Chronic Illness Feet
Chronic illnesses like diabetes, arthritis, and gout can significantly impact the health of the feet in various ways. Seeing a Podiatrist is important as they are trained to manage and prevent foot problems that arise from these diseases.
Early detection is key to prevention.
Diabetes.
Diabetes can lead to serious foot problems due to peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) and poor circulation. Peripheral neuropathy causes loss of sensation in the feet, making injuries hard to feel, which can lead to unnoticed cuts or infections. Poor circulation reduces blood flow to the feet, slowing healing and increasing infection risk.
Regular professional footcare by your podiatrist is important for monitoring circulation, assessing for neuropathy and general foot health. Early detection is most important.
Osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis (OA), the “wear and tear” arthritis, occurs when cartilage breaks down in joints causing a dull, toothache-like pain, stiffness, and swelling. As cartilage erodes, bones may rub together, limiting movement.
OA frequently affects the joint at the base of the big toe resulting in stiffness in the big toe, making walking difficult, or the big toe drifts toward the other toes forming bunions.
Early diagnosis and treatment are key to managing OA. We at Mike Erchen Podiatry offer treatments to ease pressure on affected joints and reduce pain.
Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the tissue that lines and cushions the joints, causing swelling, pain, and stiffness. It primarily affects the hands, feet, wrists, ankles, and knees, often in a symmetrical pattern.
We can assist you in managing the condition, possibly prescribing custom-made ORTHOTICS.
Gout.
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by an imbalance of uric acid in the body, affecting more men than women. The main symptom is sudden, intense pain in the big toe, which becomes swollen and throbbing around the affected joint, often occurring at night. The pain usually lasts 3-4 hours before subsiding and may not return for several months.
We can assist you in managing gout symptoms and prevent further complications through diet, medication, proper footwear, and ongoing foot care.
Chilblains.
A chilblain, or perniosis is a painful, itchy skin swelling usually on the fingers, toes, ears, or nose, as a reaction to cold temperatures. They appear red, purple, or blue. In more severe cases, they may crack open, causing sores that can become infected.
We can help you to manage chilblains by assessing the condition, offering topical treatments and pain relief strategies.