DRS Valdes & Kulekowskis Podiatry PC

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Tue:	8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Wed - Thu:	1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

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Other Link: http://www.chicagofootandanklepodiatry.com/contact.html
Categories: Physicians & Surgeons, Podiatrists, Physicians & Surgeons, Physicians & Surgeons, Dermatology, Physicians & Surgeons, Family Medicine & General Practice, Physicians & Surgeons, Sports Medicine, Physicians & Surgeons, Surgery-General, Sports Medicine & Injuries Treatment

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Phone: (773) 248-4111

Address: 3632 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Website: http://www.chicagofootandanklepodiatry.com/contact.html

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DRS Valdes & Kulekowskis Podiatry PC

General Practitioners

Warts
Arthritis
Plantar Fasciitis
Treatment of plantar fasciitis is similar to that for heel pain. Cortisone injections may be used for the treatment of plantar fascitits. The main emphasis of treatment is to reduce the forces that are causing the plantar fascia to stretch excessively. This includes calf muscle stretching,night splints, over the counter arch supports, and orthotics.
Family Practice
Dr. Kulekowskis is a member of the American College of Lower Extremity Surgeons and hold certifications in forefoot, reconstructive rearfoot, and ankle surgery. Dr. Kulekowskis stays current with new technologies by attending workshops and conferences throughout the United States. Currently Dr. Kulekowskis is the Treasurer of the Medical Executive Committee at the former Norwegian American Hospital (now Humboldt Park Health) and previous Podiatry Department Chair. Dr. Kulekowskis takes pride in continuing to educate the residents and students that visit and take place in not only the Podiatry but Family Medicine residency program at Humboldt Park Health. Dr. Kulekowskis is also proud of her accomplishment of publishing a journal article in American Family Physician entitled Case Report: Amelanotic Melanoma Located on the Lower Extremity.
Diabetic Foot Care

Multiple Sclerosis
Charcot joint disease was originally described in patients with tertiary syphilis and absent sensation. However, once penicillin was discovered, the incidence of syphilis dropped dramatically. In general, any disease process that results in loss of sensation in the lower extremity can lead to Charcot joint disease. Today, the leading cause of Charcot joint disease is diabetes mellitus. It is estimated that 1 out of 700 patients with diabetes will develop Charcot joint. Other entities, which can lead to Charcot joint, include: chronic alcoholism, leprosy, hereditary insensitivity to pain, syringomyelia and multiple sclerosis.

Depression

Endocrinologist

Diabetes Care

Ultrasound
The diagnosis can often be made from your doctor by the history and physical exam. In many instances a MRI or ultrasound will be performed to determine the extent of damage to the posterior tibial tendon. A simple assessment of tendon strength can be performed by standing on the "tip of the toes" on each foot. The affected foot may feel weak and painful in cases of tendonitis. In advanced cases the patient may not be able to lift the heel from the ground as much or not at all in comparison to the unaffected foot.
MRI
Initial diagnosis is made by a careful history and physical examination. Pain localized to the bottom of the great toe joint is the typically presentation of these types of injury. The pain can be easily localized to either the tibial or fibular sesamoid by directly pressing on either bone. Movement of the joint may also duplicate the patient's pain. Occasionally, swelling and redness may also be seen depending on the mechanism of injury. X-rays are often obtained to differentiate sesamoiditis from a sesamoid fracture. Three different views of the sesamoids are commonly taken. Also, when sesamoid fractures are suspected, it is helpful to x-ray the uninvolved foot as well. Typically, the sesamoid bones are 2 well-defined bones on x-ray. This is the case for approximately 85% of the population. However, in 15% of patients each sesamoid bone may consist of 2 or more fragments (referred to as multipartite or several pieces). This will often make the distinction between normal and fracture difficult. In this case, a bone scan or MRI can be helpful. It is important to differentiate between sesamoiditis versus fracture since the treatment is dramatically different.
X-Rays
Computed Tomography
The diagnosis of Neuromas is made by a physical exam and a thorough history of the patient's complaint. Conditions that mimic the pain associated with Neuromas are stress fracture of the metatarsals, inflammation of the tendons in the bottom of the toes, arthritis of the joint between the metatarsal bone and the toe, or nerve compression or nerve damage further up in the foot, ankle, knee, hip, or back. X-rays are generally taken to rule out a possible stress fracture or arthritis. Because nerve tissue is not seen on an x-ray, the x-ray will not show the neuroma. A skilled foot specialist will be able to actually feel the neuroma on his exam of the foot. Special studies such as MRI, CT Scan, and nerve conduction studies have little value in the diagnosis of a neuroma. Additionally, these studies can be very expensive and generally the results do not alter the doctor's treatment plan. If the doctor on his exam cannot feel the neuroma, and if the patient's symptoms are not what is commonly seen, then nerve compression at another level should be suspected. In this instance, one area to be examined is the ankle.

Wound Care
Dr. Kulekowskis graduated from Barry University, School of Graduate Medical Sciences, in Miami, Florida where she earned a Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Kulekowskis completed a 2-year podiatric surgical residency program at Norwegian American Hospital in Chicago, Illinois where she served as chief resident. She received extensive training in reconstructive forefoot and rearfoot surgery including but not limited to trauma, diabetic limb salvage, and pediatric reconstruction. Her passion is wound care and limb salvage.
Ankle Surgery
Joint Replacement
If the condition progresses to the point of spurring around the joint, surgery may be indicated. Depending upon the degree of degeneration of the joint, surgery may consist of simply removing the bone spurs around the joint, a decompresion osteotomy or may require a total joint replacement or joint fusion ( See surgery of Hallux limitus ). Following surgery, the use of a functional orthotic is useful to improve the joint function.
Metatarsal Surgery
There are numerous over the counter treatments for corns and calluses. Some of these remedies have an acid in them that burn the callous off. Care should be taken when using these medications. If used incorrectly they can cause a chemical burn to the skin. Additionally these remedies are only temporary because the source of the pressure has not been alleviated. Professional treatment consists of using a special shoe insert called a functional orthotic that corrects foot function. In certain instances surgery may be recommended. Surgery is directed at correcting the alignment of the offending bone. Cutting out the callous will only make the condition worse if the underling boney problem is not corrected. Metatarsal surgery is discussed in another section.
Bunions
The classic bunion, medically known as hallux abductovalgus or HAV, is a bump on the side of the great toe joint. This bump represents an actual deviation of the 1st metatarsal and often an overgrowth of bone on the metatarsal head. In addition, there is also deviation of the great toe toward the second toe. In severe cases, the great toe can either lie above or below the second toe. Shoes are often blamed for creating these problems. This, however, is inaccurate. It has been noted that primitive tribes where going barefoot is the norm will also develop bunions. Bunions develop from abnormal foot structure and mechanics (e.g. excessive pronation ), which place an undue load on the 1st metatarsal. This leads to stretching of supporting soft tissue structures such as joint capsules and ligaments with the end result being gradual deviation of the 1st metatarsal. As the deformity increases, there is an abnormal pull of certain tendons, which leads to the drifting of the great toe toward the 2nd toe. At this stage, there is also adaptation of the joint itself that occurs.
Gangrene
A physician should evaluate any pigmented lesion that suddenly occurs or a pigmented lesion that starts to change its appearance. These changes are usually subtle and may consist of increased size and depth of color, onset of bleeding, seepage of clear fluid, tumor formation, ulceration and formation of satellite pigmented lesions. The color is usually not uniform but is likely to be scattered irregularity, being brown, bluish black or black. An increase in pigmentation may precede enlargement of the lesion by several months. Although any part of the body may be affected, the most frequent site is the foot, then in order of frequency, the remainder of the lower extremity, head and neck, abdomen, arms and back. Malignant melanoma may also form under the nails of the feet and hands. The thumb and big toe are more commonly affected than the other nails. Quite often the adjacent skin to the nail is ulcerated. Usually a fungal infection is suspected and antifungal treatment may be administered for months before the true nature of the lesion is discovered. A black malignant melanoma of the toe can also be mistaken for gangrene. Overall, the incidence of malignant melanoma is quite low.
Hysterectomy
Factors that contribute to the onset of gout are alcohol, red meats, asprin and certain medications for high blood pressure. Gout occurs most frequently in men. Women will not get gout until after menopause unless they have had a hysterectomy. Patients with long standing diabetes who may have kidney damage due to their disease, and patients who have kidney disease from other causes can develop gout. These patients may exhibit atypical forms of gout. In these instances, more than one area may be affected; the tops of both feet, for example, may develop gout.
Ingrown Toenails
Treatment for ingrown toenails is relatively painless. The injection to numb the toe may hurt some, but a skilled doctor has techniques to minimize this discomfort. Once the toe is numb, the nail margin is removed and the nail root in this area is destroyed. Most commonly, the doctor will use an acid to kill the root of the nail, but other techniques are also available. It may take a few weeks for the nail margin to completely heal, but there are generally no restrictions in activity, bathing, or wearing shoes. Once the numbness wears off, there may be some very mild discomfort but rarely does this require pain medicine. A resumption of sports activities and exercise is generally permitted the following day.
Reconstructive Surgery
When foot and ankle deformity develops, custom orthoses and special shoes may be necessary to prevent foot ulcerations and provide stability during ambulation. When ulcerations develop and resist conservative treatment, surgery may be necessary to prevent loss of the foot. Additionally, if there is severe instability, reconstructive surgery of the foot and ankle may be necessary to provide a stable platform for ambulation and to avoid lower leg amputation.

Plastic Surgeons

Hammertoe Surgery
Home treatment should be directed at reducing the pressure between the toes with cotton or a foam cushion and using an antibiotic ointment to reduce the risk of infection. Over the counter corn removers should never be used in this area because of the risk of increased damage to the skin resulting in infection. Professional treatment consists of removing the irregular shaped bone that causes the development of the corn. Some patients prefer that the doctor simply trim down and pad the calloused areas. This is a common form of treatment in patients with diabetes. See correcting soft corns, removing bone spurs, and hammertoe surgery.

Skin Cancer
Pigmented lesions should always be inspected and observed. Most pigmented areas are nothing but freckles and moles. However a potentially deadly pigmented lesion that can occur on the foot and lower extremity is Malignant Melanoma.
Corns
Soft corns are areas of white moist skin between the toes. They most commonly occur between the fourth and fifth toes. They can be very painful and if not treated can form small ulcerations or sinus tracts that can become infected. Acute athlete's foot can mimic the soft corn. The soft corn is due to an irregularity in the shape of the bone in the fourth or fifth toes.
Cyst
Calluses
The most common area for the formation of calluses on the bottom of the foot is in the area of the ball of the foot. This is a weight bearing area where the long bones behind the toes called metatarsals, bear the greatest amount of weight and pressure. If one or more of these long bones (metatarsals) is out of alignment then excessive pressure is generated in the area producing a callous. The callused area can be very discreet and have a "core" or they can be more dispersed covering a larger area. These areas can become quite painful as the skin thickens. People who have diabetes are at risk of these areas breaking down producing sores or ulcerations that can become infected. People with diabetes should not try home remedies and should see a doctor for the treatment.
Fungus
The most common cause of yellowed, thick and /or deformed toenails is a fungal infection of the toenail. The fungus that infects the nail, most commonly, is the same fungus that causes athletes foot. It tends to be slowly progressive, damaging the nail to a greater and greater degree over time. The infection usually starts at the tip of the nail and works its way back. It usually is not painful and often not noticed until it has gotten well established. A single toenail or any number of nails can be affected. It can also occur on just one foot. Over time, the nail becomes thickened, crumbly, and distorted in appearance. Sweaty feet contribute to the initial infection process and contribute to its spread. The fungus prefers an environment that is moist, dark, and warm, which is why it affects the toenails much more often than fingernails. It does not spread through the blood stream. The infection limits itself to the nails and skin. It is often found in association with areas of dry scaly skin on the bottom of the foot or between the toes. The dry scaling skin is frequently found to be chronic athletes' foot. It is not highly contagious, and family members are almost as likely to contract it from some other source as they are from the family member who has the infection. Keeping common showering areas clean is recommended, and sharing shoes should be avoided.
Lesions
Athlete's foot is caused by a fungal infection of the skin on the foot. The majority of these infections are caused by one of three fungal agents called dermatophytes. Athlete's foot is by far the most common fungal infection of the skin. The infection can be either acute or chronic. The recurrent form of the disease is often associated with fungal-infected toenails. The acute form of the infection most often presents with moist, scaling between the toes with occasional small blisters and/or fissures. As the blistering breaks, the infection spreads and can involve large areas of the skin on the foot. The burning and itching that accompany the blisters may cause great discomfort that can be relieved by opening and draining the blisters or applying cool water compresses. The infection can also occur as isolated circular lesions on the bottom or top of the foot. As the skin breaks down from the fungal infection, a secondary bacterial infection can ensue.
Psoriasis
Not all thicken or yellowed toenails are caused by a fungal infection. Injury to a toenail can cause the toenail to grow in a thickened or malformed fashion. This can be due to an established fungal infection or may be due to the damage caused to the nail root when it was injured. In these instances, treatment with anti-fungal medications will not correct the malformed nail. Other causes of thickened toenails are small bone spurs that can form under the toenail and psoriasis. Taking a scraping of the toenail and culturing it makes the diagnosis.
Burns

Physical Therapists

Sports Medicine
Physical Therapy
The treatment of sesamoid injuries is dependent on making a definitive diagnosis. Because sesamoiditis is an inflammatory condition, treatment directed at reducing inflammation is often helpful. This may include: rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy. More resistant cases of sesamoiditis may be helped by clf muslce stretching, a cam-walker removable cast and/or an occasional cortisone injection. Cortisone injections should only be performed after the physician is fairly certain a fracture does not exist.
Flatfoot Correction
Heel Pain
Orthotics and Prosthetic Therapy

General Podiatry
Your medical records will be transferred to our new office location. If you wish to have a copy of your records sent to another podiatrist, you will need to sign the enclosed medical record release form and send to 3632 N Western, Chicago Illinois 60618 post marked no later than 12/15/22. Your records will be available at the new office location at Humboldt Park Health in January 2023. The phone number for our Drs. Valdes and Kulekowskis Podiatry will remain 773-248-4111.
Achilles Tendonitis
The spontaneous development of pain in children generally indicates some form of injury to the growth plate of a growing bone. This can occur without a specific memorable event. When pain occurs in the heel of a child the most likely cause is due to injury of the growth plate in the heel bone. This is called Sever's disease. A condition that may mimic Seiver's disease is Achilles tendonitis. Achilles tendonitis is inflammation of the tendon attached to the back of the heel. A tight Achilles tendon may contribute to Seiver's disease by pulling excessively on the growth plate of the heel bone. This condition is most common between the ages of 8 - 15 years of age and boys tend to be affected more than girls. It is frequently seen in the active soccer, football or baseball player. Sport shoes with cleats seem to aggravate the condition. It is believed that the condition is due to an underlying mechanical problem with the way the foot functions.
Ankle Sprain
Bunions Problems
One of the more common conditions treated by podiatric surgeons is the painful bunion. Patients with this condition will usually complain of pain when wearing certain shoes, especially snug fitting dress shoes, or with physical activity, such as walking or running. Bunions are most commonly treated by conservative means. This may involve shoe gear modification, padding and orthoses. When this fails to provide adequate relief, surgery is often recommended. There are several surgical procedures to correct bunions. Selection of the most appropriate procedure for each patient requires knowledge of the level of deformity, review of the x-rays and an open discussion of the goals of the surgical procedure. Almost all surgical procedures require cutting and repositioning the first metatarsal. In the case of mild to moderate bunion deformities the bone cut is most often performed at the neck of the metatarsal (near the joint).
Calluses
Diabetic Foot Care
As the patient develops diabetic neuropathy, they have a greater risk of developing skin ulcerations and infections. Areas of corns and calluses on the feet represent areas of excessive friction or pressure. These areas, if not properly cared for by a foot specialist, will often break down and cause ulcerations. Ulcerations and infection can form under the callused area. These callused areas may not be painful. As a result, they can progress to ulceration without being noticed. Ingrown toenails can progress to severe infections in people with neuropathy. Simple things like trimming the toenails present a risk to these patients because they may accidentally cut the skin and not feel it. People with neuropathy must be very cautious and inspect their feet daily. They should not soak their feet in hot water or use heating pads to warm their feet. This can result in accidental burns to the skin. Barefoot walking should be avoided because of the risk of stepping on something sharp and not being aware of it. The inside of the shoes should be inspected before putting the shoes on to insure that no foreign object is inside the shoe ( see Do's and Don'ts-Diabetic Foot Care Tips ).
Flat Feet
Hammertoes
They tend to slowly get worse with time and frequently flexible deformities become rigid. Treatment can be preventative, symptomatic or curative. (For information on hammertoe of the big toe see Hallux hammertoe)
Heel Spurs
To understand the cause of the pain one must understand the anatomy of the foot and some basic mechanics in the function of the foot. A thick ligament, called the plantar fascia, is attached into the bottom of the heel and fans out into the ball of the foot, attaching into the base of the toes. The plantar fascia is made of dense, fibrous connective tissue that will stretch very little. It acts something like a shock absorber. As the foot impacts the ground with each step, it flattens out lengthening the foot. This action pulls on the plantar fascia, which stretches slightly. When the heel comes off the ground the tension on the ligament is released. Anything that causes the foot to flatten excessively will cause the plantar fascia to stretch greater than it is accustom to doing. One consequence of this is the development of small tears where the ligament attaches into the heel bone. When these small tears occur, a very small amount of bleeding occurs and the tension of the plantar fascia on the heel bone produces a spur on the bottom of the heel to form. Pain experienced in the bottom of the heel is not produced by the presence of the spur. The pain is due to excessive tension of the plantar fascia as it tears from its attachment into the heel bone. Heel spur formation is secondary to the excessive pull of the plantar fascia where it attaches to the heel bone. Many people have heel spurs at the attachment of the plantar fascia with out having any symptoms or pain. There are some less common causes of heel pain but they are relatively uncommon.
Heel Pain
Foot Pain
Ingrown Toenails
There are very few complications associated with this procedure. Reoccurrence of the ingrown toenail can occur a small percentage of the time. Continuation of the infection is possible which can be controlled easily with oral antibiotics. On occasion, the remaining nail may become loose from the nail bed and fall off. A new nail will grow out to replace it over several months. With removal of the nail margin, the nail will be narrower and this should be expected.
Foot Neuroma
A neuroma is the swelling of nerve that is a result of a compression or trauma. They are often described as nerve tumors. However, they are not in the purest sense a tumor. They are a swelling within the nerve that may result in permanent nerve damage. The most common site for a neuroma is on the ball of the foot. The most common cause of neuroma in ball of the foot is the abnormal movement of the long bones behind the toes called metatarsal bones. A small nerve passes between the spaces of the metatarsals. At the base of the toes, the nerves split forming a "Y" and enter the toes. It is in this area the nerve gets pinched and swells, forming the neuroma. Burning pain, tingling, and numbness in one or two of the toes is a common symptom. Sometimes this pain can become so severe, it can bring tears to a patient's eyes. Removing the shoe and rubbing the ball of the foot helps to ease the pain. As the nerve swells, it can be felt as a popping sensation when walking. Pain is intermittent and is aggravated by anything that results in further pinching of the nerve. When the neuroma is present in the space between the third and fourth toes, it is called a Morton's Neuroma. This is the most common area for a neuroma to form. Another common area is between the second and third toes. Neuromas can occur in one or both of these areas and in one or both feet at the same time. Neuromas are very rare in the spaces between the big toe and second toe, and between the fourth and fifth toes. Neuromas have been identified in the heel area, resulting in heel pain.
Toenail Problems
When it comes to treating your feet, you have come to the right place, with the elite: Dr. Valdes and Kulekowskis Podiatry. Whether you are experiencing heel, arch, toe, or ankle pain, toenail problems, painful calluses, blisters, ankle sprains, ingrown nails, or any kind of foot problem, our team of doctors are here to provide you with the quality care you need in order to get better and stay feeling great.
Foot Orthotics
Once the incision site is well healed, the patient may begin gentle calf muscle stretching exercises, and weight bearing with a soft soled shoe. Functional foot orthotics are generally recommended to help support the arch of the foot which has been weakened by removal of the plantar fascia. Although the patient will often resume walking about 1 month after the surgery, normal activities, including sports, will usually resume about three months after the surgery. There may be some residual tenderness in the area of the incision.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of a thick, fibrous ligament in the arch of the foot called the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia attaches into the heel bone and fans out toward the ball of the foot, attaching into the base of the toes. If this ligament is stretched excessively it will become inflamed and begin to cause pain. In severe instances the ligament can rupture resulting in immediate severe pain. If the ligament ruptures the pain is so great that the patient can not place weight on the foot. Should this happen, the foot should be elevated and an ice pack applied. An appointment with your foot doctor should be made at your earliest convenience. Sports such as tennis, racket ball, and aerobics can cause extreme tension on the plantar fascia resulting in small tears or rupture of the ligament. However, other less stressful activities can result in tears or rupture of the plantar fascia under the right set of circumstances. (For a more through discussion of the cause of plantar fasciitis see heel pain ) One consequence of small tears in the plantar fascia is the formation of firm nodules within the plantar fascia, called fibromas.
Podiatric Deformities
Long-term therapy must be geared to identifying the cause of the sesamoiditis so as to avoid these situations or to accommodate foot deformities or modify shoes. This may include the use of orthotic devices, calf muscle stretching, or a dorsal night splint. This may also include the limited use of high heel shoes.
Podiatric Surgery
Dr. Lopez recently completed American Board of Podiatric Surgery (ABPS) board certification and is consistently staying abreast to new research and modern techniques for patient care. Dr. Lopez is also an expert with the current trends of health and fitness and is readily eager to get patient to their fitness goals by maintaining the best foot and ankle health.

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