Warts-What are they and how are they treated?

Warts

Warts, also known as verrucae plantaris , are caused by a virus. This is an important topic for the summer because warts like warm, moist environments like our shoes and socks. Most people are more active during the warmer months, so our feet may sweat more than usual. This is the perfect setting for the virus that causes warts. Additionally, they can invade the feet at the pool because of the warm, wet environment.

Warts are common in children, the elderly, and individuals with a chronic condition (cancer, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, etc). They can present on the top or sides of the feet as a raised lesion. On the bottom of the feet, they resemble a callous, with thickened skin covering them. They may appear white in color or have tiny black spots throughout.

Warts can be spread to other parts of the body or to other people, so it is important to get them diagnosed and treated. They are treated in a variety of ways: trimming, acid, freezing, medications, surgical excision, and laser treatment. The treatment may take several months.

Callouses

Corns and callouses- These occur in areas where we are getting extra pressure on the feet and are a build up of hard skin. They can occur because of how we walk or over pressure points caused by our foot structure, like at the location of bunions or hammer toes.

These are best treated by trimming down of (debridement) the hard skin, padding, custom arch supports, and, sometimes, surgery. It is important not to use medication or razor blades to remove these.

If you have this problem, please call for an appointment at one of my three locations. 708-763-0580.

Bunions---Ouch-My Big Toe Hurts!

Bunions
A bunion occurs when the big toe joint develops an extra bump of bone, and the big toe shifts over toward the second toe. The big toe joint becomes deviated or shifted out of place. This is usually caused by abnormal mechanics of the foot, especially a flat foot. Other causes include the following: arthritis or other health conditions, trauma/previous injury, genetics, one leg that is shorter, and improper shoegear.
Bunions do not always hurt, and patients are often encouraged to wear better shoegear or custom molded orthotics. Proper shoegear for this condition should have increased support, soft material (to reduce friction on the bump of bone), and added space around the toes (so the toes are not compressed together). Orthotic devices are custom made inserts for the shoes that correct abnormal motion of the feet and hold the feet in the correct position when standing or walking. Orthotics may decrease the progression of the bunion and reduce the development of pain.
Bunions can become very painful and inflamed (red, swollen). When this happens, orthotic devices and better shoes can be incorporated into the treatment plan. However, additional treatments like injections and anti-inflammatory medications may be added to the regimen. Some patients do require surgical correction of the deformity. This involves cutting and realigning the bones and soft tissues to correct the position of the deviated joint and remove the bump of bone. Initial healing for bunion surgery typically takes 6-8 weeks. Your physician will discuss the specifics of your bunion surgery with you, as there are different procedures for different sizes of bunions.
If you feel that you have this condition and would like to discuss the treatment options, please contact Advanced Physical Medicine for an appointment with Dr. Bender (708-763-0580). Please visit our website at advancedphysicalmedicine.org or oakparkpodiatry.com or follow our blog for frequent foot tips: drmaryannbender.blogspot.com.

New Location-7900 S. Drexel, Chicago

I am very excited to announce that I am now accepting podiatry patients at our newest location-7900 S. Drexel in Chicago. Currently, I am at this location on Wednesdays and plan to expand the hours in the Spring! We do not accept HMO's or Public Aid at this location.


Advanced Physical Medicine,
Southeast Chicago
(Chatham and Hyde Park)
7900 S. Drexel Ave.
Chicago, IL 60619
(773)994-0417

Driving
Located on the corners of 79th Street and Drexel Avenue, just two blocks east of Cottage Grove, and with convenient on- and off-street parking, Advanced Physical Medicine is easily accessible by car or bus. For directions, go to google maps.

Labor Day!

The staff at Advanced Physical Medicine wishes you a happy and safe Labor Day weekend. The offices will be closed on Monday, Sept. 6 for the holiday.

Mary Ann Bender, DPM
708-763-0580