Category Archives: Healthy Foot

chicago podiatrist

Tips For Summer Foot Care

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Tips For Summer Foot Care

Taking care of your feet during the summer is essential for maintaining their health and preventing common issues like dryness, cracking, and infections. Here are some tips for summer foot care:

  1. Keep your feet clean: Wash your feet daily with mild soap and warm water to remove sweat, dirt, and bacteria. Make sure to dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.
  2. Exfoliate regularly: Use a gentle foot scrub or a pumice stone to remove dead skin cells and keep your feet smooth. Pay attention to rough areas like heels and the balls of your feet.
  3. Moisturize: Apply a good quality foot cream or moisturizer after washing and exfoliating your feet. Look for products that contain ingredients like shea butter or urea to help hydrate and soften the skin.
  4. Wear proper footwear: Opt for open-toe or breathable shoes made of natural materials like leather or canvas. Avoid wearing tight, ill-fitting shoes as they can cause blisters and other foot problems. Make sure your shoes provide adequate support and cushioning.
  5. Protect your feet from the sun: Apply sunscreen to your feet, especially if they will be exposed to the sun for long periods. Don’t forget to cover the tops of your feet, toes, and ankles.
  6. Avoid walking barefoot in public areas: Walking barefoot increases the risk of picking up fungal infections or injuring your feet. Always wear flip-flops or sandals in public pools, locker rooms, and communal showers.
  7. Keep toenails trimmed: Regularly trim your toenails straight across to prevent ingrown nails. Avoid cutting them too short, as it can lead to painful conditions.
  8. Stay hydrated: Proper hydration is essential for overall skin health, including your feet. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated.
  9. Take breaks and elevate your feet: If you spend long hours standing or walking, take breaks to rest your feet and elevate them to reduce swelling and improve circulation.
  10. Pay attention to any foot problems: If you notice any foot pain, swelling, or signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or pus, consult a healthcare professional promptly. Early intervention can prevent minor issues from escalating into more serious conditions.

Call to schedule an appointment for any our Chicago podiatry offices: 773-205-0106

Lear more: https://europeanfootandankleclinic.com

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When To See A Podiatrist For Your Foot Problems

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When To See A Podiatrist For Your Foot Problems

If you’re experiencing foot problems, it’s important to seek help from a podiatrist, also known as a foot and ankle specialist. A podiatrist is a medical professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the feet and ankles.

Here are some signs that you should see a podiatrist:

  1. Persistent pain: If you’re experiencing persistent pain in your feet or ankles, it’s important to get it checked out. Pain that doesn’t go away could be a sign of a serious problem that requires medical attention.
  2. Swelling or redness: Swelling or redness in the feet or ankles could be a sign of an injury or infection.
  3. Numbness or tingling: If you’re experiencing numbness or tingling in your feet or toes, it could be a sign of nerve damage.
  4. Skin and nail problems: Podiatrists can also treat skin and nail problems such as corns, calluses, fungal infections, and ingrown toenails.
  5. Chronic conditions: If you have a chronic condition such as diabetes, arthritis, or neuropathy, you should see a podiatrist regularly to monitor your foot health.

It’s important to take care of your feet, as they are an essential part of your mobility and overall health. If you’re experiencing any foot problems, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Call us today to make an appointment:  773-205-0106

WOUNDS HEALING THERAPY

MIST Wounds Healing

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MIST Wounds Healing in Podiatry

MIST procedure is frequently used in podiatry to treat chronic wounds in the lower extremities, such as diabetic foot ulcers. Chronic wounds in the foot can be challenging to treat due to poor blood circulation and a high risk of infection. MIST procedure can help remove dead tissue and debris from the wound, which can promote healing and reduce the risk of infection.

The MIST Therapy System delivers therapeutic ultrasound to the wound bed without direct contact. Saline solution is converted into fine particles and released towards the wound by sound pressure waves to remove dead or damaged tissue.

UltraMIST Therapy has been clinically demonstrated to promote healing across a wide range of chronic and acute wounds. Unlike most wound therapies that are limited to treating the wound surface, the UltraMIST System delivers low-frequency ultrasound to the treatment site using a noncontact saline.

Indications include, but are not limited to, diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, and surgical, burn, and deep tissue injuries. It also reduces and removes a wide range of bacteria, including biofilms, while preserving healthy structures.

These low energy ultrasonic waves promote healing from within by increasing the number of blood vessels to the wound, reducing bacteria and decreasing inflammation.

Schedule your appointment by calling:  773-205-0106

Read more: https://europeanfootandankleclinic.com/service/mist-ultrasound-wounds-healing-therapy/

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What Does a Podiatrist Do?

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Podiatrist in Chicago near me

European Foot and Ankle Clinic with 4 locations in Chicago and IN provide best podiatry services for Chicago and near Chicago patients.

Podiatrists are medical professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions of the feet, ankles, and lower legs. They provide a range of treatments for various foot and ankle problems, including:

  1. Orthotics: Custom-made shoe inserts or orthotics can be used to correct foot and ankle problems, such as flat feet, high arches, and overpronation.
  2. Foot and ankle surgery: Podiatrists can perform surgical procedures to correct problems such as bunions, hammertoes, and other foot deformities.
  3. Wound care: Podiatrists can provide treatment and care for foot and ankle wounds, such as cuts, blisters, and ulcers.
  4. Physical therapy: Podiatrists can prescribe physical therapy exercises to improve foot and ankle strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
  5. Medications: Podiatrists can prescribe medications to alleviate pain, inflammation, and other foot and ankle conditions.
  6. Diabetic foot care: Podiatrists are trained to provide specialized care for people with diabetes to prevent and treat foot and ankle complications, such as neuropathy and ulcers.
  7. Sports medicine: Podiatrists can provide specialized care for athletes and people who engage in physical activity to prevent and treat foot and ankle injuries.

These are just a few examples of the treatments that podiatrists provide. Depending on the condition, a podiatrist may use one or a combination of these treatments to help alleviate a patient’s foot or ankle problems.

Schedule your appointment by calling:  773-205-0106

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Taking Care of Senior Feet

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Senior Foot Care

Aging feet need extra care. Aging takes a toll on the feet. But with a long caregiving To Do list, out-of-sight tasks like foot care can be easily forgotten.

Over time, feet flatten and become wider. The fatty padding naturally wears down. That leaves the bones and joints of the feet more exposed to wear and tear.

Many seniors require regular pedicures or trips to the podiatrist to properly care for their feet, but a few simple at-home steps can help keep their feet well maintained between appointments.

Keep Feet Clean

Depending on whether your older adult bathes on their own or needs help, their feet may only get washed once in a while during the week.

Since good foot hygiene is critical to preventing fungal, viral, and bacterial infections, routine foot cleaning may need to happen outside of the bath or shower.

Making a regular habit of simple foot wipedowns with warm water, soap, and a washcloth will do the trick. And if done at night, it can even promote relaxation prior to sleep.

Pamper Your Skin

As we age, the skin on our feet becomes thinner and drier. After a shower or bath, treat your feet to a massage with your favorite lotion or cream. Avoid leaving lotion between your toes as this can promote the growth of fungal infections.

For rough patches, try an exfoliating foot scrub. You can also apply a thick lubricating cream at bedtime, then sleep with cotton socks on your feet. If you wear sandals, remember to use sunscreen on the tops of your feet.

Take Good Care of Your Nails

Keep toenails trimmed so the edges are even with the tips of the toes. Nails become drier and more brittle as we age, so they’re usually easier to trim after softening in a foot soak. Trim straight across to help prevent ingrown toenails.

Wear the Correct Shoes

Years of fashionable high heels and pointy-toed shoes eventually catch up with us. The result can be corns, bunions, curled toes or other painful problems. Now is the time to look for shoes that provide comfort and good support.

As we get older, our feet become wider and a bit longer, so double-check your size before buying new shoes. It’s also a good idea to shop for shoes in the evening as our feet tend to swell a bit as the day goes on.

Get medical attention when needed

However, delaying medical care often makes treatment more difficult. Contact podiatrist if  you have foot pain or you suspect that you have any of these common foot conditions like bunions, hammer toes, discolored toenails, corns, and calluses.

European Foot and Ankle Clinic has 4 offices in Chicago and Hammond IN. Contact us to make an appointment with podiatrist in Chicago:  773-205-0106

Cracked heels

Cracked Heels

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Cracked Heels Treatments

Dry, cracked heels are not only unsightly, but they can also be a source of pain and embarrassment. Do you suffer from dry, cracked heels when you wear open heeled sandals? These cracks, known as heel fissures, are caused when excess pressure is placed on dry skin and calluses on the bottom of the foot. They generally aren’t painful at first, but they can be unsightly. If the cracks become deep enough, they can begin to cause pain or even bleed and lead to infection.

The skin on the heels may become dry for a variety of reasons, and this can precede a condition that is known as cracked heels. Standing for extended periods of time throughout the day, and frequently wearing shoes that have an open back are some ways this ailment may develop. There are also medical conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, or a thyroid disorder that can cause cracked heels.

If you are suffering from heel fissures, here are some helpful home remedies:

  • Moisturize your feet daily
  • Increase your water intake to keep your body hydrated
  • Wear clean socks and closed shoes as much as possible
  • Limit time in the shower as hot water dries out the skin
  • Avoid barefoot walking, especially on hard surfaces
  • Use a pumice stone in the shower to help remove dead skin & soften calluses

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our 4 podiatry offices located in Chicago and Hammond, IN 773-205-0106. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete's Foot Treatment

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

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Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the upper layer of the skin of the foot, especially when it is warm, moist, and irritated. The same fungus may also grow on other parts of the body. However, the feet are most commonly affected, especially between the toes. Despite the name, athlete’s foot can happen to anyone. It can result in flaky skin, cracking, and itchiness on the soles of the foot and between the toes.

Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot

The most common symptom is cracked, flaking, peeling skin between the toes or on the side of the foot. Other symptoms can include:

  • Red and itchy skin
  • Burning or stinging pain
  • Blisters that ooze or get crusty

If the fungus spreads to your nails, they can become discolored, thick, and even crumble.

How Long Does Athlete’s Foot Last?

Most mild cases of athlete’s foot clear up within 2 weeks. But treatment can go for several weeks or longer if the infection is more serious or affects the toenails.

Athlete’s Foot Treatments

Treatment for athlete’s foot depends on its type and severity. Most cases can be treated at home with antifungal medicines. They kill the fungus or slow its growth. You also need to keep your feet clean and dry.
Over-the-counter antifungal lotions, creams, or sprays usually are used first. These include clotrimazole (Lotriderm) and tolnaftate (Tinactin).
Prescription antifungals may be tried if non-prescription medicines don’t help. Some prescription antifungals are put directly on the skin. Others are taken as a pill.
If you have a severe infection that doesn’t improve, your doctor may prescribe antifungal pills. They are used only for severe cases.

Call:  773-205-0106 to schedule an appointment with Chicago podiatrist near me

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Benefits of Walking for Foot Health

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Foot Health

The foot is a structure with 26 bones, 32 joints, 103 ligaments, and numerous muscles and tendons, each component relies on the others to work properly. One of the best things we can do to keep our feet healthy is to use them. Walking can help improve the overall function of your feet.

Promoting good circulation through walking is important for your feet. Circulation is also critical in helping to fight infection if you have a bruise, or cut on your foot. Proper blood supply provides oxygen and nutrients to the structures of the foot and removes waste products. Good circulation also provides essential nutrients to maintain the health of your nerve sheaths and is important to sustain normal nerve function.

Benefits of Walking for Foot Health

  • Strengthen the bones and muscles of the feet and ankles.
  • Increase flexibility and stability in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
  • A healthy weight can reduce the risk of obesity, which can put a lot of strain on the feet and ankles.
  • Increase circulation and reduce swelling.

Tips for your walking:

  • Make sure to wear comfortable and supportive shoes, with socks.
  • Warm up and loosen up stiff muscles before you set out on a brisk walk.
  • Stretch after each walk to cool down and encourage muscle recovery.
  • Start slow, but challenge yourself to gradually take slightly faster walks.



Contact our Chicago podiatrist office to schedule an appointment for all your podiatry needs: 773-205-0106