Negative pressure wound therapy applies controlled suction to non‑healing wounds on the foot, toes, or ankle to reduce excess fluid, improve blood flow, and stimulate healthy tissue formation. A podiatrist evaluates the wound’s depth, tissue condition, and surrounding skin before implementing therapy. The procedure involves using a porous dressing connected to a device that gently draws out excess fluids and encourages the wound edges to contract. This type of wound care also supports new tissue growth and promotes circulation. By removing excess fluid and proteins, the therapy helps restore proper pressure balance in the wound bed. It is most suitable for ulcers, non‑healing surgical sites, or complicated ankle wounds that have stalled in healing. Negative pressure therapy supports wound closure while it also minimizes infection risk and avoids unnecessary surgery. If you have foot wounds that will not heal, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.
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 Crystal Lake Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors 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 office located in Crystal Lake, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Running a marathon places immense pressure on the feet, often leading to pain that can interfere with performance and recovery. Foot pain from long-distance runs may be caused by plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, Morton’s neuroma, or metatarsalgia. Conditions like fat pad syndrome or Achilles tendonitis can also develop when repetitive impact overwhelms the foot’s ability to absorb shock. Marathon runners may experience stiffness in the big toe joint, known as hallux rigidus, or develop ankle pain from sprains. Each condition affects different parts of the foot or ankle and may produce sharp, aching, or burning sensations. A podiatrist can identify the exact cause through an exam and imaging when necessary. Depending on the diagnosis, a podiatrist may recommend footwear modifications, orthotics, immobilization, or, in some cases, surgery. Prompt care can reduce the risk of long-term complications and help runners return to activity safely. If you have foot pain caused by running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.
Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Crystal Lake Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
How to Prevent Running Injuries
Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.
What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? - One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury. - Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.
Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries - Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury. - Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Crystal Lake, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot. It often results from repetitive stress or strain on the plantar fascia. Causes include standing for long periods of time, wearing shoes with inadequate support, or engaging in high-impact activities. Risk factors include obesity, flat feet, high arches, and tight calf muscles. Symptoms typically involve sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning. A podiatrist can help by providing a thorough exam, prescribing custom orthotics and stretching exercises, and offering guidance on proper footwear. If heel pain is affecting your daily life, it is suggested that you promptly schedule a visit with a podiatrist to start your path to relief.
Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from Crystal Lake Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Excessive running
Non-supportive shoes
Overpronation
Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia
Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel
While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Crystal Lake, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Corns are thickened areas of skin that develop in response to repeated pressure or friction, often from wearing ill-fitting shoes or abnormal walking patterns. They typically form on the tops and sides of toes or on the soles of the feet. Common causes include wearing tight footwear, high heels, or walking without proper support. There are different types of corns, including hard corns, soft corns found between the toes, and seed corns which appear on the bottom of the foot. While small corns may not cause pain, larger ones can become uncomfortable or lead to further irritation. A podiatrist can identify the cause, safely remove corns, and recommend footwear or custom orthotics to relieve pressure and prevent recurrence. If you have developed a corn, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.
Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Crystal Lake Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them? Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.
Ways to Prevent Corns There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:
Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
Wearing only shoes that offer support
Treating Corns
Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Crystal Lake, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
