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Types of Foot Ulcers
Patients who are diabetic may be familiar with wound care for the feet. Elevated blood sugar levels may cause a foot ulcer to gradually develop and immediate treatment may be necessary to avoid further implications, including amputation in severe cases. There are several types of foot ulcers that diabetic patients may experience. Neuropathy can cause a lack of feeling in the foot and patients are unable to feel the pain caused by an injury. A loss of blood flow to the feet can lead to an ischemic ulcer which can be difficult to treat. If the patient has poor circulation and neuropathy, a neuroischemic ulcer may form and it is said to be the most difficult to heal. Approximately half of foot ulcers become infected, therefore they need to be closely monitored. Diabetic foot ulcer treatment begins with removing infected tissue from the wound. This is called debridement and it is crucial in the prevention of damaged nerves, blood vessels, and tendons. This is followed by reducing existing pressure on the foot ulcer and draining the wound. If you have diabetes, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can treat and manage diabetic foot problems.
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 Dr. Kendall Blackwell from InStride Wilson Podiatry Associates. 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 feel free to contact our office located in Wilson, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?
Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.
Foot Pain Is Common
Foot pain is a common ailment among many people. The feet undergo daily stress while walking, standing, or running for much of the day. Diabetic patients may be familiar with the pain associated with a foot ulcer and sometimes surgery is necessary for proper healing. Diabetics may also be affected by neuropathy, which is the inability to feel cuts, bruises, or scrapes on the feet. This happens from having elevated blood glucose levels. An uncomfortable foot condition known as athlete’s foot can cause severe redness and itching. Athlete’s foot originates from a fungus and is contagious. A bony protrusion that forms on the side of the big toe is known as a bunion and can occur from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Having an ingrown toenail becomes painful as the nail grows into the skin instead of over it. Surgery is sometimes a necessary treatment option so the toe can properly heal. If you have any type of foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you use the services of a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat foot pain.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Kendall Blackwell from InStride Wilson Podiatry Associates. 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)
- Flat Feet
- Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
- And more
Diagnosis
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 Wilson, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Movement and Stretching Techniques Can Help the Feet
Many people endure foot problems at some point in their lives. A foot injury may have caused the foot to become lethargic and performing specific exercises may help to get strength and movement back. This can promote accelerated tissue healing and can help to gradually return to normal activities. When starting a new exercise regime after a foot injury it is important to pay attention to different levels of pain that may exist. If the pain increases, it is advised to reduce the number of repetitions and to decrease the speed of the motion. Additionally, it can help to increase resting times between sets to give the affected foot ample time to recharge. Many patients prefer stretching exercises which can help improve range of motion. As soon as a gentle stretch is felt it is advised to hold it for approximately 20 seconds. Movement exercises can build strength and agility and they are performed in repetitions of eight, followed by a brief resting period, and then repeating. If you would like more information about the benefits exercise can have on the feet, please consult with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.
Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Kendall Blackwell from InStride Wilson Podiatry Associates. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Exercise for Your Feet
Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.
Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual.
Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Wilson, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Arthroscopy Can Aid the Diagnosis and Treatment of Ankle Pain
Ankle pain may be caused by any number of factors including arthritis in the joints, tears in ankle ligaments, swollen/scar tissue, and bone or cartilage injuries. An ankle arthroscopy can help podiatrists diagnose and repair many issues that cause ankle pain. An arthroscope is a tiny camera that a podiatrist can insert through a small incision in the skin to capture real-time video inside your ankle. The video is displayed on a large video monitor that the podiatrist looks at to help make an accurate diagnosis of ankle pain. The podiatrist can also use this video to guide them as they use tiny instruments, which are inserted through other small incisions, to treat/repair the condition causing the ankle pain. This minimally invasive procedure is known as arthroscopic surgery. It requires much smaller incisions than open surgery with less pain and bleeding, a lowered risk of infection, and shorter recovery times. Consult with your podiatrist to see if ankle arthroscopy is appropriate for you.
Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Kendall Blackwell from InStride Wilson Podiatry Associates. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.
Causes
The most common causes of ankle pain include:
- Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
- Ankle sprains
- Broken ankles
- Achilles tendinitis
- Achilles tendon rupture
- Stress fractures
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Plantar fasciitis
Symptoms
Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.
Diagnosis
Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Wilson, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Seniors and Plantar Fasciitis
Elderly people often develop foot problems and one of the most common is plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia ligament that connects the heel to the front of the foot is damaged by tiny tears. It is caused by repetitive injury or excessive strain which causes pain in the heel area of the foot and is most unbearable when first rising or after prolonged sitting. As with any disorder, this ailment can be prevented to some degree. There are a variety of things seniors can do to help ward off painful food disorders. Getting a gait analysis so that if there are issues with posture or the way one walks, they can be detected and corrected. Regularly stretching the calves and ankles can help prevent tight muscles and tendons that cause small tears in the heels of the feet. Wearing well-fitting, supportive shoes, with proper cushioning and arch support can reduce pressure on feet and help make walking and performing other activities more comfortable. Placing inserts that have deep heel cups and elongated cradles for the arches into regularly worn shoes can be used to assist with a flatter foot as one ages. If you are a senior or taking care of a senior who suffers from painful foot conditions like plantar fasciitis, it is suggested you see a podiatrist to have the feet evaluated and effective treatment prescribed.
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Kendall Blackwell from InStride Wilson Podiatry Associates. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
- Excessive running
- Having high arches in your feet
- Other foot issues such as flat feet
- Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
- Being on your feet very often
There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.
Prevention
- Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
- Maintain a healthy weight
- If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain
There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Wilson, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Several Methods of Good Foot Care
There are many people who feel self conscious about their feet as the summer months approach. They may not have paid proper attention to their feet during the colder months when shoes are worn every day. There are simple practices that can help the feet to look and feel good. These can include trimming the nails once per week, moisturizing the feet after a shower or bath, and wearing shoes that fit correctly. It is beneficial to trim the nails straight across, and this may help them to remain healthy and strong. When proper care is given to the feet, it can help to prevent unsightly foot conditions that can include fungal infections, plantar warts, bunions, and hammertoes. Additionally, good foot care can include wearing socks that have adequate cushioning, and flat shoes are preferred over high heels. If you would like more information about additional tips on how to practice everyday foot care, please consult with a podiatrist.
Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Kendall Blackwell from InStride Wilson Podiatry Associates. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Everyday Foot Care
Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.
It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Wilson, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!
Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!
Exercises for Hammertoe
The foot condition that is known as hammertoe is considered to be a deformity. It is a noticeable ailment that affects the toes, and can resemble a hammer. The middle joint of the second toe bends downward, and corns may form on top of the affected joint. The toes are made of muscles, bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments. These vital parts of the toe work together to bend and straighten the toes, and hammertoe can develop if there is an imbalance in the toe structure. It can come from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in, or from shoes that are too tight. Wearing the wrong footwear can squeeze the toes into a bent position. There are some patients who may be prone to developing this deformity that have existing medical conditions including flat feet, or longer toe bones. Relief may be found when specific stretches are practiced, including toe flexion and extension, and performing a foam roll massage. If you have been afflicted with hammertoe, please confer with a podiatrist who can determine the severity of this condition, and recommend correct treatment options.
Hammertoe
Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Kendall Blackwell from InStride Wilson Podiatry Associates. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.
Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.
Symptoms
- Pain in the affected toes
- Development of corns or calluses due to friction
- Inflammation
- Redness
- Contracture of the toes
Causes
Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible
Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur
Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe
Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe
Treatment
Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it
Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used
Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Wilson, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Difficulty Walking and Gait Abnormality
Walking is an activity that as soon as we learn how to do it, we take it for granted. However, sometimes walking can become difficult because of age, illness, injury, or other factors. Symptoms that may develop are shooting pain, numbness and tingling, stiffness, imbalance, weakness, and limping. Types of gait abnormalities include walking with your head and neck pushed forward, walking with legs bent inward, dragging the feet while walking, waddling from side to side, and toes scraping the ground with each step. Among the many causes that can affect your gait are nerve damage, improper alignment of the body, lack of muscle strength and flexibility, inflammatory diseases and conditions, autoimmune deficiencies, injury, and stroke. If you notice an increased difficulty walking and are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, please consult a podiatrist who can conduct a complete examination and offer an appropriate treatment plan.
If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Kendall Blackwell from InStride Wilson Podiatry Associates. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Biomechanics in Podiatry
Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.
A History of Biomechanics
- Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
- In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.
Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.
Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Wilson, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
More...
How Can Losing Weight Help My Feet?
Obesity poses risks to your health, as well as extra pressure put on your feet. With each step you take, your feet must hold one and a half times your total body weight. Painful conditions such as heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, sprains, and fractures can be triggered by excess pounds. Diabetes and peripheral artery disease resulting from being overweight can also contribute to poor circulation and foot ulcers. Symptoms can become severe enough that amputation of a limb is possible. Maintaining a healthy diet and weight can help your general health and the health of your feet. An exercise plan will help in this endeavor. If your feet hurt badly, exercise is still possible with low impact regiments like water aerobics or swimming. It is suggested to consult with a podiatrist before you embark on any new exercise routine to make sure it is safe and will not make foot problems worse.
Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Dr. Kendall Blackwell from InStride Wilson Podiatry Associates. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Obesity and Your Feet
Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.
Problems & Complications
Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.
Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.
Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Wilson, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Are Flip Flops Dangerous to Wear?
There are benefits that many people enjoy while wearing flip flops. These can include feeling fresh air on the feet, additionally, they are easy to wear, and come in a variety of colors and styles. Despite these benefits, frequently wearing flip flops can lead to specific foot conditions. These types of shoes offer little or no arch support, and can lead to developing plantar fasciitis. The toes can become fatigued from gripping the top of the shoe to keep it on the foot. There is also limited ankle support which may increase the risk of falling. Cracked heels can develop from wearing these shoes that do not have a back or strap. Many people who choose to wear flip flops take shorter steps, and this can lead to altering the gait, or walking style. If you would like more information about the dangers of wearing flip flops, please consult with a podiatrist.
Flip-flops can cause a lot of problems for your feet. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Kendall Blackwell from InStride Wilson Podiatry Associates. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
Flip-Flops and Feet
Flip-flops have managed to become a summer essential for a lot of people. While the shoes may be stylish and easy to slip on and off, they can be dangerous to those who wear them too often. These shoes might protect you from fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, but they can also give you foot pain and sprained ankles if you trip while wearing them.
When Are They Okay to Wear?
Flip-flops should only be worn for very short periods of time. They can help protect your feet in places that are crawling with fungi, such as gym locker rooms. Athlete’s foot and plantar warts are two common fungi that flip-flops may help protect your feet against.
Why Are They Bad for My Feet?
These shoes do not offer any arch support, so they are not ideal for everyday use. They also do not provide shock absorption or heel cushioning which can be problematic for your feet. Additionally, you may suffer from glass cuts, puncture wounds, and stubbed toes since they offer little protection for your feet.
More Reasons Why They Are Bad for Your Feet
- They Slow You Down
- May Cause Blisters and Calluses
- Expose Your Feet to Bacteria
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Wilson, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Arthritis Can Cause Pain in the Feet and Ankles
If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.
Running and Foot Pain
Most runners experience pain in their feet from time to time. While some discomfort can subside on its own, other times more attention must be given to the problem to determine the source and severity of pain. Some causes of foot pain among runners are blisters, a toenail turning black from repetitive activity, and stress fractures. Oftentimes improperly fitting shoes–such as those that are too tight, too loose, or that have insufficient toe box room–are the culprit in running injuries. Beyond careful attention paid to well-fitting footwear, other simple measures that can be taken to prevent runner’s foot pain include using orthotics or running insoles, checking for proper running form, and stretching before and after running. Because runners' injuries can worsen and lead to more severe problems, it is suggested that a podiatrist be consulted if one is experiencing any prolonged foot pain.
All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Kendall Blackwell of InStride Wilson Podiatry Associates. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
How to Prevent Running Injuries
There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.
More Tips for Preventing Injury
- Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
- Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
- “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
- Cross-Training is Crucial
- Wear Proper Running Shoes
- Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Wilson, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
