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Wounds on the feet are common in diabetic patients. Many patients may have difficulty in feeling any discomfort on their feet, which may be a result of neuropathy. It is important to inspect your feet daily if you are diabetic, so any cuts, scrapes, or bruises can be promptly treated. A sore on the foot may lead to a foot ulcer. This is a type of wound that can possibly lead to amputation and must be diagnosed and treated correctly. Some of the symptoms that are associated with this type of wound can consist of a foul odor emanating from the area, swelling, and it is often painful when walked on. It is beneficial to properly clean the wound, apply the correct dressing, and wear shoes that have ample room for the entire foot. If you are afflicted with diabetes, and have developed a foot ulcer, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage your condition.

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. John L. Coleman from Florida. 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 Macclenny, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

People who have experienced foot pain are aware of the general discomfort that may be felt in the overall body. This may be a result of the weight the feet endure for the majority of the day. Additionally, patients who have chronic foot pain may be familiar with depression, the fear of falling, and it may be difficult to perform daily activities.  Many patients have pain in the arch and heel area. This can be indicative of plantar fasciitis or heel spurs. The holiday season may bring with it the possibility of developing a stress fracture. This can be a result of walking or standing for extended periods of time, dancing at parties while wearing high heels, or rushing through stores. Mild relief may be found from general foot pain when the feet are gently massaged. If you have any type of foot pain, it is advised that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly treat foot conditions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. John L. Coleman from Florida. 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 Macclenny, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The condition that is referred to as hammertoe can occur when the tendons in the toes are out of balance. The big toe may gradually move toward the other toes, which may lead to pressure and pain. This can happen as a result of wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in, or genetic factors may also play a significant role in the development of hammertoes. Some patients find moderate relief when custom-made insoles are worn, which may help to stop the toes from rubbing together. In severe cases, having surgery performed may be an option that can permanently straighten the toes. If you are afflicted with hammertoe, it is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible so the correct type of treatment can begin.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. John L. Coleman of Florida. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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.