Achieving and maintaining attractive feet requires consistent everyday foot care. Start by washing your feet daily with warm water and mild soap to remove dirt and prevent infections. After washing, thoroughly dry your feet, especially between the toes, to avoid fungal growth. Regularly exfoliate your feet using a pumice stone or foot scrub to remove dead skin cells and keep them smooth. Moisturizing is vital, and it can be helpful to apply a rich foot cream or lotion to keep the skin hydrated and soft. Pay attention to your nails by trimming them straight across to prevent ingrown toenails, and gently push back cuticles for a neat appearance. Wearing comfortable, breathable shoes helps to avoid blisters and calluses, while cotton socks keep feet dry and reduce odor. Finally, give your feet a break by elevating them after a long day to improve circulation and reduce swelling. If you have developed foot conditions from neglecting your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat multiple foot conditions.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, 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.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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.

Diabetic foot ulcers are open sores or wounds that develop on the feet of individuals with diabetes. Ulcers may arise due to poor blood circulation, nerve damage known as neuropathy, and high blood sugar levels, which impair the body's ability to heal. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and drainage from the ulcer, and they may become infected if not properly treated. Some risk factors for diabetic foot ulcers are prolonged diabetes, poor glycemic control, smoking, and wearing inappropriate footwear. Additionally, foot deformities and a history of foot ulcers or amputation increase the likelihood of developing these sores. Treatment involves keeping the ulcer clean and covered, managing blood glucose levels, and taking antibiotics to prevent or treat infection. A podiatrist plays a crucial role in managing and preventing diabetic foot ulcers. They can provide routine foot care, recommend proper footwear, and offer guidance on foot hygiene. If you have diabetes and notice any foot abnormalities, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to prevent complications.

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 John Killough, DPM from Regional Foot Center. 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 offices located in Charleston and Effingham, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Genetics can play a significant role in the development of congenital foot problems, particularly in pediatric patients. Common deformities such as clubfoot, flat feet, and metatarsus adductus often manifest at birth or during early childhood. Clubfoot is characterized by a twisted foot that points downward and inward, whereas flat feet involve a lack of arch in the foot when standing. Metatarsus adductus presents with the front half of the foot turned inward. These conditions are believed to occur due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors, although the precise causes are still not fully understood. Symptoms typically include abnormal foot shape, difficulty in walking, and discomfort. Treatment options vary from custom orthotics to surgical intervention, depending on severity. Prognosis is generally good with early treatment. If you are a parent and notice signs of foot deformities in your children, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and appropriate management.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, 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.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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.

Hammertoe, a condition affecting the toes, manifests as an abnormal bend in one or more joints, resembling a hammer's shape. This deformity typically occurs in the second, third, or fourth toe, leading to discomfort and difficulty while wearing shoes. Causes of hammertoe vary, with prominent factors including prolonged wearing of ill-fitting footwear, toe injuries, muscle imbalance, and conditions like arthritis. Diagnosing hammertoe involves a physical examination by a podiatrist, who assesses the toe's flexibility, alignment, and range of motion. Additionally, X-rays may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the severity of the deformity. Early detection is essential, as untreated hammertoe can worsen over time, leading to chronic pain and mobility issues. Once diagnosed, treatment options may include orthotic devices, toe exercises, shoe modifications, and in severe cases, surgery to correct the toe's alignment. If you have a hammertoe, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine the best course of treatment for you.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact John Killough, DPM of Regional Foot Center. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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.

Baseball demands agility, speed, and precise footwork, placing significant strain on the lower extremities, particularly the ankles and feet. Ankle sprains, one of the most prevalent injuries, occur when the ligaments supporting the ankle are overstretched or torn due to sudden twists or impacts. Additionally, conditions like Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis can arise from repetitive stress or inadequate foot support, causing pain and discomfort. To prevent these injuries, players should prioritize proper warm-up exercises to prepare muscles and joints for the demands of the game. Wearing well-fitted, supportive footwear designed for baseball can enhance stability and reduce the risk of injury. Maintaining good conditioning and flexibility through regular strength and flexibility training can improve overall resilience. Emphasizing proper technique, such as avoiding over-striding or landing awkwardly, can also help minimize the risk of ankle and foot injuries. If you have injured your foot or ankle while playing baseball, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and relief tips.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, 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.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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.