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.

Chronic foot pain can result from many conditions, including plantar fasciitis, arthritis, diabetes-related neuropathy, and repetitive stress injuries. These conditions can lead to ongoing discomfort, affecting mobility and quality of life. Effective diagnosis often begins with a comprehensive evaluation by a podiatrist, who will review the patient’s medical history and conduct a physical examination. Podiatrists may utilize imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to view the internal structure of the foot and identify any underlying issues. These tests help the doctor confirm or eliminate certain conditions from the diagnosis by giving a detailed picture of what is happening in the foot. Gait analysis might also be performed to assess how the individual stands and walks, pinpointing abnormal movements that could contribute to the pain. Getting the right diagnosis is important so the podiatrist can create a customized treatment strategy to address the chronic pain. If you are suffering from chronic foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist today. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Elie C. Daniel, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot 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.

Cracked and dry heels can be a bothersome and sometimes painful issue that many people face. There are several common causes behind this condition, including dry skin, lack of moisture, or standing for long periods. Wearing open-back shoes and specific medical conditions, such as diabetes or thyroid disease, can also contribute. People who have atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and other skin issues may have a higher likelihood of developing cracked heels. When the skin on the heels becomes excessively dry, it loses its elasticity and may crack under pressure, leading to discomfort and potential complications if left untreated. Additionally, certain lifestyle factors, like inadequate hydration or poor foot care practices, can make the problem worse. Podiatrists, or foot doctors, can offer treatments, such as moisturizing creams, exfoliation, or custom orthotics, to provide relief and promote healing. If you are struggling with cracked or dry heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for help. 

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