A cut on the bottom of the foot requires prompt and careful attention from a podiatrist to prevent infection and promote healing. This begins by gently cleaning the area with warm water and mild soap to remove dirt and debris. After the wound is cleaned, it is inspected for signs of foreign objects, excessive bleeding, or indicators of infection such as redness or swelling. The area is kept dry and covered with a clean dressing can support healing. Avoid walking barefoot to prevent further injury. If the cut is deep, painful, or not healing properly, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an immediate appointment with a podiatrist who can ensure the foot wound heals correctly and helps prevent complications that could affect mobility and overall foot health.
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 Stephanie Oexeman, DPM from Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC. 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 Chicago, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Not all foot and ankle pain is caused by an injury. Several medical conditions can lead to discomfort without any recent trauma. Osteoarthritis is one common cause, where the cartilage in the ankle joint wears down over time, resulting in pain and reduced movement. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease, can lead to joint swelling and stiffness, often affecting the ankles and feet. People with flat feet may experience ankle pain due to the collapse of the foot’s arch, which places stress on nearby joints. Achilles tendinopathy is another source of pain, involving inflammation or damage to the large tendon at the back of the ankle. Bursitis occurs when small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the ankle become inflamed. Pain can also result from joint infections or gout, a condition where uric acid builds up in the joint, especially in the toes and ankles. A podiatrist can help diagnose the underlying cause of your ankle pain and provide appropriate medical treatment. If you experience sudden or unexplained ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.
Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Stephanie Oexeman, DPM from Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC. our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.
Causes
The most common causes of ankle pain include:
Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
Ankle sprains
Broken ankles
Achilles tendonitis
Achilles tendon rupture
Stress fractures
Bursitis
Tarsal tunnel syndrome
Plantar fasciitis
Symptoms
Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.
Diagnosis
Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Chicago, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Sore feet can stem from many causes related to overuse, excessive pressure, or inflammation. Long hours of standing, especially without movement, can lead to poor circulation and fatigue in the feet. Wearing shoes that lack proper support or high heels may put extra strain on the heel bone, arch, or forefoot, leading to pain. Physical activity, such as running or walking long distances, may cause soreness in the feet due to stress on the muscles, tendons, and joints. Your foot’s structure also plays a role, as people with flat feet, bunions, or abnormal gait patterns may experience ongoing discomfort. Gout, an inflammatory condition, can lead to sharp foot pain, especially in the big toe. A podiatrist can identify the cause of your foot pain and provide appropriate treatment. If your feet are sore on a regular basis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Stephanie Oexeman, DPM from Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC. 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)
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 Chicago, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
