A common foot condition among diabetic patients is a foot ulcer. Foot ulcers often occur from the inability to feel existing cuts, bruises, or scrapes which can be a result of neuropathy. Therefore, it is imperative to check the soles daily. Additionally, engaging in a gentle exercise routine may be beneficial in increasing circulation to the feet. A diabetic foot ulcer generally requires immediate medical care, and this may help to prevent an impending infection that could ultimately lead to amputation when left untreated. A diabetic foot ulcer can cause severe pain and discomfort, and it is suggested to refrain from putting any weight on the affected foot. Some people choose to wear shoes that are designed specifically for diabetic patients as well as compression wraps that help to improve circulation. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat 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 one of our podiatrists from McKinney Podiatric Associates, PA. Our doctors 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
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 Pasadena, Baytown, League City, Houston, and Pearland,TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
There are many causes of blisters but the most common is friction. The formation of a friction blister is the body’s way of protecting the layers of skin. They often appear on your feet after walking or running for long periods. If the feet are warm or damp, the risk of a blister developing increases. The friction on the outer layer of skin on the toe or heel against the inside of a shoe can cause the blister to tear. This causes a plasma-like fluid to leak and fill the gap. The fluid encourages new skin cells to develop as well as form a new covering. Eventually, a new top skin layer forms and the blister subsides. But that sequence of events is largely dependent upon stopping the activity that caused the friction and replacing the shoes too. Putting on protective bandages can help to eliminate pain. If you have a blister that has become extremely painful or possibly infected, it is wise to visit a podiatrist for proper treatment.
Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of McKinney Podiatric Associates, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Foot Blisters
Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.
What Are Foot Blisters?
A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.
Symptoms
(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)
Prevention & Treatment
In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Pasadena, Baytown, League City, Houston, and Pearland,TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Ankle pain can be a result of a sprain, rolling the ankle, arthritis, gout, nerve damage, injury, blocked blood vessels, or infection in the joint. An ankle sprain is the most common cause of ankle pain, and is often caused by rolling or twisting the ankle so that the outside of the ankle moves towards the ground. With a sprain, the ligaments of the ankle holding bones together can get strained or torn. Arthritis - especially osteoarthritis - can also cause pain and inflammation of the joint because it causes wear and tear on the joint. Immediate action to take for ankle pain is rest and elevation of the foot. Compression of the ankle may also help. When the pain subsides, it is a good idea to exercise the ankle by rotating it in circles and flexing it up and down, which can help improve range of motion and reduce swelling. If these actions do not stop the pain completely and/or if there is extreme swelling or bruising, it is time to see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.
Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from McKinney Podiatric Associates, PA. Our doctors 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:
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 one of our offices located in Pasadena, Baytown, League City, Houston, and Pearland,TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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!
A malfunction of the nerves is a condition that is referred to as neuropathy. This can happen as a result of having a specific disease, or from enduring an injury. Research has indicated that neuropathy is divided into four categories. Peripheral neuropathy generally affects the nerves that are part of the peripheral nervous system, and are located outside of the brain and spinal cord. The nerves that exit from the brain are referred to as the cranial nerves. Cranial neuropathy can happen when one of these 12 nerves become damaged. The most common types of this type of neuropathy are optic and auditory. If one of the nerves in the involuntary nervous system becomes damaged, this is known as autonomic neuropathy. Digestion, sexual response, and perspiration are governed by this set of nerves, and may affect nerves in other organs. When one nerve or one group of nerves are affected, it is known as focal neuropathy, and this is seen in one area of the body. There are existing medical conditions that can cause neuropathy, and can be common among diabetic patients. This can have a negative effect on the feet, and it may cause difficulty in feeling any cuts, bruises, or scrapes that have happened. If you have neuropathy, and have difficulty in feeling sensations in your feet, it is strongly suggested that you speak to a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can help you to manage this condition.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from McKinney Podiatric Associates, PA. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.
What Is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.
Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:
Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.
Treatment
To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.
Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Pasadena, Baytown, League City, Houston, and Pearland,TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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