Foot ulcers are open sores that develop on the feet and can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly. Common types include diabetic ulcers, arterial ulcers, and pressure related ulcers. Diabetic ulcers often occur due to nerve damage and poor circulation, leading to unnoticed injuries. Arterial ulcers are caused by reduced blood flow, making it difficult for wounds to heal. Additionally, pressure damage ulcers develop from prolonged friction or constant pressure on certain areas of the foot. Symptoms may include redness, drainage, swelling, pain, or a wound that does not heal. A podiatrist can identify the type of ulcer, address underlying causes, and provide wound care, helping to prevent infection or limb loss. If you have a foot wound, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine the type and provide appropriate treatment.
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 David Reynolds, DPM from First Podiatry. Our doctor 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 contact our office located in Evansville, IN. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
The bottoms and sides of walking shoes often show clear signs of how the feet move and bear weight. Uneven wear along the outer edge may suggest that weight rolls outward during each step, while heavy wear on the inner sole can point to inward rolling. Excessive breakdown at the heel may indicate hard heel striking, which can increase stress on the lower legs. Wear concentrated under the ball of the foot may reflect increased forefoot pressure or toe driven push off. The upper part of the shoe can also offer clues. Stretching, creasing, or breakdown in certain areas may signal toe crowding or joint stiffness. Over time, these patterns can contribute to discomfort in the feet, ankles, knees, or back. When shoes wear unevenly or pain develops during walking, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, in addition to evaluating your gait and foot mechanics.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with David Reynolds, DPM from First Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Causes
Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
Bunions
Hammertoes
Plantar Fasciitis
Bone Spurs
Corns
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Ingrown Toenails
Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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
Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Evansville, IN. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Gout is a common and acute form of inflammatory arthritis that often shows up first in the foot, especially the big toe. The toe may look red and shiny, and feel warm, sometimes with tight skin that appears stretched. It often feels like sudden burning pain, throbbing, and extreme tenderness, even to light touch or sheets. Symptoms can arrive quickly and flare at night. Causes include high uric acid levels, kidney issues, and diets high in purines, such as red meat, shellfish, and alcohol. A podiatrist can help from the start by confirming the diagnosis through history, imaging, and laboratory testing when needed. Treatment may begin with pain relief, anti-inflammatory care and footwear advice. It may then move into long-term management, lifestyle education, and coordination with medical providers. Early care can reduce damage and recurrence. If you are dealing with painful gout, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.
Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact David Reynolds, DPM from First Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Is Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.
People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.
Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Evansville, IN. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
