Items filtered by date: January 2025

Wounds on the feet can result from various causes, including injuries, friction from ill-fitting shoes, or underlying health conditions like poor circulation or nerve damage. Prompt attention to any foot wound is essential, as even a minor foot wound can progress rapidly if not treated. Peripheral arterial disease, which restricts blood flow to the feet, can hinder healing and increase vulnerability to infection. Additionally, nerve damage may reduce sensation, making it difficult to detect injuries. Infected wounds may lead to redness, swelling, warmth, or systemic symptoms such as fever or chills. A podiatrist can diagnose and manage foot wounds by assessing circulation, sensation, and the extent of the injury. Treatment may involve cleaning the wound, removing damaged tissue, and addressing underlying issues like pressure or improper footwear. If you have a foot wound, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

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 Dr. John P. Beaupied from Palos Podiatry. 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 office located in Palos Heights, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot and ankle trauma refers to significant injuries resulting from accidents, falls, or high-impact events. In severe cases, known as complex trauma, fractures are accompanied by extensive soft tissue damage, nerve or blood vessel injuries, and joint disruption. These injuries pose a high risk for complications, including poor healing, infection, or long-term disability. Complex trauma often occurs alongside other serious injuries in polytraumatized patients, making treatment decisions even more challenging. In such cases, healthcare providers may need to consider reconstructive surgery or amputation to ensure the patient’s overall well-being. Prompt and specialized care is essential for the best outcome. If you have experienced a traumatic foot or ankle injury, it is strongly suggested that you see a podiatrist immediately. Doing so can significantly improve recovery, reduce complications, and help restore function and mobility.

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with Dr. John P. Beaupied from Palos Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Muscle strains
• Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
• Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

• Bruising
• Inflammation/ Swelling
• Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.

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

Foot corns are thickened areas of skin that develop on the feet due to repeated friction or pressure. They typically form on the tops, sides, or between the toes from wearing ill-fitting shoes that rub against the skin. The friction causes the skin to harden in response, forming a corn. Corns can also develop due to abnormal foot mechanics, such as having a toe that constantly rubs against the inside of a shoe. Symptoms of foot corns include pain, tenderness, and visible thickened skin that may have a central hard core. The skin around the corn can become inflamed and irritated, causing discomfort when walking. While corns are not usually serious, they can be painful and may lead to further foot problems if not treated properly. If you have developed a foot corn, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can safely treat this uncomfortable condition.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. John P. Beaupied of Palos Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Palos Heights, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition affecting the ball of the foot, often between the third and fourth toes. It occurs when the tissue surrounding a nerve becomes thickened, causing pain, burning, or a sensation of something being wedged in the shoe. The pain can worsen when walking, standing, or wearing tight shoes. The primary cause of Morton’s neuroma is excessive pressure or irritation on the nerve, often from wearing high heels, tight shoes, or engaging in repetitive activities like running. Foot deformities, such as bunions or hammertoes, can also increase the risk. A podiatrist can help diagnose Morton’s neuroma through a physical exam and imaging tests. Treatments may include wearing custom orthotics, padding, or shoe modifications to reduce pressure on the affected area. In more severe cases, corticosteroid injections or even surgery may be recommended. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. John P. Beaupied of Palos Podiatry. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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