Diabetic foot ulcers are open sores or wounds that can develop on the feet of individuals with diabetes due to poor circulation and nerve damage. These ulcers can become chronic, slow to heal, and prone to infection if left untreated. An important treatment for managing diabetic foot ulcers is debridement, a process where dead or infected tissue is carefully removed from the wound. Debridement is essential because it stimulates healthy tissue growth, reduces the risk of infection, and promotes faster healing by allowing the body’s natural repair processes to function effectively. By removing dead tissue, debridement helps improve blood flow to the area, which is vital for recovery in diabetic patients with circulation issues. If you suffer from diabetic foot ulcers, it is suggested that you schedule appointments with a podiatrist for regular debridement, to prevent complications, avoid further tissue damage, and ultimately protect the foot from severe infection or amputation.
Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Wound Care?
Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic.
What Is the Importance of Wound Care?
While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.
How to Care for Wounds
The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Valatie and Albany, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Osteoarthritis of the ankle, while less common than in the knees or hips, can significantly affect quality of life. It often develops after an injury, such as a fracture or sprain, leading to wear and tear of the cartilage. The average age of onset is typically in the 50s, but earlier cases may occur after trauma. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and swelling, making it difficult to walk or stand for long periods. Initial treatments focus on relieving symptoms with conservative measures like targeted stretching exercises and wearing supportive footwear. If pain persists, more advanced options include cortisone injections and orthotics. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Among the joint-preserving procedures are arthroscopy which cleans out damaged tissue, or osteotomy which involves reshaping the bones to realign the joint. Joint-sacrificing options include ankle fusion or total ankle replacement to restore mobility and reduce pain. If you suffer from ankle arthritis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment for the level of pain you are experiencing.
Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Arthritic Foot Care
Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain. The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it. Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.
Symptoms
Swelling
Pain
Stiffness
Decreased Range of Motion
Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.
Risk Factors
Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
Age – Risk increases with age
Gender –Most types are more common in women
Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary
If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Valatie and Albany, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Corns and calluses are thickened areas of skin that develop due to repeated friction or pressure, often on the feet. Corns typically form on the toes, while calluses appear on the soles. Common causes include ill-fitting shoes, high-impact activities, and foot deformities. Symptoms include localized pain, discomfort, and thick, hardened skin. While these conditions are not usually serious, they can lead to further foot problems if left untreated. Treatment options include regular exfoliation, moisturizing, and using protective pads. In more persistent cases, a podiatrist can provide professional care, such as safely removing corns and calluses and addressing any underlying issues. If you are struggling with corns or calluses, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. This foot doctor can develop a personalized treatment plan to relieve your discomfort and help you maintain healthy feet.
If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Care. Our doctors 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 doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Valatie and Albany, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Runner's toe, medically known as subungual hematoma, is a common condition among athletes, particularly runners. It occurs when the toenail becomes dislodged or damaged due to repetitive trauma, often resulting in bruising beneath the nail. This injury is typically caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes, excessive pressure during physical activity, or even running downhill. To prevent runner's toe, it is essential to wear properly fitted footwear that allows enough space for the toes to move without restriction. Keeping toenails trimmed and avoiding running on steep inclines can also minimize risk. Additionally, incorporating rest days into training schedules can help reduce stress on the toes. If you enjoy running and have developed runner’s toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.
Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Care. Our doctors 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 our offices located in Valatie and Albany, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
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