Items filtered by date: May 2023

Many people with diabetes incur injuries to their feet, but because of nerve damage that causes numbness, these wounds may not be detected. Additionally, peripheral artery damage also caused by high blood sugar levels can make it more difficult for such wounds to heal in a timely fashion. This set of circumstances often results in what is known as a diabetic foot ulcer, which may take weeks or even months to heal. In that case, a podiatrist may perform a technique called debridement to scrape away any dead skin or tissue that has formed. First, the area around the wound is disinfected. Then the sore will be examined to determine its depth and severity. After removing any dead tissue, the ulcer will be washed out. Its color is important to note. If the area is red or pink it is more likely to heal. If it is bluish or purple, it is less likely to heal. After debridement is complete, the podiatrist will suggest treatment options to prevent further ulcers from developing. For more information about foot ulcers, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

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 one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors 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 offices located in Lehigh Ave and Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia, Collegeville Darby, and Langhorne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A bunion is easy to notice. It is a hard bump on the side of the big toe and will get larger if steps are not taken to reduce it. A bunion generally occurs from wearing shoes that have little room in the toe area, such as high heels. Frequently wearing these types of shoes may cause the other toes to shift together. Corns and calluses may form on top of the toes as they touch the shoe. Bunions can also happen from genetic reasons, or from existing arthritis. The symptoms that are commonly associated with bunions can include pain and stiffness in the big toe, and the gait, or walking style can be affected. Temporary relief may be found when shoes are purchased to accommodate the bunion. Some people find it can help to wear a protective pad on top of the bunion, in addition to taking over-the-counter pain medicine. If you have developed this type of foot condition, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer you treatment options, which may include surgery for permanent relief.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Lehigh Ave and Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia, Collegeville Darby, and Langhorne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When an individual is pregnant, they might notice that the size of their feet has significantly increased. This is due to the fact that the hormone known as relaxin is released during pregnancy, which can cause the feet to expand and get larger. New mothers often ask how common it is for a woman’s feet to increase during pregnancy. The answer is that 60% of women have seen their feet get longer, and 70% of women have seen their feet get wider. Therefore, it is a relatively common phenomenon. Increasing foot size is just one of many different potential changes that your body might go through during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning to be, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for an appointment.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Lehigh Ave and Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia, Collegeville Darby, and Langhorne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Heel spurs are a bony growth that can develop on the underside of the heel bone, pointing towards the toes. Like many foot conditions, pain is a symptom linked to heel spurs. However, not all patients with heel spurs feel pain. Interestingly, only a fraction of those living with heel spurs experience pain. Often, heel spurs may be associated with plantar fasciitis, in which case pain can be felt at the bottom of the foot. Pain from heel spurs and plantar fasciitis can be more pronounced in the morning. If you are living with heel spurs, then it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can help you treat your condition. 

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our offices located in Lehigh Ave and Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia, Collegeville Darby, and Langhorne, PA . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

People who have had a corn on their foot are often bewildered by the amount of pain and discomfort this small hardened area of skin can cause. A corn develops as a result of excess friction that can be caused by the shoes or socks that are worn. They may also develop from having an underlying bone condition, or possibly from a misaligned toe joint. Hard corns can form on the side of the pinky toe, and soft corns are found between the toes. There is another type of corn that grows on the sole of the foot, referred to as seed corns. Some people find temporary relief by placing a protective covering over the corn, in addition to wearing shoes that fit correctly. Mild corns may be treated topically by using prescribed medicine, or it may require minor surgery for permanent removal. If you have a corn on your foot, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer a  treatment method that is correct for you. 

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Lehigh Ave and Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia, Collegeville Darby, and Langhorne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.