Items filtered by date: April 2025

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition involving damage to the peripheral nerves, often affecting the feet, toes, and ankles. Patients may experience numbness, tingling, burning sensations, or sharp, stabbing pain that tends to worsen at night. As the sensory nerves in the feet become damaged, there is a reduced ability to feel temperature changes or pain, which can increase the risk of unnoticed injuries, infections, and foot ulcers. Over time, this nerve damage can also weaken the muscles in the feet and ankles, resulting in instability and difficulty walking. Diabetes is a common cause of peripheral neuropathy, and long-term high blood sugar levels can further harm nerves and the small blood vessels that supply them. Other contributing factors include alcohol misuse, nutritional deficiencies, and certain medical conditions. A podiatrist can help manage symptoms, reduce the risk of complications, and monitor nerve health through regular foot exams. In more advanced cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on specific nerves. If you have symptoms of peripheral neuropathy affecting your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and ongoing treatment.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from Gelbmann Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

A foot blister is a small, fluid-filled sac that forms on the skin due to irritation or damage. It is often caused by friction, which occurs when shoes or socks repeatedly rub against the skin. Heat and moisture can also contribute to blister formation, especially in warm environments where excessive sweating softens the skin. Allergic reactions to certain materials in footwear or socks may trigger blisters as well. Some medical conditions, such as diabetes, eczema, or infections, can make individuals more prone to developing blisters. Symptoms include redness, swelling, tenderness, and a sensation of warmth surrounding the affected area. Blisters can become infected and may cause difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have a blister anywhere on your foot, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who offers safe and sterile treatment before it becomes infected.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Gelbmann Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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