Items filtered by date: November 2024

In diabetic foot care, selecting the right wound dressing is vital to aid healing and prevent infection. Dressings protect the wound and cater to specific ulcer needs. Non-stick dressings are gentle on delicate skin, preventing adherence that could cause irritation. For wounds with heavy fluid, foam and gel dressings are excellent for absorbing excess moisture. Hydrogels help with the natural breakdown of dead tissue, making them suitable for wounds with dry, necrotic areas. Antimicrobial dressings with iodine or silver help reduce infection, although sealed dressings are not recommended if an infection is present, as they can trap bacteria. Dressings should be changed frequently, particularly in highly draining ulcers, to prevent skin breakdown surrounding the wound. If you have a diabetic foot wound, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can examine your wound, and recommend the best dressing choice for your ulcer’s 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 one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Reconstruction of Georgia. 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 Woodstock, Jasper, and Marietta, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bones of the foot, often caused by repetitive pressure or overuse. They are sometimes referred to as hairline fractures. Commonly seen in athletes, these fractures can occur due to sudden increases in activity, wearing improper footwear, or training on hard surfaces. They are particularly prevalent in sports that involve running or jumping. Symptoms typically include localized pain that worsens with activity, swelling, and tenderness when pressure is applied to the affected area. In some cases, bruising may also be visible. A podiatrist plays a critical role in diagnosing and treating stress fractures. They may perform a physical examination and imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI scans to confirm the injury. Treatment often includes rest and elevation, along with recommendations for appropriate footwear and activity modifications. If you suspect a stress fracture, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for accurate diagnosis and effective management.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Reconstruction of Georgia. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Woodstock, Jasper, and Marietta, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot pain can signal various underlying conditions, some of which should not be ignored due to their potential severity. Gout, caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, leads to sudden, intense pain, especially in the big toe, and requires medical treatment to prevent damage. Diabetic foot pain often results from neuropathy, which can reduce sensation and lead to serious complications like ulcers or infections. Psoriatic arthritis may cause joint pain and swelling in the toes, needing ongoing management. Heel pain, often linked to plantar fasciitis, may worsen without proper care. Stress fractures, small cracks in the bone caused by overuse, can develop into more serious injuries if untreated. Lastly, foot pain caused by a blood clot, especially with accompanying redness, swelling, or warmth, requires immediate medical attention, as it could indicate deep vein thrombosis, a life-threatening condition. If you have persistent or worsening foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Reconstruction of Georgia. Our doctors 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 offices located in Woodstock, Jasper, and Marietta, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.