Diabetes Awareness Month

Why are diabetic patients at higher risk for losing parts of their feet and legs to amputation? Diabetes can damage our nerves and blood vessels. This creates a very complicated situation, as some diabetics cannot feel all or portions of their feet. In other words, they do not have protective sensation, or the ability to feel things like blisters, cuts, pebbles, splinters, rough edges on shoes, and other things. Damage to blood vessels causes diminished blood flow to the feet, making walking difficult. Further, healing of wounds, even small cuts, is delayed if there is not enough blood flow. Blood brings certain cells to the area of an injury that allow it to properly heal. If that is not complicated enough, the immune systems of diabetics are not as strong as those in other people. This means that diabetics cannot fight off infections as well as non-diabetics. Again, a simple cut can quickly get out of control on the foot of a diabetic patient, as the immune system is not as powerful as in other people without diabetes or chronic conditions. Prevention and education are the keys for diabetic foot conditions. 1. If you or a family member have diabetes, it is essential that the feet get checked daily. This includes the tops, bottoms, and between the toes. If you notice a cut, sore, opening, drainage, or discoloration, call you podiatrist immediately. If the area is red, hot, swollen, has an odor, smells, or is green, yellow, black, or some other strange color, you may need to go to the emergency room to have the area assessed if your doctor is not available. 2. Control your blood sugar! Keeping your blood sugar within the normal range, typically 80-120 mg/dL, is essential, as this is healthy for the nerves, blood vessels, and other body structures. Prolonged periods with high blood sugars are very damaging to the feet. 3. Avoid smoking! It decreases blood flow. 4. Avoid alcohol abuse. It damages the nerves and is unhealthy. 5. Exercise! It is good for your body and helps the circulation. Ask your doctor what form of exercise is best for you! 6. Wear supportive shoes that do not have seams or other areas that rub on your skin. 7. Keep the feet hydrated but no cream, lotion, or vasoline between the toes! If the areas between the toes are too moist, sores can develop. Questions? Need an appointment for a diabetic foot check? Call Dr. Bender, 708-763-0580

Jay Cutler and High Ankle Sprains

After returning to play after a groin injury, Bear's quarterback Jay Cutler suffered a high ankle sprain on Sunday. High ankle sprains involve an injury above the ankle to the soft tissues or syndesmosis between the tibia and fibula. Typically, these injuries are rotational, so this is an obvious potential problem with NFL players This injury can be hard to diagnose in some cases because it may not include a lot of swelling. Traditional ankle sprains typically involve an injury to a ligament on the side of the ankle, and there is pain and swelling in the area. The high ankle sprain is further up on the leg, rather on the side and may not be as swollen. Initial treatments of high ankle sprains include medication to reduce inflammation, rest, ice, compression or immobilization, elevation, and physical therapy. Severe injuries can require surgery.

What are Shin Splints?

You are undertaking a new exercise program or trying to increase your current program, and suddenly, you get pain along the front of your legs. Obviously, many things could be causing this, but one of the common causes is shin splints. Increasing training too rapidly, hard training surfaces, shoes with inadequate support, high heels, and arches that are too high or too low can all cause inflammation on the front of the legs. The periostium that lines our bones can become irritated (even having small tears) where the muscles meet the bone, specifically on the tibia (one of our two leg bones). If you experience this problem, it is important to begin RICE: rest, ice, compression or strapping, and elevation. Further, anti-inflammatory medications like motrin can be used if you are medically able to take these over the counter drugs. New shoe gear that is more supportive is critical. Additionally, it is important to see your podiatrist for custom molded orthotic devices that will support the feet and control abnormal motion. Finally, avoiding hard training surfaces, high heels, and shoes or activities that aggravate the condition will help reduce pain and recurrence. Dr. Bender, 708-763-0580, oakparkpodiatry.com

Cold Weather and Slippery Surfaces

The cool, frosty air has descended on us in Chicago! This morning, I took my daughter to school and was amazed that the new playground surface was covered with frost and very slippery! It is only October! Slippery, icy surfaces are dangerous for all of us, whether in kindergarten or in adulthood. It is important to select shoes and boots that are supportive and have soles that can grip. You should not be able to twist or bend your boots or shoe. If you can do that, they may not have adequate support to protect you on slippery surfaces. Also, the soles should have a material that provides traction on ice, snow, and slick surfaces. Now is the time to begin thinking about the upcoming cooler temperatures! If you have concerns about your feet, schedule your appointment today with Dr. Bender, 708-763-0580 or 773-776-3166. Dr. Bender practices in Oak Park and Chicago/63rd. Visit our websites at www.advancedphysicalmedicine.org and oakparkpodiatry.com.

What are the Signs of a FOOT Infection?

An infection occurs when a type of microorganism invades the body, multiplies, and begins to damage surrounding tissues by releasing toxic substances. Typically, in the foot, the microorganism enters through an opening in the skin: a blister, wound, ulcer, ingrown nail border, or injured area of skin. The signs of infection are redness, heat, swelling, pain, drainage or pus, and loss of function (inability to use the foot). Infections are diagnosed by an exam with your doctor, vital signs (like temperature), lab work, and sometimes, other testing. Antibiotics are used for treatment, and surgery may also be needed to drain the area and remove any damaged tissue. Infections can become very serious if not treated properly and can infect the bone or bloodstream. Some patients with chronic diseases, like diabetes, HIV, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, peripheral vascular disease, and other conditions may have an altered or lesser response during infection. In other words, they may not exhibit the same signs of infection as a healthy person. Foot infections can be very serious. Consult your foot doctor if you think your foot is infected, as it is essential that you get treatment quickly. Dr. Bender, 708-763-0580, 6931 W. North, Oak Park, IL 60302

How are Neurma's Treated?

The last post discussed Morton's neuromas. The neuroma is usually diagnosed by a clinical exam with your podiatrist. Conventional x-rays or MRIs may be used to further diagnose the condition or rule out something else. After the diagnosis is made, treatments typically start with conservative measures: injections, padding, and orthotic devices. Many patients get significant relief with these modalities. However, in some cases, the neuroma must be surgically excised. If you have a neuroma or other foot condition, call Dr. Bender for an appointment. She will help you feel better FAST! Dr. Bender has had three surgeries on her own feet, including removal of a neuroma, so she knows first hand about foot pain! 708-763-0580, Oak Park.

What is a Morton's Neuroma?

Patients come into the office with a series of complaints when they have a Morton's Neuroma: tingling to the toes; feeling of walking on a pebble, bunched up sock, or cushion under the foot; shooting or stabbing pain; or inability to wear high heeled shoes. Further, the toes may form a "V," rather than being straight and symmetrical like the other toes. A Morton's Neuroma is actually inflammation around the nerve that goes to the toes of the foot, typically the second and third toes. Usually, the metatarsal bones that are on either side of the nerve are too close together, and the continual friction creates the inflammation around the nerve. Abnormal foot mechanics or injury can also cause the neuroma. Morton's Neuromas can be treated with medications, injections, padding, custom molded orthotic devices, or surgical excision. Surgical excision is only used as a final result if the conservative measures do not relieve the pain. If you have this type of pain, please call for an appointment with Dr. Bender at 708-763-0580. She has Monday through Friday hours at her Oak Park location, and Monday morning hours at the 63rd/Chicago. Get your FEET in good shape for the Fall!