June 2023
What Is a Good Diabetic Foot Care Routine?
Routine foot care is important for everyone and it's especially important for diabetic patients. If an individual has diabetes, there can be accompanying nerve damage and circulation problems that can cause difficulty in feeling pain and inhibit healing. For these people who have foot problems that are left untreated, an infection may develop. It is critical for people who have diabetes to monitor their blood sugar levels daily, in addition to exercising regularly and eating healthy foods. Following a good diabetic foot care regimen is also suggested. This includes inspecting the feet for sores, redness, cuts, and blisters. It is beneficial that the feet are washed, dried, and moisturized each day, and toenails are properly trimmed weekly. Those with diabetes should not walk barefoot and it is suggested that protective and enclosed footwear are worn. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you include a podiatrist among your healthcare professionals who can examine your feet and help you to manage this condition.
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 Corinne R. Kauderer, DPM from Dyker Heights Foot & Ankle. 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
- Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
- Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
- Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.
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 one of our offices located in Brooklyn, NY and Old Bridge, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Causes of a Broken Foot
A broken foot is painful. It generally happens suddenly from falling and is considered a common type of injury. Bruising, severe pain, and swelling often accompany a broken foot, and the range of motion can be limited. Walking is difficult, if not impossible, and prompt medical attention is typically sought for relief. Dropping a heavy object on the foot is also a common cause of a broken foot, and the severity of the break may depend on the angle the object was dropped from. People who frequently participate in sporting activities may endure a broken foot, and soccer players may be prone to incurring this type of fracture from kicking the ball. A diagnosis consisting of having an X-ray taken can be performed, followed by beginning the correct treatment. Most people who have broken footwear have a cast or protective boot until it has healed, which can take several weeks. If you have broken your foot, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can correctly diagnose and treat this condition.
A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Corinne R. Kauderer, DPM from Dyker Heights Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury.
Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:
- Bruising
- Pain
- Redness
- Swelling
- Blue in color
- Numbness
- Cold
- Misshapen
- Cuts
- Deformities
Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.
Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Brooklyn, NY and Old Bridge, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Seed Corns on the Feet
Corns are thickened areas of skin that can develop on feet and toes. They are caused by prolonged pressure or friction and can happen from shoes that do not fit well, and performing repetitive activities. Additionally, foot conditions with deformities that press against shoes, such as bunions or hammertoe may cause corns to develop. A seed corn, or heloma millare, is one of three types of foot corns, and can also occur from having dry skin. They are small and can appear on the soles of the feet. It may be difficult to distinguish them from calluses or plantar warts, and a sample will have to be taken for examination under a microscope. Seed corns are hard, circular, and have well-defined spots on the skin and are generally seen in multiples. They seldom hurt unless pressure is applied to them or when performing weight-bearing activities. Tips to prevent seed corn formation include using a pumice stone to gently file thickened skin, followed by soaking and moisturizing the feet. It can also help to wear shoes and socks that are comfortable and do not rub on the feet. If you have seed corns that are not diminishing, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment.
If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Corinne R. Kauderer, DPM of Dyker Heights Foot & Ankle. Our doctor 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 doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Brooklyn, NY and Old Bridge, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Foot Wounds From Ingrown Toenails
It is important to take care of wounds on the feet immediately. These can come from a variety of sources, including ingrown toenails. This is a condition that develops when the toenail grows into the skin surrounding it instead of over it. The big toe is most likely to be impacted by this ailment. Everyone is at risk of developing ingrown toenails, particularly teens who often have sweaty feet from sports participation. It may also affect elderly people whose nails thicken as time passes. Ingrown toenails can occur from cutting toenails improperly, or if they have an irregular shape or are curved. Additionally, wearing shoes or socks that compress the toes can lead to getting an ingrown toenail. This problem can cause pain and swelling. Complications, namely infections from ingrown toenails, are most apt to happen to those with diabetes or conditions involving poor circulation. An infection from an ingrown toenail might present as red, bleeding, oozing pus, and an overgrowth of skin around the toe. Left untreated, this type of infection can impact the bone in the toe and lead to foot ulcers or open sores. If you have an ingrown toenail that is becoming worse or possibly infected, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist as soon as possible who can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment.
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 Corinne R. Kauderer, DPM from Dyker Heights Foot & Ankle. 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 one of our offices located in Brooklyn, NY and Old Bridge, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?
If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!