May 2023

The feet are often affected in diabetic patients. People who have this condition may be unable to feel existing cuts or scrapes on their feet, as a result of possible nerve damage. It is important that people who have diabetes maintain a good foot care routine, and this can begin with washing and drying the feet. It is beneficial to use a mirror to check the soles of the feet for any cuts, and a caregiver or family member may help to accomplish this. Diabetes occurs as a result of elevated glucose levels in the blood, and it is helpful to monitor foods that are eaten that can affect these sugar levels. When the toenails are properly trimmed weekly, the chances of getting an ingrown toenail may be reduced. It is urged to refrain from walking barefoot, which can help to protect the skin on the feet. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can provide you with helpful management tips.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact John Horlebein, DPM from Northern Cascades Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Chelan, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Many people are currently living with a condition known as rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, which is an inflammatory disease that attacks the joints. Individuals who have or are developing rheumatoid arthritis often experience certain symptoms that are highly indicative of the condition. For example, the joints in the body may ache, and more specifically, the ankles may be affected. Sometimes, the aching and pain can be symmetrical in the ankles, which means that both of the ankle joints may ache. Importantly, those whose ankles are affected by rheumatoid arthritis may also experience some amount of swelling in the ankle joints. If you think that you have rheumatoid arthritis and your ankles are being affected, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for an appointment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with John Horlebein, DPM from Northern Cascades Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

Skateboarding is a high-impact sport that can put a great deal of stress on the feet and put them at risk of injury. One of the main areas of the foot that takes a lot of pounding in skateboarding is the arch. For that reason having adequate arch support is an important concern for these athletes. Insoles with built-in arch support can help to distribute the weight evenly while reducing strain on the heel and ball of the foot. Because skateboarding includes jumping and landing, it is suggested by experts who are familiar with skateboarding to use shoe inserts that contain extra cushioning. Taking this precaution can help to reduce the likelihood of developing stress fractures and heel spurs. Shoe inserts with ample cushioning also help to reduce fatigue, allowing the athlete to continue the activity for longer periods without tiring. Skateboarding can also cause the feet to become hot and sweaty. To counteract this condition, it is beneficial to find insoles that keep the feet cooler and drier. Anyone who spends a great deal of time on a skateboard may be the perfect candidate for custom orthotics, which are fitted to the athlete’s foot structure. For more information on custom orthotics, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation. 

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact John Horlebein, DPM from Northern Cascades Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Chelan, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

People who have had a corn on their foot are often bewildered by the amount of pain and discomfort this small hardened area of skin can cause. A corn develops as a result of excess friction that can be caused by the shoes or socks that are worn. They may also develop from having an underlying bone condition, or possibly from a misaligned toe joint. Hard corns can form on the side of the pinky toe, and soft corns are found between the toes. There is another type of corn that grows on the sole of the foot, referred to as seed corns. Some people find temporary relief by placing a protective covering over the corn, in addition to wearing shoes that fit correctly. Mild corns may be treated topically by using prescribed medicine, or it may require minor surgery for permanent removal. If you have a corn on your foot, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer a  treatment method that is correct for you. 

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact John Horlebein, DPM of Northern Cascades Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

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

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Chelan, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pickleball is a sport that has become increasingly popular. It is defined as a combination of badminton and tennis, and while it is enjoyable for many people, it may cause heel pain. Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that can happen from frequently playing pickleball, and it may be beneficial to purchase shoes that are designed for this sport. Shoes of this type can help to protect the feet and are referred to as court shoes. They are made of materials that allow easy movement from side to side and can cushion the foot from impact. The upper part of this type of shoe has heavier and thicker material which can help to reinforce the ankle. This can be beneficial as it moves in quick bursts from side to side. Additionally, the midsole is thinner when compared to running shoes, and can protect the foot more efficiently as the game is played. If you would like to learn more about the type of shoes that are needed to play pickleball, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can guide you toward the right choice.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with John Horlebein, DPM from Northern Cascades Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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