June 2025

Diabetes can have serious effects on children's feet by increasing the risk of infections, reducing blood flow, and causing nerve damage. Poor circulation can delay healing, while nerve damage may lead to reduced sensation, making it harder for a child to notice injuries, blisters, or cuts. These issues can lead to complications if not addressed early. A podiatrist can help by performing regular foot checks, providing education on proper foot care, and recommending footwear that offers protection and support. If your child has diabetes, it is suggested that you schedule routine visits with a podiatrist to support healthy feet and overall well-being.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other 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.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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.

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of the foot, usually between the third and fourth toes. It occurs when the tissue surrounding a nerve thickens due to irritation or compression, often caused by wearing tight shoes, high heels, or repetitive stress on the feet. People with Morton’s neuroma often describe a sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot, along with tingling, numbness, or the sensation of standing on a pebble. Symptoms usually worsen with walking or wearing poorly fitting shoes and may temporarily improve with rest or shoe removal. A podiatrist can diagnose Morton’s neuroma through a physical exam and may use imaging tests like ultrasounds or MRI scans to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment options include shoe modifications, custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and corticosteroid injections. In some cases, surgery may be required to remove the affected nerve. If you have this painful condition, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact John Killough, DPM of Regional Foot Center. 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 offices located in Charleston and Effingham, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle ligament surgery may be needed when ligaments in the ankle have been torn or overstretched due to injury. The ankle is made up of three joints, and its stability depends on ligaments that connect bone to bone. When these ligaments are severely damaged, surgery may be the only way to restore support. Anatomic reconstruction is an option that involves tightening or repairing the original ligament using tissue from the same area or from a donor. Another method, called peroneal substitution, uses a nearby tendon to replace the damaged ligament, though this may affect long-term function. Other risks of ankle ligament surgery include infection, nerve injury, bleeding, and delayed healing. Recovery can take up to six months and usually includes a period of limited mobility, followed by gradual return to weight-bearing activities. If you have torn or ruptured an ankle ligament, it is suggested that you schedule an immediate appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and prognosis on the type and level of surgery that may be involved, if needed.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact John Killough, DPM of Regional Foot Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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.