January 2022

There are a variety of health issues that can occur throughout the body that podiatrists are often the first to discover. This is because foot related issues can be an indicator of a more severe issue. For example, if your feet are too cold or turning blue, it can mean that there are issues with how the blood is circulating throughout the body. Diabetes is another condition that can affect the feet by causing wounds to heal slower. Heart disease or high blood pressure is another issue that can present itself in the feet by causing the feet to swell. Frequently occurring fungal nail infections can also indicate an auto-immune disorder or a weakened immune system. Patients who notice anything unusual with their feet should visit with a podiatrist to have the issue examined. 

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Eveleigh Williams, DPM from Sole 2 Sole, PC. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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

A Pott’s fracture is a type of ankle fracture, characterized by a break in the lateral or medial malleolus, one of the bony protrusions on the sides of the ankle. Sometimes both of these bones can break at the same time, usually as the result of a severe ankle sprain. Symptoms of a Pott’s fracture include instant, severe ankle pain, tenderness, swelling, bruising, and an inability to put weight on the injured ankle. A podiatrist can diagnose a Pott’s fracture through physical examination and an X-ray. Treatment often includes wearing a cast, brace, or walking boot to stabilize the ankle and allow it to heal. Surgery may be needed in many cases. If you are experiencing the symptoms of an ankle fracture, it's suggested that you consult with a podiatrist. 

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Eveleigh Williams, DPM from Sole 2 Sole, PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Olympia Fields, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are wounds that can occur on the feet of people with diabetes. Due to a combination of nerve damage, poor circulation, and immune insufficiency, many people with diabetes are at risk of developing DFUs. These wounds can become infected, leading to complications such as tissue death and amputation. When a patient presents with a non-infected DFU, their doctor may prescribe conservative treatments. Conservative treatments are non-invasive and are used to preserve foot health and function and prevent further complications. Conservative treatments for non-infected DFUs may include taking pressure off of the wound, keeping the area moist to promote healing, and protecting and covering the wound and surrounding skin. These treatments are often effective for non-infected wounds. If you have diabetes, a podiatrist can help you manage the effects of this condition on your feet. 

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 Eveleigh Williams, DPM from Sole 2 Sole, PC. Our doctor 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 Olympia Fields, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The bones in the ankle are connected by a variety of ligaments. Ankle sprains occur when these ligaments become either overstretched or torn, usually because the ankle is twisted. Mild ankle sprains mean that the ankle is tender and swollen, but more severe ankle sprains can make the ankle unstable and unable to support any weight. Patients who believe they may have sprained an ankle would be wise to consult with a podiatrist, because the symptoms of an ankle sprain are similar to those of a broken ankle, and an x-ray may be necessary. Recurring or severe sprains can also cause long-term weakness and joint pain. Upon the diagnosis of an ankle sprain (or fracture), a podiatrist will be able to provide a treatment plan for the injury.   

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Eveleigh Williams, DPM from Sole 2 Sole, PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Olympia Fields, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.