Items filtered by date: October 2024

Diabetes can significantly impair wound healing, particularly in the feet, where the risk of complications is higher. Elevated blood glucose levels in diabetic patients disrupt vital healing processes that delay tissue repair. For instance, diabetes often leads to poor circulation, which reduces oxygen and nutrient delivery to wound sites and further slows healing. Diabetic neuropathy, or nerve damage, makes it difficult for patients to feel foot injuries, which allows wounds to go untreated and increases the risk of infection. Meanwhile, the immune system is often weakened by this disease, making it harder for the body to fight infections that can further delay healing. Regular foot checks and early intervention are essential to managing foot wounds for people who are diabetic. If you have foot wounds that will not heal, it is suggested that you include a podiatrist as part of your medical team for 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 one of our podiatrists from Brondon Foot and Ankle. 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 office located in Centerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The way a runner's foot strikes the ground is fundamental to performance and injury prevention. Proper foot strike can enhance efficiency and reduce stress on the joints. There are three main types of foot strikes known as heel strike, midfoot strike, and forefoot strike. Heel striking, where the heel lands first, is common among many runners but can lead to increased impact forces. A midfoot strike, where the foot lands flat, promotes better shock absorption and a smoother transition. Lastly, forefoot striking, landing on the balls of the feet, can improve speed but may require stronger calf muscles. Each runner’s ideal foot strike varies based on individual biomechanics, running style, and fitness level. To find the best technique, it is advisable to focus on a natural stride, engage in strength training, and consider consulting a podiatrist. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury while running, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can provide treatment and guide you on effective running form.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Brondon Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Centerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Bunions are common foot deformities involving a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe. This causes the top of the toe to angle toward the smaller toes. Such a misalignment can lead to pain, redness, and swelling in the area. Over time, the bunion can worsen and may lead to stiffness or arthritis in the joint. Factors that contribute to bunion formation include abnormal foot mechanics, genetics, and wearing tight or high-heeled shoes. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, making walking and wearing shoes challenging. A lesser-known foot deformity called a bunionette can occur at the base of the pinky toe with similar symptoms. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the bunion through clinical examination and imaging tests. Treatment options include custom orthotics for foot support and surgery, if deemed necessary. If you have a painful bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

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

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Centerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel spur surgery is often considered when conservative treatments fail to alleviate persistent pain caused by heel spurs. Heel spurs develop when calcium deposits form on the heel bone, leading to discomfort during walking or standing. Two common surgical procedures are inferior heel spur resection and posterior heel spur resection. The former targets spurs on the bottom of the heel, while the latter addresses spurs located at the back of the heel. Surgery is typically recommended for individuals experiencing severe pain that hinders daily activities or those who have not responded to medications or orthotics. However, certain individuals may not be ideal candidates for surgery, including those with underlying health issues or infections. If you have a heel spur, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine if heel spur surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Brondon Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Centerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Intrinsic foot strengthening exercises can play a vital role in alleviating foot and ankle pain, particularly in cases of flat feet. These exercises focus on the small muscles within the foot that support the arch and improve overall stability. One simple yet effective exercise is toe curls, where you use your toes to scrunch a towel or pick up small objects. Another is arch lifts, which involve lifting the arch of the foot while keeping the heel and toes on the ground. A third helpful exercise is the short foot exercise, which strengthens the muscles by attempting to shorten the foot while keeping the toes and heel planted. Regularly performing these exercises can enhance foot strength and support the arch. If you have a foot or ankle condition that causes pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Brondon Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Centerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.