Cortese Foot and Ankle Clinic

DON'T FORGET YOUR ANNUAL DIABETIC FOOT EXAM

2012-01-30T10:57:00.000-08:00

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

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

2012-01-23T10:59:00.001-08:00

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

Fall Prevention Brace at Cortese Foot and Ankle Clinic

2012-01-18T09:36:00.000-08:00

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

FUNNY FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW

2012-01-12T09:11:00.000-08:00

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

DIABETES AND YOUR FEET-WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

2009-11-13T09:12:00.000-08:00

DIABETES AND YOUR FEET-WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

SUBMITTED BY: CARL J. CORTESE DPM

CHECK YOUR FEET. EXAMINE YOUR FEET CLOSELY EVERY DAY TO LOOK FOR ANY CHANGES AND/OR BREAKS IN THE SKIN. YOU ARE LOOKING FOR REDNESS, SWELLING, BROKEN SKIN, SORES, BLEEDING, PUS-LIKE DISCHARGE, PALE OR BLUE SKIN, NOTICEABLE CHANGES IN TEMPERATURE, OR ANY UNUSUAL FEELINGS LIKE TINGLING OR NUMBNESS. YOU MAY NEED TO USE A HAND MIRROR TO EXAMINE THE BOTTOMS OF YOUR FEET OR HAVE SOMEONE ELSE CHECK THEM FOR YOU.

KEEP YOUR FEET CLEAN. WASH YOUR FEET WITH SOAP AND WARM WATER EVERYDAY. WHILE THIS MAY SOUND LIKE A LOT OF WORK, IT IS VERY IMPORTANT. MAKE SURE THE WATER IS ONLY WARM NOT HOT BY CHECKING WITH YOUR ELBOW. DRY YOUR FEET COMPLETELY, INCLUDING BETWEEN THE TOES.

IF YOU HAVE ANY FOOT PROBLEMS PLEASE CALL: CORTESE FOOT AND ANKLE CLINIC, BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL, MCLEAN COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

THE AGONY OF "DE-FEET"

2009-11-13T08:57:00.000-08:00

THE AGONY OF "DE-FEET"

WOMEN SUFFER FROM FOOT PROBLEMS NEARLY FOUR TIMES AS OFTEN AS MEN. IT IS ESTIMATED THAT NEARLY 75% OF NORTH AMERICANS WILL EXPERIENCE A FOOT PROBLEM SOME TIME IN THEIR LIVES. EACH HUMAN FOOT HAS 26 BONES, 33 JOINTS, 20 MUSCLES, OVER 100 LIGAMENTS AND NEARLY 250,000 SWEAT GLANDS. THERE ARE MORE NERVE ENDINGS PER SQUARE CENTIMETER IN THE FOOT THAN ANY OTHER PART OF THE BODY. THE AVERAGE PERSON TAKES 8,000-10,000 STEPS PER DAY.

WITH OUR FEET BEING THE FARTHEST AWAY FROM OUR EYES, THEY HAVE A TENDENCY TO BE THE FARTHEST AWAY FROM OUR MINDS. THE FOOT IS SUCH AN INTRICATE PART OF THE HUMAN ANATOMY AND WE RELY ON IT THOUSANDS OF TIMES PER DAY EACH STEP WE TAKE. PART OF MAKING FOOT CARE A PRIORITY IS BECOMING MORE AWARE OF CERTAIN RISK FACTORS, POTENTIAL PROBLEMS, AND FORMS OF PREVENTION.

THE LEADING RISK FACTORS FOR WOMEN'S FOOT PROBLEMS ARE:

*HIGH-HEEL SHOES

*HOSIERY

*PREGNANCY

*AGE

IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY FOOT PAIN OR DISCOMFORT PLEASE CALL US AT: 309-452-3000, CORTESE FOOT AND ANKLE CLINIC, BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL, ILLINOIS, MCLEAN COUNTY ILLINOIS.

BUNIONS

2009-11-13T08:13:00.000-08:00

BUNIONS

SUBMITTED BY: CARL CORTESE

DEFINITION: BUNIONS ARE ONE OF THE MOST COMMON FOREFOOT PROBLEMS. A BUNION IS A PROMINENT BUMP ON THE INSIDE OF THE FOOT AROUND THE BIG TOE JOINT. THIS BUMP IS ACTUALLY A BONE PROTRUDING TOWARDS THE INSIDE OF THE FOOT. WITH THE CONTINUED MOVEMENT OF THE BIG TOES TOWARD THE SMALLER TOES, IT IS COMMON TO FIND THE BIG TOE RESTING OVER OR UNDER THE SECOND TOE. THIS CAUSES A COMMON FOREFOOT CONDITION CALLED OVERLAPPING TOES. SOME OF THE SYMPTOMS OF BUNIONS INCLUDE INFLAMMATION, SWELLING, AND SORENESS ON THE SIDE SURFACE OF THE BIG TOE. THE DISCOMFORT COMMONLY CAUSES A PERSON TO WALK IMPROPERLY.

ANOTHER TYPE OF BUNION WHICH SOME INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCE IS CALLED A TAILOR'S BUNION, ALSO KNOWN AS A BUNIONETTE. THIS FORMS ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE FOOT TOWARDS THE JOINT AT THE LITTLE TOE. IT IS A SMALLER BUMP THAT FORMS DUE TO THE LITTLE TOE MOVING INWARDS, TOWARDS THE BIG TOE.

CAUSE: BUNIONS CAN BE HEREDITARY AND ARE A COMMON PROBLEM EXPERIENCED MOSTLY BY WOMEN. THE PAIN CAN DEVELOP FROM AN ABNORMALITY IN FOOT FUNCTION BIO MECHANICS DUE TO EXCESS PRONATION, OR ARTHRITIS, BUT IS MORE COMMONLY CAUSED BE WEARING IMPROPER FITTING FOOTWEAR. TIGHT, NARROW DRESS SHOES WITH A CONSTRICTIVE TOE AREA CAN CAUSE THE FOOT TO BEGIN TO TAKE THE SHAPE OF THE SHOE, LEADING TO THE FORMATION OF A PAINFUL BUNION. IF YOU HAVE THESE SYMPTOMS PLEASE CALL:309-452-3000 CORTESE FOOT AND ANKLE CLINIC, BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL, MCLEAN COUNTY ILLINOIS.

SHOCKWAVE THERAPY

2009-11-13T07:22:00.000-08:00

SHOCKWAVE THERAPY

SUBMITTED BY: CARL CORTESE

WHAT IS SHOCKWAVE THERAPY?

EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCKWAVE THERAPY, ALSO KNOWN AS ESWT, IS A NON-PERSISTENT HEEL PAIN ASSOCIATED WITH CHRONIC PLANTAR FASCIITIS. "EXTRACORPOREAL" MEANS "OUTSIDE THE BODY." SHOCKWAVES, ALSO KNOWN AS PRESSURE OR SOUND WAVES, ARE GENERATED BY A SPECIAL ESWT DEVICE, AND FOCUSED ONTO A TARGET TISSUE. THE SHOCKWAVES ARE DELIVERED TO STIMULATE AND REACTIVATE THE BODY'S REPAIR MECHANISMS TO ADVANCE NORMAL TISSUE HEALING, AS WELL AS OVERSTIMULATE THE NERVES TO REDUCE THE SENSITIVITY TO PAIN.

WHAT IS PLANTAR FASCIITIS?

THE PLANTAR FASCIA IS A BAND OF CONNECTIVE TISSUE BENEATH THE SKIN AT THE BOTTOM OF THE FOOT. IT BEGINS AT YOUR TOES AND CONTINUES TO THE HEEL AND WRAPS AROUND THE HEEL BONE AND FORMS THE ACHILLES TENDON. THE PLANTAR FASCIA PLAYS A LARGE ROLL IN MAINTAINING THE NORMAL MECHANICS OF THE FOOT. PLANTAR FASCIITS IS A COMMON CONDITION CAUSED BY OVERUSE OR INJURY TO THIS AREA. SYMPTOMS INCLUDE SHARP HEEL PAIN, BURNING ON THE SOLE OF THE FOOT, RECURRING FOOT PAIN THAT IS ESPECIALLY PRESENT IN THE MORNING.

IF YOU HAVE ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS, OR ARE HAVING ANY FOOT PAINS, PLEASE CONTACT US AT: CORTESE FOOT AND ANKLE CLINIC, BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL, ILLINOIS.

MCLEAN COUNTY. 309-452-3000.

HEEL PAIN IN CHILDREN-WRITTEN BY DR. VERONICA MARROCHELLO

2009-11-11T09:25:00.000-08:00

HEEL PAIN IN CHILDREN

By Dr. Veronica Marrochello

Heel pain is a common and painful condition experienced by growing children. This is known as Sever's Disease or calcaneal apophysitis. The site of the pain is in the calcaneal epiphysis. This is the growth plate of the heel bone. This area is also the attachment of the Achilles tendon.

Sever's disease is most common in children between 10 and 14 years of age. It is very similar to Osgood-Schlatters Disease seen in the knees.

Anatomy of heel pain:

Sever's disease occurs in children when the growth plate of the heel is injured. The foot is one of the first body parts to grow to full size. This usually occurs in early puberty. During this time, bones often grow faster than muscles and tendons. As a result muscles and tendons become tight. Physical activities that involve running and jumping cause too much pressure at the back of the heel. This results in injury to the heel and causes pain in the heel area.

Treatments:

Ice, 20 minutes, 3times per day. Stretching, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed, always wear shoes.

CORTESE FOOT AND ANKLE CLINIC, P.C.

2009-04-21T08:59:00.000-07:00

FUNGAL PROBLEMS

How are Fungal Problems Treated?

Depending on the the type of infection you have, various kinds of medication may be used in treating your fungal problem. Successful treatment usually involves a combination of medication and self-care.

ATHLETE'S FOOT

If your condition is not serious, over-the-counter and prescription powders, lotions, or ointments can often help treat scaling, itching, and inflammation. Foot soaks may help dry excessive perspiration, but talk with your podiatrist first. If your athlete's foot doesn't improve, your podiatrist may prescribe stronger medicine.

FUNGAL NAILS

Since Fungal Nails are usually more resistant and more difficult to treat than athlete's foot, topical or oral antifungal medications may be prescribed. Secondary bacterial infections may require antibiotic treatment. Debridement may be suggested and involves trimming, filing, or grinding away the diseased part of the nail. Permanent nail removal is another possible form of treatment.