It is thought that as one ages, exercise becomes more beneficial to maintain a healthy body. One of the simplest ways to add exercise to your activity list is walking. It requires little in the way of equipment or special clothing, although proper footwear is important before starting. Walking paths and trails are prevalent in most areas. It is always a good idea to consult a doctor before undertaking any new exercise regimes. Walking may help build joint mobility and strength in the feet and ankles. It also helps with weight control, depression, and high blood pressure, experts say. Medical professionals suggest walking at a brisk pace for at least 15 minutes from three to five times a week for the best results. Safety tips include carrying a cell phone, going with a partner, and taking personal and medical identification with you. It also may be wise to use walking sticks to ensure that balance is maintained. It is a good idea to stop immediately if you feel breathless, have chest pain, or dizziness. For more information on the benefits and safety measures for walking, please consult a podiatrist.  

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Joe Mathew George DPM, FACFAS from Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Joliet, Bolingbrook, and Channahon, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Caring for one’s feet is an important part of one’s daily health routine. However, taking care of your feet doesn’t have to be a boring chore–it can be fun! One step that you might consider taking to make your foot care routine more exciting is giving yourself your own pedicure. There are many steps you might consider incorporating into your pedicure. For example, you might gently remove dead skin on your feet with a pumice stone. You might also gently buff your cuticles on the nails of the feet, remembering that cutting cuticles is best left to a professional. You might then trim the toenails, remembering to cut straight and not too short, as doing otherwise might lead to an ingrown toenail. It is beneficial to finish your pedicure by applying moisturizer to the feet, keeping them supple and hydrated. Contact a podiatrist today for more information about daily foot care.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Joe Mathew George DPM, FACFAS from Illinois. 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 Joliet, Bolingbrook, and Channahon, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The feet endure hundreds of times the body weight of an individual, occurring several times per day. The ankle is responsible for weight bearing, in addition to absorbing the shock, the body endures while walking and running. One of the components of the ankle is called the tarsal tunnel, and the tibial nerve is located inside this tunnel. The foot condition that is known as tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the tibial nerve becomes inflamed and compressed, and can cause difficulty in walking. This condition may be prone to people who have flat feet, as a result of abnormal foot structure. Additionally, a tumor or cyst that has developed in this part of the foot may place pressure on the nerve, possibly causing tarsal tunnel syndrome to develop. Common symptoms patients may experience may consist of a burning sensation along the inside of the ankle, and can radiate to the entire foot. Relief may be found when the affected foot is elevated, and walking can temporarily subside. Effective prevention methods may include performing specific stretches that can strengthen the ankle, in addition to warming up and cooling down before and after running. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is treated by a podiatrist, and it is suggested that you confer with this type of doctor who can offer you the correct treatment options.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Joe Mathew George DPM, FACFAS of Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Joliet, Bolingbrook, and Channahon, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.