Items filtered by date: February 2024

If you’re experiencing inflammation and pain, you may have heard of steroid injections as a possible treatment option. While they can provide quick relief, there are also potential risks and drawbacks to consider. In this article, we’ll explore what steroid injections are, how they work, their pros and cons, and alternative treatment options that may be worth considering before deciding on this course of treatment.

What Are Steroid Injections?

Steroid injections can be a great way to treat plantar fasciitis and other inflammatory problems–but they might pose additional issues, especially when dealing with tendinitis, and repeat injections, especially in patients with diabetes

What do Steroid Injections Do?

Steroids can help decrease inflammation and eliminate pain, however; depending on your current activity level, health status and location of pain or discomfort, they might not be the best treatment option for you.

Before injections are considered, it’s important to consider alternative treatment options to address the underlying issues. Some of these options can be as simple as lifestyle alterations. Including stretching and strengthening exercises. If you’ve carefully consulted your health provider, sometimes steroid injections can be a viable option.

Possible Outcomes

Some other modalities that have helped our patients reduce pain, inflammation, and return to work, sports, and everyday activity sooner include:

• electric stimulation
• therapeutic ultrasound
• extracorporeal pulse activation therapy
• taping, and
• orthotic casting and shoe modifications

Conclusion

Ready to explore your options? We can help! Our board-certified doctors and medical assistants will be happy to assist you in any way we can.

Winter is upon us in the Windy City, and it can be very easy to underestimate the dangers of cold weather. So, the staff at Ankle N Foot wants to ensure everyone has a safe and fun winter. Read on to learn about frostbite, its symptoms, and how to prevent it.

What is frostbite?

Frostbite is an injury caused by freezing of the skin and soft tissue. It has various stages with milder stages being reversible, however extreme and prolonged exposure can cause permanent damage and can lead to gangrene (permanent tissue death) and amputation.

What are the symptoms of frostbite?

Early symptoms include cold sensation, prickling feeling, numbness, swelling, and discoloration of the skin. This can worsen and sensation can be lost, and the skin can take on a waxy looking appearance.

Exposed skin is at highest risk, especially in windy weather (and as we all know, Chicago is known for its wind); it is of the utmost importance to wear items such as gloves, and warm hats with your ears covered to reduce risk.

It’s easy to underestimate the dangers of cold weather; therefore, it is important to take wind chill into account.

What happens when you’re exposed to the cold?

Exposure to cold reduces blood flow to the skin’s surface, and your extremities. This happens to keep your head and internal organs warm.

Toes, fingers, ears, and nose are typically the most susceptible–and are typically–also the most exposed to the elements. Therefore, gloves, warm hats and scarves are key items to utilize in the winter. In addition, we would recommend dressing in layers in case there are drastic changes in weather throughout the day.

If your skin becomes wet, the risk for frostbite increases drastically, so it is vital that those items of clothing are changed or dried off immediately.

The National Weather Service provides a handy windchill chart that helps demonstrate the time it takes to sustain frostbite, given the wind speed and temperature.

You might be surprised to hear that Dr. George Tsatsos, long-time practitioner and CEO of Ankle N Foot Centers, doesn’t reside in Chicago anymore. Yet, hundreds of miles away, has found a way to provide care for his new community.

Dr. Tsatsos continues his work at the People’s Health Clinic, a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization located in Wasatch County, Iowa. The People’s Health Clinic, established in 1999, is focused on providing accessible health care for the local community.

What sorts of conditions have you been treating?

What sorts of conditions have you been treating?

“I have been treating skin and nail fungus, plantar fasciitis, pain in the arch (mid-foot), metatarsalgia, and walking difficulties.”

How did you get involved with the clinic?

“I started about 8 months ago, and heard about the clinic through my daughter’s pediatrician.

What do you enjoy most about the work you’re doing?

“I enjoy helping patients, especially difficult cases, which challenges me. In this case, since I am still the CEO/CMO of Ankle N Foot Centers, I find that donating my time once a week to the clinic fits perfectly with my current responsibilities.

Snow may be sparse in Chicago, but stepping into the frigid outdoors still requires bundling up! Most of us who’ve braved a Windy City winter know to invest in a puffy, down-filled coat, thick gloves and a warm hat. But what sort of winter boots are best for your feet?

Winters in Chicago

While it’s common to see many different types of shoes during the winter in Chicago, what’s the “perfect” footwear for keeping feet warm and dry with enough traction for ice and snow? Answer will vary on who you ask. But if you’re asking us….

Keeping your feet dry in the winter months is perhaps even more important than keeping your feet dry in other seasons. Cold, wet feet in winter months can lead to serious problems.

For one, chilly, moist feet can cause frostbite—especially in those with diabetes. In addition, the cool, damp environment inside boots is perfect for fungal growth. This can infect the skin and lead to the athlete’s foot, or target the nails and cause thick discoloration. These infections are often difficult, costly and time-consuming to treat. They can also lead to bacterial infections of the feet or nails.

Meanwhile, the fit of boots is also important. Poor fit can result in foot and ankle pain, heel or tendon pain—even nerve pain. Make sure to try on the boots with the appropriate thickness of sock.

Last, does the boot have traction on ice? Are you wearing boots for fashion or function?

Although it may look right, it may not be what’s best for your feet.

Here’s a look at some popular boots you’ll see on people’s feet this season—perhaps even your own—and the pros and cons of each.

Rain Boots

Sometimes dubbed “wellies,” and produced in a rainbow of colors by brands such as Hunter. These boots are popular among women in Chicago—and their style is favored by celebs such as Kate Middleton and the Olsen twins.

Pros: They’re waterproof, and block rain or snow from soaking into socks. You can make them warmer by adding socks or specially made boot-liners.

Cons: Be prepared to pay if you want Hunter boots, often upwards of $150. There are cheaper brands, but the cheap ones may gap, let rain or snow soak in, or cause slipping in the snow.

Shearling Boots

Let’s face it, Chicago gets cold. Even with socks, rain boots are no match for the next Polar Vortex. Fur-lined Uggs or copy-cats that are knit, down-filled or fleece-lined were made to withstand the sub-zero.

Pros: Uggs will still let you feel your feet while waiting for the CTA during a cold morning commute. These boots can also repel light, powdery snow.

Cons: They’re only warm as long as they’re dry. Step in enough slush or a puddle, and your feet will wind up wet!

Duck Boots

Made popular by companies such as L.L. Bean, the boots are part-rain boots with a waterproof rubber coating on the foot and laces criss-crossing the front of the leg.

Pros: Opt for a shearling-lined version for a boot that’s both warm and waterproof.

Cons: Stripping off the shoes—especially if the laces are caked with snow and your hands are still gloved—can be messy and cumbersome. In addition, the shape could potentially put pressure on the toes.

Snow Boots

It may seem obvious, but take note of how many people trudge around town in loafers, even—tennis shoes. It’s Chicago – winter snow is as certain as taxes. We recommend visiting a retailer such as North Face or Columbia for boots that are warm and snow-proof. Since the holidays are over, odds are good of finding boots on sale.

Pros: There are often no laces, and many can be pulled off—meaning you often don’t even have to deal with a zipper.

Cons: It’s no surprise, but boots are very bulky! Also, boots may be worn heavily by the elements and the salt in the streets.

Conclusion

Still stumped about which boots to buy? You should ask the experts…like us at Ankle N Foot Centers. We may not be able to control the weather, but we can help you weather winter with advice about the right boots!

Diabetes Complications: What Are The Signs?

Burning, tingling, or numbness in your feet could signal serious diabetes complication.

More than 30 million Americans are living with diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy, or nerve damage in the feet, is one of the most common—and most serious—complications of the disease. Nerve damage causes burning, tingling, heaviness, or numbness in the feet and affects up to 70 percent of all diabetic patients.

“Neuropathy can be a rather scary aspect of diabetes because patients may not be able to feel pain,” said Dr. George Tsatsos, DPM, a podiatrist at Ankle N Foot and a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). “If you can’t feel an injury or sore, it could lead to a serious infection.”

Why Does It Matter?

People with diabetes have a harder time healing from infections, and even a minor sore or blister could ultimately lead to amputation. Dr. Tsatsos says it’s important to try to prevent nerve damage before it happens, and to take extra precautions if you do experience symptoms.

Tips

Podiatrists recommend the following tips to help prevent peripheral neuropathy:

Carefully manage your blood sugar in conjunction with your diabetes care team. Well-regulated blood sugar may help protect your nerves from damage.

Increase your physical activity. Exercise can help keep your weight down and improve circulation. Try walking for 15–30 minutes daily.

See a podiatrist regularly. A podiatrist is a physician, surgeon, and specialist with advanced training in the foot and ankle. Your podiatrist is a critical member of your diabetes care team and can help you prevent diabetic nerve damage.

What Else Can Be Done?

If you do experience diabetic nerve damage, foot care becomes even more critical. “It starts at home with daily checks on your feet,” said Dr. Tsatsos.

“Check your feet for any injuries and for changes to the skin, hair, or even temperature of the skin. If you can’t see your feet well, try propping up a mirror, or ask friends or family for help.”

Dr. Tsatsos recommends patients with peripheral neuropathy never go barefoot because of the risk of injuries. People with peripheral neuropathy should see a podiatrist regularly to help catch any changes in their foot health early.

“Regular foot care—both at home and in your podiatrist’s office—is essential to avoid serious complications from diabetes,”

Dr. Tsatsos said. “If you have diabetes, and especially if you have experienced symptoms of nerve damage, it’s critical to make foot health a priority.”

Dr. George Tsatsos, DPM is a podiatrist at Ankle N Foot in Chicago, IL.
Call or make an appointment online. Visit www.apma.org/diabetes to learn more about foot health and diabetic nerve damage.

Introduction

Are you a runner who occasionally feels pain in the balls of their feet? Although there are many conditions that can cause pain in the ball of the foot, only few are common among runners.

Another condition, which often can be misdiagnosed as the aforementioned conditions, is called a plantar plate injury.

Plantar plate injuries range from a plantar plate sprain, tearing, to full blown ruptures.

A plantar plate injury can be described similarly to having an ankle sprain, but only in the small toe joints of the foot.

In the 2021 NFL season, the Kansas City Chief’s quarterback Patrick Mahomes was diagnosed with a plantar plate injury known as turf toe.

The plantar plate is a ligamentous attachment to the joints in the balls of the foot (think of them as the ligaments that connect to the toes to the rest of the foot). Every time we take a step, we are activating and stepping down on our plantar plates which function to keep the balls of our feet planted, which also keeps our toes in the same place as we walk.

Runners and active individuals have a tendency to overload the balls of their feet, causing stress to the plantar plate. Over time, this can cause the toes to drift, stay cocked up, and cause a nagging pain with increased activities.

What Can We Do?!

It is important to see a specialist as soon as possible. This is to ensure appropriate steps can be taken! Our job is to slow its progression and keep it from getting worse.

Treatment can often be as simple as shoe modifications and custom orthotics or as complicated as surgery for tears and ruptures.

Furthermore: Be weary of pain in the ball of the foot, and if you do start to notice a sharp or aching pain, get it checked out ASAP.

If you seek treatment early, you may still be able to participate in that race you’ve been training so hard for.

Written by Ankle N Foot Centers staff

Many of us have been told to limit gatherings and some of you may wonder if you should skip your Ankle N Foot Centers appointment. While that’s a question only you can answer for yourself, we want you to know that we have been and continue taking precautions in the clinic to help ensure everyone’s safety. Including telemedicine visits—which can even be done through your phone!

We disinfect all surfaces at the front desk and in the treatment rooms after every patient interaction. Friends and family members present at your appointment will be asked to join you in the treatment room.

Although universal precautions have always been in place, as an added service:

We are waiving cancellation fees so anyone who doesn’t feel 100% healthy can stay home. Please call us in a timely manner to reschedule your appointment to a telemedicine appointment, if possible.

When you call, we will ask you the following questions:

• Have you recently traveled outside the United States?
• Have you been on a cruise within the last 2 weeks?
• Have you been exposed to someone with the coronavirus?
• Are you sick?

If the answer is “yes” to any of the above, the appointment will be rescheduled.

You can wait for your appointment in your car if you’d like.

Call us to check in and we will call you back when your provider is ready for you.

At our clinics, we will require that you use sanitizer on your hands.

We maintain social distancing by placing patients in treatment rooms upon arrival.

Stay Healthy,
From the Staff & Doctors at Ankle N Foot Centers, LLC

Written by Ankle N Foot Centers staff

The new year is always a great time for self-improvement. With a new decade ahead of us, there’s no better time to start taking care of ourselves than today. This is why Ankle N Foot wants to bring you 10 feet and shoe care tips.

We know, feet isn’t really something we think about until they start hurt—but we should change that! As much as we’d love to see you, these tips can help keep your feet in good condition.

Feet

1. Wash feet and your flip-flops or shower shoes after walking barefoot.
   Many bacteria and fungus can survive on inanimate surfaces for 24 hours and a few for up to months!
2. Allow your shoes to dry after wearing.
   Alternate your shoe wear daily. Avoid wearing the same shoes 2 days in a row.
3. Roll a golf ball on your arch for several minutes. This aids in decreasing plantar fasciitis or other forms of arch pain. Place the golf ball in the refrigerator to add a cooling effect.
4. Swollen feet and legs can be treated by elevating them.
   Try to hold them above your heart, with gentle movement of your ankles and toes. Wrapping an Ace wrap snugly around the foot or leg during elevation will help.
5. Orthotics do work.
   This is especially true for metatarsalgia, heel pain and running.

Shoes

1. Re-lacing techniques for shoelaces can accommodate boney deformities to resolve pain caused by pressure but obviously won’t treat the underlying deformity and avoid toenail injury. This can be especially helpful to runners.
2. Shoes actually have a short shelf life.
   300 miles and they should be retired. One way to keep track is with your pedometers! Put a pedometer on your pedometer—or just mark your calendar.
3. Did you know that 70% of people will experience a fungal infection in their lifetime?!
   Most can be treated with over the counter anti-fungals and keeping moisture away from those areas, not bacteria.
4. Fungus and bacteria can be transmitted
   Direct contact as well as indirectly through floors, socks, shoes, bedding and manicure/pedicure instruments. Even your orthotics (if not cleaned).
5. Limit time wearing high heels.
   Save heels and pointed shoes for special occasions, as wearing them may cause pain. Try to vary their height! Wearing long heels for extended amounts of time can damage your feet.

Have any more feet and shoe care tips? Send us a message! We’d be happy to hear them.