Are you dealing with numbness, tingling, or muscle cramps in your feet? If so, you could be dealing with poor circulation. Your feet must be getting proper blood flow, as this can provide the tissue with the oxygen and nutrients they need to stay healthy. Unfortunately, as we get older, we’re more likely to deal with poor circulation. If you are experiencing symptoms of poor circulation in your feet, you must seek podiatry care from a qualified foot doctor.

• A “pins and needles” sensation in your feet
• Changes in the color of your feet
• Swelling
• Cold feet
• Heaviness
• Pain
• Numbness or tingling

• Age: As we get older most people will deal with some degree of decreased blood flow.
• Inactive lifestyle: If you lead a sedentary lifestyle you are more likely to deal with blood flow issues, especially as you get older. We see this most often in seniors who have mobility issues and can’t stay active.
• Overweight or obese: Being overweight or obese also puts a lot of stress on the body, causing the heart to work harder to pump out blood to the rest of the body including the feet.
• Smoking: Smoking restricts blood flow, which makes it more difficult for blood to reach the feet. Smoking can also increase your risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and peripheral artery disease (PAD).
• Diabetes: Diabetes can increase your risk for inflammation, poor circulation, and even nerve damage in the feet (known as neuropathy). You must work with your doctor and a podiatrist to control your blood sugar to reduce your risk.

A sesamoid is a bone that connects to a tendon or muscle instead of another bone. The most common sesamoids are the patella (kneecap) and two bones found under the forefoot. The sesamoids in the foot help to provide the foot with weight-bearing support. Unfortunately, just like another bone, sesamoids can fracture or become inflamed. An inflamed sesamoid is known as sesamoiditis and it’s most often found in athletes.

• Pain at the ball of the foot near the big toe
• Pain when bending or straightening the big toe
• Swelling
• Pain that comes up gradually

• Avoiding any activities that put pressure on the foot
• Taking a pain reliever such as ibuprofen to reduce pain and swelling
• Wearing supportive shoes with ample cushioning
• Applying ice to the foot for 10-15 minutes every few hours
• Avoiding shoes with pointed toes or high heels

Foot fungus, commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a fungal infection found on the feet. The fungus typically enters via cracks or cuts in the skin and is called “athlete’s foot” since athletes or very physically active individuals sweat a lot, which means that they have an increased risk of getting foot fungus. Children likewise have an elevated risk of getting it since they aren’t as careful about prevention as older individuals.

With that said, a fungal infection in the foot is actually fairly common. However, you might be more prone to fungal infections if you are immunocompromised. If you suspect that you have a foot fungus, don’t hesitate to consult your foot doctor here at Wilmette Foot and Ankle Clinic serving the North Shore, IL area, Dr. Gary Rogers, for prompt treatment.

Do I Have Foot Fungus?

The earliest and most common symptoms of a foot fungal infection are itchy, peeling, or scaly skin as well as small blisters that could sometimes pop. Usually, you can see these warning signs on the foot’s underside and between your toes. Left untreated, it could also extend to the tops of the foot.

How Do I Get Rid of Foot Fungus?

With foot fungus, prompt and accurate treatment from your foot doctor is vital to prevent it from spreading to other parts of your foot. This is especially critical for diabetics since even the most minor foot issues, such as scratches, could result in infections and more serious complications.

Fortunately, foot fungus can be treated with OTC and prescription creams. For the majority of individuals who have new or mild fungal infections, over-the-counter antifungal creams or ointments may suffice. On the other hand, those with advanced or severe fungal infections may require prescription antifungal preparations that also contain steroids. This means that if you’ve tried OTC antifungal medication that failed to clear your symptoms, you will need a prescription antifungal medicine.

It’s also important to note that doctors don’t usually prescribe oral antifungal medicines for foot fungus, save for very severe or recurrent infections. The most common oral antifungal prescribed for foot fungus is terbinafine, which must be taken for at least two weeks.

Need Relief From Foot Fungus? We Can Help

Arrange an appointment with your foot doctor, Dr. Gary Rogers of Wilmette Foot and Ankle Clinic in Wilmette, IL and serving the North Shore, IL area, by dialing (847) 256-4434. We also serve the Evanston, and Skokie, IL areas.

Walking, standing and exercising become challenging if you have heel pain. Fortunately, your North Shore podiatrist, Dr. Gary Rogers, can determine why you have pain and offer effective treatments for your condition.

Stone bruise

If your pain started after you stepped on a hard object, you may have a stone bruise. The condition can also occur if you wear worn-out shoes or footwear that doesn't provide enough support when you exercise.

A stone bruise forms in the layer of fat that cushions your heel and can be quite painful. The bruises usually go away after a week or two. If your condition doesn't improve, your podiatrist on the North Shore can fit you with orthotics, custom-designed shoe inserts that cushion your heel and reduce pain.

Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain and is more likely to occur if you stand on your feet for hours, have flat feet or high arches, are overweight, run for exercise, or are between the ages of 40 and 60.

Pain is usually worse first thing in the morning or after you begin to move again if you've been inactive for a while. Plantar fasciitis is caused by an inflammation in the plantar fascia, a tough band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes. If you're diagnosed with the condition, your foot doctor may recommend orthotics, night splints to stretch the fascia while you sleep, exercises and physical therapy. Surgery is only an option if other treatments aren't successful.

Achilles tendonitis

Inflammation is also a problem if you have Achilles tendonitis. The long tendon that connects your heel to your calf muscle can become inflamed if you work out harder or longer than usual or participate in sports or activities that require repetitive motions. Runners are particularly at risk for Achilles tendonitis, as are people who have tight calf muscles or unstable ankles.

Treatment for Achilles tendonitis may include orthotics, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections or extracorporeal shockwave therapy.

Heel spur

Heel spurs are calcium deposits that form on the bottom of your heel. Although not all heel spurs cause symptoms, the deposits can make walking and standing painful. People who've had plantar fasciitis are more likely to develop heel spurs, as are runners. Other risk factors include gait problems, leg length discrepancies and poorly fitting shoes.

Treatment may include orthotics, exercises, night splints or physical therapy. Most heel spurs improve with these treatment methods, although a small percentage require surgical removal.

Don't let heel pain keep you off your feet. Your North Shore, IL, foot doctor, diagnoses and treats a variety of painful heel conditions. Call his Wilmette office at (847) 256-4434 to schedule your appointment.