Monday, January 30, 2012

DON'T FORGET YOUR ANNUAL DIABETIC FOOT EXAM

Blood glucose control is the most important task of the diabetic. Checking your feet for changes in appearance is the second most important task!

The feet is one area that many complications can take place. Ulcers happen in almost 1/4 of all diabetic patients. These occur because of a condition known as Neuropathy which is the loss of feeling in the feet and lower extremities. It is also called nerve damage.

Another common condition in diabetics is decreased blood flow, also known as P.A.D., Peripheral Arterial Disease. Because of decreased blood circulation, ulcers and wounds take much longer to heal and could get infected.

Other factors will also increase risk levels such as, eye sight, kidney function, raised blood glucose level, foot and toe deformities and smoking.

The up side to all of this is through early detection most complications can be avoided. This is why you should have a Diabetic Foot Evaluation at least once a year.

What you should expect at your Diabetic Foot Evaluation.

Your visit will be performed by our Board Certified Podiatrists who are also Foot and Ankle Surgeons. He or she will ask about your history and what ailments you have.
Do you smoke? Do you have pain in the feet or legs? Is your vision okay? This detailed information will help your podiatrist formulate a treatment plan.

Are you wearing the proper size shoes and socks?

Your podiatrist will check your feet for hot spots, blisters and any irritations that may be caused by your shoes and socks. He or she will direct you to the proper size and fit. Our podiatrists at Cortese Foot and Ankle Clinic also participate in the Diabetic Shoe Program. You can pick out your new shoes in our Sole Savers Shoe Store located inside our office.

Please call today if you have not already scheduled your
Annual Diabetic Shoe Evaluation.

(309) 452-3000.

Visit us on the web at www.cortesefootandankle.com



Monday, January 23, 2012

CORTESE FOOT AND ANKLE CARRIES DR.'S REMEDY NAIL POLISH


Discover the healthy, doctor-formulated alternative to traditional polishes.
HOW? Dr.'s Remedy Nail Polish doesn't have any toxic ingredients and is enriched with naturally-occurring elements-like tea tree oil and garlic bulb extract, wheat proteins and vitamins C and E. These ingredients work together to strengthen and protect your nails against fungus, discoloration, cracking and brittleness-problems that can be caused by chemicals found in the commercial nail polish containing formaldehyde, toluene.

We also have the hydration which is a natural nail conditioner infused with the key additive Pentavitin, which helps deliver and retain moisture to dry, brittle nails. Also enriched with naturally occurring anti-fungals, whole wheat protein and 4 major vitamins, the formula is designed to provide the moisture balance necessary to have flexible nails and prevent breakage. Use alone or as a basecoat.

We also have topcoat and remedy remover, an acetone free, healthier alternative to traditional nail polish removers. Remedy remover contains natural anti fungal ingredients.

DO SOMETHING GOOD FOR YOUR NAILS, EVEN WHEN TAKING THE POLISH OFF!

For more information please call us at (309) 452-3000.

www.cortesefootandankle.com

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Fall Prevention Brace at Cortese Foot and Ankle Clinic


WHY DO WE NEED A FALL PREVENTION BRACE?

1. Falls are the leading cause of accidental deaths in the elderly.

2. 3 out 10 Senior Citizens will experience a fall each year.

3. Half of the seniors that fall will fall again.

4. Most fractures among older adults are caused by falls.

5. In 2007 over 18,000 seniors died from unintentional falls.


HOW DOES THE FALL PREVENTION BRACE WORK?

1. Improves balance.

2. Stabilizes the foot and ankle.

3. Stimulates skin receptors providing feedback to the brain.

4. Improves foot clearance reducing the risk of tripping.

5. Can help reduce the risk of falling by 30-60%.

KEY FEATURES

1. Lightweight and easy to put on.

2. No laces or buckles.

3. No hard surfaces

4. Arch Support.

5. Custom made to maximize sensory feedback.

6. Eliminates abnormal motion and weakness around the ankle.

Call or Visit us today! www.cortesefootandankle.com


Cortese Foot and Ankle Clinic
1607 Visa Drive, Suite 5B
Normal, Illinois 61761
(309) 452-3000

Thursday, January 12, 2012

FUNNY FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW


Here are some fun facts that we tell people at our office:

1. When you buy shoes at our Sole Savers Shoe Store we will measure your feet and watch the way you walk to check your gait. We will encourage you to buy for the longer foot, lots of people have one foot that is larger than the other. Also, the second toe may be your longest toe. Be sure you are wearing the right size socks too, it matters! Try not to get cotton socks, you need a material that will wick away moisture like our Dr. Comfort Bamboo Charcoal socks.


2. If you have stinky feet go ahead and use your underarm deodorant on the bottoms of your feet. It works!

3. Be careful when getting a pedicure, we use one-time use water bath trays and no piped water. We also have sterilized instruments. You will be seated in your own private room.

4. Crest Pads, Bunion and Toe Separators, are only going to give you temporary relief, they are not going to fix the problem!

5. Everyone loves the Flip-Flop. It you must wear one please consider our Dr. Comfort flip-flop with the built-in orthotic.

6. Store bought inserts are really not that great! They are alright if you want extra padding and a little arch support but custom molded orthotics actually are made to correct the way you walk and fix your gait. They should be firm and not soft and squishy.

Call us today for an appointment at (309) 452-3000 or visit us on the web: www.cortesefootandankle.com