Diabetes can quietly change the health of your feet in many ways. Poor circulation and nerve damage can cause numbness, tingling, or burning sensations that make it hard to feel pain or temperature changes. This loss of sensitivity increases the risk of unnoticed injuries that may develop into open sores, known as foot ulcers. Skin and nail changes are also common, including dryness, thick nails, fungal infections, or even a gradual shift in foot shape, such as a collapsed arch known as rocker-bottom deformity. Type 1 diabetes tends to affect circulation earlier, while type 2 often brings slower but progressive nerve and tissue changes. Both can lead to serious complications, if left untreated. Regular foot checks, proper footwear, and prompt attention to any wounds are essential. If you have diabetes, and notice changes in your feet, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.

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 Katie Besselman, DPM from Advanced Podiatry. 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 Saint Peters, MO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that thrives in warm, moist environments such as shoes, locker rooms, and public showers. It often begins between the toes, causing itching, burning, redness, and peeling skin. Left untreated, it can spread to the soles or toenails, and may even pass to others through shared surfaces or footwear. Keeping the feet clean and dry is the first step in prevention and recovery. Changing socks regularly, wearing breathable shoes, and using antifungal powders or sprays can help stop the infection from spreading. Persistent or severe cases may require prescription-strength medication to fully clear the fungus and prevent recurrence. If you experience ongoing itching, cracking, or scaling on your feet that is persistent, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a precise diagnosis and effective treatment plan.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Katie Besselman, DPM from Advanced Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

As we age, our feet reflect a lifetime of movement and wear. The skin becomes thinner, joints stiffen, and circulation often slows, making older adults more vulnerable to discomfort and injury. Common issues include bunions, hammertoes, thickened nails, calluses, and balance problems caused by arthritis or neuropathy. These conditions can make walking painful and increase the risk of falls or infections. Fortunately, many of these challenges can be managed effectively through professional podiatric care. A podiatrist can trim thick nails safely, treat painful deformities, provide cushioning or orthotic support, and monitor for underlying vascular or nerve changes. Early evaluation and routine visits help maintain mobility and independence by keeping the feet healthy and comfortable. If you or an elderly loved one notice pain, swelling, or changes in foot shape, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for personalized care and appropriate treatment.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Katie Besselman, DPM from Advanced Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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

A plantar fibroma is a firm, noncancerous growth that forms within the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot. It can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty walking, especially when pressure is applied. When conservative treatments fail, surgery may be recommended to remove the fibroma and relieve tension on the surrounding tissue. The procedure involves making an incision in the sole of the foot to carefully remove the fibrous mass while preserving healthy structures. A podiatrist can evaluate the condition, recommend appropriate treatment, and guide recovery after surgery. If you have a plantar fibroma, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can discuss treatment options with you, which may include surgery for permanent removal.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Katie Besselman, DPM of Advanced Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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