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Featured Topics for November:
  • Use Your 2025 Benefits & FSA/HSA Funds Before They Expire
  • Ask the Pod featuring Dr. Patrick McEneaney
  • Healthy Feet at Every Age: Diabetes Awareness Month
  • Read the Latest Blog Posts
  • Annual Exams and Performance Checks to Keep You Moving
The end of the year is one of the best times to schedule your foot and ankle care. If you have already met your deductible, your out-of-pocket cost may be lower through December.
Your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA)funds can also be used for many podiatry services and products, including custom orthotics, compression socks, braces and more.
We verify all insurance coverage before your visit and offer cash-pay options for patients without insurance.
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My feet have been feeling cold and tired lately. Could that mean I have a circulation problem?

Featuring Dr. Patrick McEneaney
That is an important question and one I hear frequently from patients. Changes in temperature, fatigue, or discomfort in the feet can often be the first signs of a circulation issue. When blood flow to the lower limbs becomes restricted, it limits oxygen and nutrient delivery to the tissues. This can cause coldness, leg fatigue during walking, or wounds that heal slowly.
At Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists(opens in a new tab)(NIFAS)(opens in a new tab), we use PADNet, a non-invasive diagnostic test that measures circulation in the legs and feet. The test takes about 30 minutes and gives us valuable insight into how well blood is flowing to the lower extremities. With that information, we can identify early signs of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and take proactive steps before symptoms worsen.

Who Should Get Tested

PADNet screening is recommended for:
  • Adults age 65 and older
  • Adults age 50 and older with diabetes, a history of smoking, high cholesterol or heart disease
  • Anyone who experiences cold or numb feet, fatigue while walking, or wounds that take longer to heal
If you have diabetes or other risk factors, I typically recommend testing every year to monitor changes in circulation. Many patients assume these symptoms are just part of getting older, but in reality, they are often preventable with early detection and proper care.
"PADNet gives us a clear and detailed picture of how blood is reaching the legs and feet,” explains Dr. McEneaney. “Identifying even small changes early allows us to prevent complications and keep patients active, mobile, and pain-free."
If you have noticed any changes in temperature, color, or sensation in your feet, it’s worth getting checked. Early action can make all the difference in maintaining healthy circulation and preventing long-term issues.
Schedule your PADNet circulation screening today at illinoisfoot.com/appointment_request(opens in a new tab) or call 847.639.5800(opens in a new tab) to book your visit.
November is Diabetes Awareness Month(opens in a new tab), which highlights the connection between diabetes and foot health. Diabetes affects the body’s ability to circulate blood and heal properly. When blood flow decreases and nerve sensitivity changes, even a small cut or blister can turn into a serious problem.
Foot health plays a vital role in overall wellness. Proper circulation and nerve function allow you to stay active, balanced, and independent. For people with diabetes, regular podiatric care is an essential part of staying healthy and preventing complications.

Why Foot Health Matters(opens in a new tab)

  • Every 20 secondssomeone loses a limb because of diabetes-related complications.
  • Half of all adultswith poor leg circulation do not know they have it.
  • Up to 85 percentof diabetes-related amputations begin with a preventable ulcer.
  • Routine foot examscan significantly reduce the risk of infection and amputation.
Even people without diabetes can develop circulation or nerve issues that affect the feet. Understanding these risks helps identify problems early before they progress.

The Vital Role of Podiatrists(opens in a new tab)

Podiatrists play a key role in preventing diabetic foot complications. They are often the first to identify changes in circulation, skin condition, or sensation that may indicate a developing problem.
During routine visits, podiatrists can:
  • Detect circulation or nerve issues before symptoms worsen
  • Treat corns, calluses, and ingrown nails to prevent infection
  • Identify early signs of ulcers or poor healing
  • Perform diagnostic tests such as PADNet to assess blood flow
  • Recommend supportive footwear and preventive care that fits each patient’s needs
Regular podiatric care is an important part of diabetes management. It allows patients to maintain healthy circulation, prevent infections, and preserve long-term mobility.

Take Action Today(opens in a new tab)

Whether you are living with diabetes or caring for someone who is, consistent foot care makes a difference.
  • Check feet daily for changes in color, temperature, or sensation
  • Keep skin clean and moisturized
  • Wear properly fitted, supportive shoes
  • Schedule an annual foot exam, or sooner if you notice any changes
If it has been more than a year since your last foot check, now is the time to schedule.(opens in a new tab) Preventive care today protects your comfort, mobility, and independence tomorrow.
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BOOK AN APPOINTMENT(opens in a new tab)
Preventive care is the foundation of healthy feet.
  • Diabetic foot exams to prevent complications like ulcers and infections
  • Orthotic performance tests to ensure your orthotics are still supporting you properly
  • Annual foot and ankle health checks to keep you active, regardless of age
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Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists | 750 E Terra Cotta Avenue Unit C | Crystal Lake, IL 60014 US