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Foot infections are a serious problem for people with diabetes because reduced circulation and nerve damage can make the feet more vulnerable. Even a small cut, blister, or ulcer can allow bacteria to enter, leading to redness, swelling, warmth, and pain. In some cases, the skin may become shiny or tight, and drainage or a foul odor may be noticed. If untreated, these foot infections in diabetics can progress into the deeper tissues, spreading to bones or joints and putting diabetic patients at risk of limb loss. A podiatrist can examine the feet, order imaging or laboratory tests if needed, and provide treatment, such as wound care, antibiotics, or surgery to remove infected tissue. Regular podiatry care is especially important because infections may advance quickly in diabetic feet, and early detection can prevent severe complications. If you are diabetic and have developed a foot infection, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and effective treatment.
Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Glenn Davison, DPM from Advanced Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.
The Importance of Caring for Your Feet
Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.
It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Union, NJ and New York . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Diabetes affects millions of people every year. Blood vessels located all over the body are damaged due to diabetes—even the blood vessels of the feet. Neuropathy, or nerve damage, can result from slower blood flow in the legs and feet. In diabetic patients, neuropathy is very important to monitor, as diabetics are at risk for developing ulcers.
Always washing and thoroughly drying the feet are pertinent parts of diabetic foot care. There should be a focus on cleaning between the toes. Even if no pain is felt, the entire foot should be examined for redness and sores. Neuropathy can often mask the pain of sores and ulcers and can cause these conditions to be overlooked. Use a mirror to examine the underside of your feet if needed. It is recommended that diabetics wear well-fitting socks.
Patients with diabetes should have their specialist monitor their blood levels because blood sugar levels play a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised. It is very important to keep your blood sugar levels in the normal range, which can be determined by your provider. There are medications that may be prescribed to help with any neuropathy experienced by the diabetic patient. It is also advisable to visit a podiatrist if one is experiencing any conditions involving the feet, such as ingrown toenails, which in more severe cases can cause infection.
Diabetic feet must be inspected daily. Diabetic foot care at home is possible if a patient is provided with instructions from their podiatrist. Patients can relieve dry heels with creams or ointments. Suspected wounds should warrant an immediate call to the podiatrist. Gangrene is a serious problem for diabetics and can lead to sepsis and amputation in its worst cases. Early treatment and daily inspection of diabetic feet are keys to staying healthy.
Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!
There are fifty-two bones in the feet which constitute approximately one quarter of the bones in the body. People who choose to pursue a career in podiatric medicine will learn how to treat disorders, injuries, and diseases of the feet. Some of these conditions can include hammertoes, bunions, heel spurs, and foot ulcers. The education generally consists of four years of study at a podiatric medical school, preceded by earning a bachelor's degree. A residency is then begun which can last two to four years. People who have become a DPM, which is an abbreviation for doctor of podiatric medicine, can choose to work in a private practice, or treat patients in a hospital environment. If you are contemplating a career in podiatry, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can help you to determine if this is the right career choice for you.
If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact Glenn Davison, DPM from Advanced Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Podiatrist?
A podiatrist diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.
What Do Podiatrists Do?
On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:
It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Union, NJ and New York . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
A podiatrist specializes in foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. If you are having any pain, injuries, or abnormalities in these areas, it is best that you seek help from a podiatrist.
Podiatrists complete four years of training in a podiatric medical school. Their training is like that of other physicians, and they may go on to complete a fellowship training after a residency training. Some podiatrists are board certified meaning they have advanced training, clinical experience, and have taken an exam to prove their skills. Certifying boards for podiatry are the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. Podiatrists may work in private practices, hospitals, clinics, or they may even become professors at colleges of podiatric medicine.
While in college, those who want to be podiatrists often take biology, chemistry, and physics classes in preparation for podiatry school. In podiatry school, students study how the bones, nerves, and muscles work together to help you move around. Additionally, they study injuries and how to properly diagnose and treat them. Admittance into podiatric medical school requires the completion of 90 semester hours of undergraduate study with a good grade point average, and acceptable scores on the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)
Podiatrists treat many different conditions such as: aching feet, ankle pain, bunions, corns, hammertoes, fungus, ingrown toenails, plantar fasciitis, sprains and more. Common forms of treatment for these conditions are physical therapy, drugs, or surgery. Podiatrists may also recommend corrective shoe inserts, custom-made shoes, plaster casts, and strappings to correct deformities.
Even if you are someone whose feet are in generally good condition, you should still visit a podiatrist to have your feet properly exfoliated and maintained, or to make sure you are looking after your feet properly.
Ingrown toenails occur when the toenail pierces the skin at the fold of the nail. Some common causes of ingrown toenails may include trauma, improper toenail cutting, shoes that are too tight, sweaty feet, and medications. Ingrown toenails can also be recognized by the swelling and inflammation around the toenail that is painful when pressure is applied. While there are many home remedies that can help reduce the pain of an ingrown toenail, it is important to visit a podiatrist in order to prevent an infection or further damage from occurring. Your podiatrist can provide a variety of home remedies, as well as provide surgical options if necessary.
Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Glenn Davison, DPM of Advanced Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.
Causes
Prevention
Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.
Treatment
Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Union, NJ and New York . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
An ingrown toenail is a nail that has curved downward and grows into the skin. This typically occurs at the nail borders, or the sides of the nail. As a result, pain, redness, swelling, and warmth may occur in the toe. If a break in the skin forms due to the ingrown nail, bacteria may enter and cause an infection in the area; this is typically characterized by a foul odor and drainage.
Ingrown toenails have multiple reasons for developing. In many instances, the condition is a result of genetics and is inherited. The most common cause, however, is improper trimming; cutting the toenails too short forces the skin beside the nail to fold over. An ingrown toenail can also develop due to trauma, such as stubbing the toe, having an object fall on the toe, or participating in activities that involve repeated kicking or running. Wearing shoes that are too tight or too short can also cause ingrown toenails.
Treatment for an ingrown toenail varies between patients and the severity of the condition. Milder cases that don’t involve infection or other medical conditions can benefit from soaking the feet in room-temperature water and gently massaging the side of the nail. In most cases, however, it is best to see your podiatrist for thorough and proper treatment. After examining your toe, your podiatrist may prescribe oral antibiotics to clear the infection if one is present. Surgical removal of either a portion of the nail or the entire nail may also be considered. In some cases, complete removal or destruction of the nail root may be required. Most patients who undergo nail surgery experience minimal pain afterward and can return to normal activity the following day.
Ingrown toenails can be prevented with proper nail trimming and by avoiding improper-fitting shoes. When cutting the toenails, be sure that you are cutting in a straight line and avoid cutting them too short. Shoes should not be too short or tight in the toe box.
Feet naturally flatten out and widen with age, and fat pads, which had previously cushioned bones and joints, become worn down. This can cause foot pain, discomfort, and impaired mobility. Simple daily foot care can help older adults maintain foot and ankle health and prevent smaller issues from becoming serious ones. Shoes should be properly sized and offer arch and heel support. Feet should be kept clean to avoid infections and moisturized to avoid sores and cracked heels. Toenails should be trimmed straight across at the proper length to prevent ingrown toenails. Ankles should be elevated regularly to give heels a break from touching the floor or bed, which can lead to sores. If any type of foot sore develops, especially a diabetic ulcer, or there is any kind of foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist.
If you need your feet checked, contact Glenn Davison, DPM of Advanced Podiatry. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.
Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.
It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.
Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities.
Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.
Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Union, NJ and New York . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Many foot diseases and conditions become more serious and common among the elderly. Some of these conditions include diabetic ulcers, ingrown toenails, fungus, arthritis, corns, and calluses. Unfortunately, it may be harder for older adults to take care of their own feet, but there are some precautions they can take in order to avoid any serious conditions.
Dry, cracked heels tend to be a common problem for older people. In order to avoid this, you should always keep your feet clean and well moisturized. Special feet moisturizers should be used as average lotions might not provide enough moisture for dry and cracked heels. Daily foot inspections are crucial for the elderly to detect any irregularities in their earliest stages. During the aging process, blood circulation tends to slow down causing older people to not feel their feet as well as they used to. This often results in foot problems going unnoticed.
Fungal and bacterial conditions thrive on elderly feet because older adults are less likely to keep their feet clean and dry; this makes it easier for bacteria to take hold in their dry, cracked skin. Elderly people should be sure to thoroughly dry their feet, especially in between the toes, after bathing. This will help them avoid developing any fungal infections. Additionally, clean cotton socks should be worn after the feet are dried.
Cutting toenails straight across will help prevent ingrown toenails. When toenails are cut too lose, the nail might break through the skin resulting in an ingrown nail. Clippers should be used to cut the nails in order to make the cut even.
Elderly people who have diabetes are at risk of developing serious foot problems that may lead to amputation. Ulcers that are left untreated can lead to gangrene. Dry and cracked feet, fungus, and untended cuts under the nails may also lead to infections.
Fortunately, Medicare covers many different types of services for foot care. Elderly people with any of these foot conditions should seek the help of a podiatrist and perform daily foot inspections in order to ensure that they have healthy feet.
Toe pain is a common issue that can interfere with walking and daily activities. A stubbed toe occurs when the toe is forcefully hit against a hard surface, leading to bruising, swelling, or even fractures. The pain may be sharp at first and linger as the toe becomes inflamed. While most cases improve with rest, some injuries can be more severe and require medical attention. A podiatrist can determine if the toe is fractured, provide proper treatment, and help prevent long-term complications. If you have ongoing toe pain after stubbing your toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide effective relief tips.
Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Glenn Davison, DPM of Advanced Podiatry. Our doctor 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:
When to See a Podiatrist
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 contact our offices located in Union, NJ and New York . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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