Stepping on a nail may seem minor at first, but puncture wounds to the foot can quickly become serious. The depth of the injury, where it enters the foot, and what was worn at the time, all affect risk. Injuries closer to the toes are more likely to lead to joint infections or bone involvement, while punctures in the middle of the foot are often less severe and can sometimes be treated without hospitalization. Wearing athletic shoes at the time of injury raises concern because bacteria can be driven deep into the foot through the sole, increasing the chance of infection. Even a clean-looking nail can still cause complications. Pain, swelling, redness, drainage, or trouble walking should never be ignored. Because infections may not appear right away, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for proper evaluation, imaging if needed, and appropriate treatment to reduce the risk of long-term problems.

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 One of our podiatrists from Global Podiatry. Our practitioners 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 contact our offices located in Buffalo Grove and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Peripheral neuropathy affects the feet by damaging the nerves responsible for sensation, balance, and muscle control. When these nerves do not function properly, people may notice numbness, tingling, burning, or sharp pain in the toes and soles. Reduced sensation can make it difficult to feel pressure, temperature changes, or minor injuries, which increases the risk of cuts, blisters, and skin breakdown going unnoticed. Muscle weakness related to nerve damage may also change the way the feet move during walking, leading to instability and a higher risk of falls. Over time, altered pressure points can contribute to calluses, ulcers, and joint strain in the feet and ankles. A podiatrist can evaluate nerve-related symptoms, monitor skin and nail health, address walking changes, and recommend appropriate treatment to protect foot function and reduce complications. If you have symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in your feet, it is suggested that you make regular appointments with a podiatrist for evaluation and treatment.

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 One of our podiatrists from Global Podiatry. Our practitioners 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 Buffalo Grove and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar warts are skin growths that develop on the bottom of the foot due to infection with the human papillomavirus, or HPV. The virus enters through small cuts or weakened areas of skin and causes thickened lesions to form. These warts are often painful because they grow on weight-bearing areas such as the heel, where pressure from walking and standing forces them inward. Symptoms may include a rough circular patch of thick skin, tiny dark spots within the lesion, tenderness, and discomfort during daily activities. Risk factors include walking barefoot in public areas, excessive moisture, and a weakened immune system. If you have developed a plantar wart, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and effective relief and treatment techniques.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact One of our podiatrists from Global Podiatry. Our practitioners will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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

Cuboid stress fractures are uncommon but painful injuries that affect a small bone on the outer side of the midfoot. They often develop from repetitive loading rather than a single injury, making them easy to overlook early on. Runners, dancers, and people who walk long distances may notice a deep, aching discomfort that worsens with activity and improves with rest. Swelling, tenderness, and pain when pushing off the foot are common signs. Because symptoms can mimic tendon strain or arthritis, proper diagnosis is sometimes delayed. Imaging such as X rays or advanced scans may be needed to confirm the problem. Treatment usually focuses on reducing stress to the bone through activity modification, supportive footwear, and sometimes immobilization. With proper care, healing follows. It is suggested that anyone with persistent outer foot pain consider seeing a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with One of our podiatrists from Global Podiatry. Our practitioners will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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