Podiatry Blog | Foot Doctor Macclenny, Florida 32063

Facts About Diabetes and Amputation

Tuesday, 23 August 2022

Nerve and circulatory damage resulting from diabetes is common and can lead to injuries to the feet and lower legs. In extreme cases, amputation is required. Amputations are the end result of foot or leg ulcers that did not heal or cannot heal. Diabetic neuropathy and peripheral artery disease (PAD) are contributing factors to this occurrence. Neuropathy makes it hard to detect cuts and sores, which may become infected. PAD then slows the healing process, causing ulcers, which if left unattended can lead to gangrene. At some point removing the ulcerated area can give way to removing the foot or limb. The two main actions that may help to keep this chain reaction from occurring are blood sugar maintenance and proper foot care. Reducing stress and eating healthy food is a good beginning. Refraining from smoking and alcohol consumption, both of which contribute to nerve damage and poor circulation, is highly recommended by experts. Losing weight and keeping track of blood sugar levels is essential. Daily foot care is imperative, including keeping feet clean and dry and checking for sores, cuts, and blisters. Moving the toes and feet to encourage better blood flow and wearing shoes that fit properly also help. If you have questions regarding proper diabetic foot care, please visit a podiatrist as soon as possible.

Diabetic Limb Salvage

Diabetic limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have a foot ulcer and diabetes, consult with Dr. John L. Coleman from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Diabetic Limb Salvage?

Diabetic limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot, that has an infected ulcer, from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Those with diabetes experience poor blood circulation, which prevents proper healing of an ulcer. If the ulcer is left uncheck, it could become infected, which could result in the need for amputation.

Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Amputation has been found to lead to higher mortality rates. This translates into higher healthcare costs, and a reduced quality of life and mobility for amputees. Podiatrists have attempted to increase the prevalence of limb salvage in an attempt to solve these issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Limb salvage teams have grown in recent years that utilize a number of different treatments to save the infected limb. This includes podiatrists that specialize in wound care, rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery. Through a combination of these methods, limb salvage has been found to be an effective treatment for infected limbs, and as an alternative to amputation. Podiatrists will first evaluate the potential for limb salvage and determine if the limb can be saved or must be amputated.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Macclenny, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked

Wednesday, 10 August 2022

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosis

Tuesday, 02 August 2022

Some afflictions of the foot occur when a local nerve is damaged or strained, which can result in complications in the feet. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is one such foot affliction. This condition occurs in an individual when the tissue surrounding the tarsal tunnel aggravates the posterior tibial nerve. This nerve is located in the lower calf and runs to the heel of the foot. When this nerve aggravation occurs, the patient can feel pain when walking. By working with a podiatrist, a patient can receive a diagnosis of tarsal tunnel syndrome. There are different ways in which a podiatrist might go about making a diagnosis. In some cases, a podiatrist might conduct a simple examination of the affected foot. In other cases, the podiatrist might use nerve conduction studies. These studies essentially use electrical currents to measure the speed with which a nerve can produce impulses. If the posterior tibial nerve being studied produces impulses at a very slow rate, this can indicate the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Regardless of how a diagnosis of tarsal tunnel syndrome is performed, it can be very helpful to reach out to a podiatrist who will be able to best help you identify and treat this condition.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Dr. John L. Coleman of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Macclenny, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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