June 2021

If you’re an older adult, you may have noticed swelling around your ankles. This is a common condition among seniors and is caused by fluid accumulating in the soft tissue surrounding the ankles or in the ankle joint. The swelling may be due to prolonged standing, eating a diet high in salt, sitting for extended periods of time, sustaining an ankle injury, or taking certain medications. It could also be caused by a variety of underlying medical conditions. Although ankle swelling is common, it should not be dismissed or ignored. If you have swollen ankles, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist, who can help determine the cause of the swelling and offer the appropriate treatments. 

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, 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.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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 and ankle needs.

Fungal nail infections can be caused by many different types of fungi (yeasts or molds) that live in the environment. Small cracks in your nail or the surrounding skin can allow these germs to enter and cause an infection. Because nails get brittle with age, older adults are more prone to developing a fungal nail infection, as are those with a weakened immune system, circulation problems, diabetes, athlete’s foot, or who have recently experienced a nail injury or nail surgery. Laser therapy can often be effective in the treatment of this resilient fungal infection by targeting a laser light beam through the nail to kill the fungi without affecting the healthy parts of the nail and surrounding skin. If you have toenail fungus, contact a podiatrist to see if laser therapy treatment is right for you.

MLS Laser Therapy is a successful alternative for treating any pain you may be experiencing related to certain podiatric conditions.  If you are interested in MLS Laser Therapy, consult with John Killough, DPM from Regional Foot Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

MLS Laser Therapy

Multiwave Locked System (MLS) Laser Therapy is a patented, FDA-cleared technology that helps relieve pain and inflammation from a number of podiatric conditions, including:

• Heel Pain
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Sports Injuries
• Wounds
• Achilles Tendonitis
• Arthritis
• Neuropathy
• Neuromas

MLS Laser Therapy is an ideal alternative to surgery and prescription medication, as it has no negative side effects and encourages accelerated healing. Among its many clinical benefits, MLS Laser Therapy also:

• Reduces swelling due to bruising or inflammation
• Blocks pain
• Reduces formation of scar tissue
• Improves nerve function

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.

Biomechanics is a field of study relating to how the body moves. Foot biomechanics studies how the structures of the foot work in tandem to perform timely functions, and how the feet interact with the lower leg. Feet act as mobile adaptors—absorbing shock to keep stress off the ankle, leg, knee and spine, while adapting to uneven surfaces—and as rigid levers allowing for a strong push-off during walking. When a person’s biomechanics work properly, they can move, walk, run and jump without pain or dysfunction. If you have any pain or immobility in your feet or ankles during these activities, contact a podiatrist. A biomechanical evaluation and gait analysis may help identify structural or functional abnormalities contributing to any dysfunction.

If you have any concerns 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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 and ankle needs.

If you’ve ever been to a first aid class, you may have heard the term RICE. RICE is an acronym that stands for rest, ice, compress, and elevate. This simple acronym describes what you should do when faced with an injury, such as an ankle sprain. Resting the leg can help it heal by taking strain and pressure off the injured ankle. After a few days of rest, doing gentle stretching and strengthening exercises, with your doctor’s okay, may help speed recovery and reduce the risk of reinjury. Icing the injured ankle is suggested in order to reduce swelling and relieve pain. Compression helps decrease swelling and stabilizes the ankle. Elevating the injured ankle also reduces swelling, especially within the first few days following the injury. Whether to RICE or not RICE your sprained ankle depends on the location and severity of your injury. To find out what you should do to help your ankle heal, please consult with a podiatrist.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, 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.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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.

Osteoarthritis, the type of arthritis that is associated with aging, can affect any joints in the body, including the big toe joint. As we age, the cartilage that lines joints breaks down due to wear and tear, causing symptoms such as swelling, pain, and stiffness in the affected joints. Osteoarthritis in the big toe can cause tenderness, achiness, and joint pain in the toe in its initial stages. As the arthritis progresses, you may also begin to feel burning or nerve pain in the toe. The symptoms are typically present at rest, and particularly after long periods of sitting or inactivity. Arthritis can also lead to excess bone growth in the big toe, causing the joint to fuse and become immobile. If you have symptoms of arthritis in your toes, please see a podiatrist for treatment.

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.