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Family Foot & Ankle Care in Wheeling, IL 60090 and Chicago, IL 60613
Tuesday, 08 July 2025 00:00

Lower limb salvage surgery is performed to avoid limb loss when there is severe damage to the foot or leg. This may be necessary due to infection, trauma, poor circulation, or complications from conditions, such as diabetes. The goal of this type of surgery is to remove diseased or damaged tissue while preserving as much function and structure as possible. Procedures may include cleaning infected areas, reconstructing bone or soft tissue, or improving blood flow. Recovery often requires close monitoring, wound care, and rehabilitation to support healing and restore movement. This approach can improve quality of life and mobility, especially when combined with lifestyle changes and proper ongoing care. Every case is different, and success depends on the extent of the damage and the body’s ability to heal. If you are facing serious foot or leg complications, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist about surgical and non-surgical options.

Diabetic Limb Salvage

Diabetic limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have a foot ulcer and diabetes, consult with Dr. Anna Petrov from Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Diabetic Limb Salvage?

Diabetic limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot, that has an infected ulcer, from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Those with diabetes experience poor blood circulation, which prevents proper healing of an ulcer. If the ulcer is left uncheck, it could become infected, which could result in the need for amputation.

Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Amputation has been found to lead to higher mortality rates. This translates into higher healthcare costs, and a reduced quality of life and mobility for amputees. Podiatrists have attempted to increase the prevalence of limb salvage in an attempt to solve these issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Limb salvage teams have grown in recent years that utilize a number of different treatments to save the infected limb. This includes podiatrists that specialize in wound care, rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery. Through a combination of these methods, limb salvage has been found to be an effective treatment for infected limbs, and as an alternative to amputation. Podiatrists will first evaluate the potential for limb salvage and determine if the limb can be saved or must be amputated. 

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

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Tuesday, 01 July 2025 00:00

Corns on the feet are thick, hardened areas of skin that develop from repeated pressure or friction, often on the toes or soles. They are caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes, abnormal gait, or prolonged standing. Symptoms include a rough, raised bump surrounded by inflamed skin and tenderness when pressure is applied. Risk factors include wearing tight shoes, having foot deformities like hammertoes or bunions, or walking barefoot on hard surfaces. A podiatrist can identify the root cause, safely remove the corn, and recommend footwear changes or custom orthotics to prevent recurrence. For relief from painful corns and long-term prevention, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist trained in treating common and complex foot conditions.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Anna Petrov of Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

  • Well-fitting socks
  • Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
  • Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

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Sunday, 29 June 2025 00:00

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek professional help and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

Tuesday, 24 June 2025 00:00

Toe pain can interfere with daily life and may stem from several underlying conditions. Gout is a form of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid, leading to sudden and intense joint pain, often in the big toe. A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, due to misalignment and causing discomfort. Additionally, an ingrown toenail develops when the nail grows into the surrounding skin, resulting in pain, redness, and possible infection. A podiatrist can diagnose the exact cause and offer tailored treatments, from medication and nail care to corrective procedures. If you are experiencing persistent toe pain, it is suggested that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist today to find effective relief and restore comfort.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Anna Petrov of Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Trauma
  • Sports injury
  • Wearing shoes that are too tight
  • Arthritis
  • Gout
  • Corns and calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Blisters
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Sprains
  • Fractures (broken bones)
  • Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

  • Severe pain
  • Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
  • Signs of infection
  • Continued swelling
  • Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Wheeling and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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