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October 2019

Monday, 21 October 2019 00:00

Does Weight Gain Impact the Feet?

Research has found that having excess body weight may cause a variety of painful foot conditions. Carrying this additional weight may change your posture and this may cause the knees to move closer together while walking. As a result of this, the weight of the body may shift to the inside of the feet. This may negatively affect the arches and tendons in the ankles and feet.  Diabetes is one of the greatest risk factors associated with being overweight. This condition can cause numbness in the feet by reducing blood flow. Injuries may develop without being noticed, and cuts or wounds may heal very slowly. If left untreated, infections may occur, which can possibly lead to amputation. It is important to speak to your podiatrist about any foot or ankle pain you experience from weight gain. Your podiatrist will help you determine, along with diet and a gentle exercise routine, your best treatment options.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact John Killough, DPM from Regional Foot Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

  • When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
  • Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
  • Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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

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Saturday, 19 October 2019 00:00

Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

Monday, 14 October 2019 00:00

Types of Arthritis in the Feet

Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints in the body. There are more than thirty joints in each foot, and this ailment is often first noticed in the ankles and feet. There are several types of arthritis that affect various parts of the foot. If you have pain in your big toe, ankle, or in the middle of the foot, you may have what is known as osteoarthritis. A type of arthritis that is referred to as rheumatoid arthritis will generally affect both feet, targeting the same joints in each foot. Many patients experience gout attacks, which can be caused by foods that are eaten which have elevated purine levels. This may cause crystals to form in the joints of the big toe, and typically causes severe pain and discomfort. Additionally, the toes can become affected if psoriatic arthritis exists, and may affect the plantar fascia. Moderate relief may be found when shoes are worn that fit properly. In severe cases, it is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can recommend methods that can be helpful in reducing inflammation, or possibly perform surgery on the affected joints.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact John Killough, DPM from Regional Foot Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

  • Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
  • Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
  • Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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

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Monday, 07 October 2019 00:00

When Do Children Begin To Walk?

Babies feet are generally flexible when they are born. There are numerous bones, joints, and ligaments that hold the feet together, and will become stronger as walking begins. This typically happens between eight and eighteen months of age. Research has indicated it is beneficial to have your children walk barefoot while they are indoors. The overall strength of the foot may be developed as a result of the grasping action the toes will provide. When it is time to walk outside, wearing the proper footwear will help the child to balance as the feet become stronger. These shoes should consist of having soles that are flexible and flat, and it is recommended that there is adequate room for the toes to move freely in. If you notice your child’s feet are turning inward or outward, it is advised to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can properly assess your child’s feet.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact John Killough, DPM of Regional Foot Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

  • Make sure their shoes fit properly
  • Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
  • Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
  • Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
  • Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
  • Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
  • Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
  • Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

Read more about How to Care for Your Child's Feet
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