these areas. Peripheral neuropathy often progresses gradually and can be unnoticed until its more advanced stages. Diagnosis involves a thorough physical examination by a podiatrist to assess reflexes, sensation loss, and skin changes. Additional tests like electromyograms, EMG, or nerve conduction velocity tests, abbreviated NCV, may be required for confirmation. While there is no cure for peripheral neuropathy, managing blood sugar levels is the best way to slow its progression. Treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms and preventing complications, such as ulcers. It is important to seek care from a podiatrist, a doctor who specializes in foot and ankle health, for comprehensive management of peripheral neuropathy. To help maintain mobility and prevent complications like ulcers and amputations, it is suggested that you include a podiatrist in your medical team.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Elie C. Daniel, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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.

Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that thrives in moist, warm environments. This makes it common for people who wear tight, sweaty shoes for extended periods or use communal showers and locker rooms. The fungus infects the skin in the toes and causes itching, burning, and peeling. A podiatrist, or foot doctor, may suggest antifungal medications to apply topically, usually for a couple of weeks until the infection clears up. For more severe cases, oral antifungal medications may be prescribed. Preventative measures include keeping the feet clean and dry, changing socks regularly, and wearing well-ventilated shoes. Antifungal powders for shoes and socks may also be suggested as prevention. In addition, avoiding barefoot walking in public areas and using separate towels for your feet can help prevent the spread and recurrence of athlete's foot. If you suspect an athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for relief. 

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Elie C. Daniel, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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.