Foot wounds that do not heal in individuals with diabetes are a serious concern. They often arise from poor circulation, nerve damage, or infection. Healing is further delayed when blood sugar is poorly controlled, footwear is ill-fitting, or daily care is inconsistent. Locally, excess pressure, bacterial overgrowth, or dryness at the wound site may slow recovery, as well. Management begins with addressing underlying conditions such as vascular disease, smoking, and high glucose levels. At the same time, careful cleaning, offloading pressure, and infection control are essential. Advanced wound dressings provide a supportive environment by keeping the area moist, reducing bacterial load, and encouraging tissue repair. Options include hydrocolloids that create a moist seal protecting the wound, and alginates that absorb heavy drainage and help control moisture levels. Foams that cushion the area while keeping the wound insulated and protected, and antimicrobial layers that reduce bacteria and lower the risk of infection, can be tailored to the specific wound. If you have diabetes, and have developed a persistent foot ulcer, it is suggested that you seek evaluation by a podiatrist for appropriate care and management for this serious 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 Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners 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 our offices located in Leesburg and The Villages, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, often leading to pain, swelling, and redness along the toe. It may feel tender to the touch, especially when wearing shoes, and in some cases can become infected, causing pus or increased warmth in the area. Common causes include improper nail trimming, tight footwear, toe injuries, or genetic predisposition. Symptoms typically begin with mild discomfort and can progress to severe pain, if left untreated. A podiatrist can diagnose an ingrown toenail through a physical examination and assess whether there is any infection or underlying issue. Treatment options include soaking, lifting the nail, partial nail removal, or in chronic cases, removing part of the nail root. Proper nail care education and footwear recommendations can also help prevent future occurrences. It is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist at the first sign of discomfort to avoid complications and receive effective, lasting relief.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Leesburg and The Villages, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ganglion cysts are fluid-filled lumps that commonly form along tendons or joints, including on the feet. These non-cancerous cysts vary in size and can sometimes cause discomfort, especially if located in areas that bear weight or experience friction from shoes. While the exact cause of ganglion cysts remains unclear, repetitive stress on the foot joints or trauma may contribute to their development. Symptoms range from a visible lump to pain, limited movement, and, in some cases, numbness if the cyst presses on nearby nerves. While ganglion cysts are generally harmless, treatment may be necessary if they cause discomfort or impede movement. Treatment options include draining the fluid, or, in more persistent cases, surgical removal. If you have this type of cyst, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an exam and monitoring.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners 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 Leesburg and The Villages, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A podiatrist is a medical specialist trained to diagnose and treat conditions of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Podiatrists care for patients of all ages and offer specialties such as general podiatry, sports medicine, and pediatric foot care. Common issues include heel pain, ingrown toenails, bunions, flat feet, and sports injuries. Symptoms may include swelling, pain while walking, stiffness, or changes in foot structure or skin. Causes can range from genetics and poor footwear to overuse, injury, or underlying conditions like diabetes and arthritis. These problems may feel like dull aches, sharp pains, or persistent discomfort and can affect daily movement and quality of life. A podiatrist can perform a physical examination, order imaging if needed,  provide custom orthotics, perform minor procedures, or suggest preventive care. Pediatric podiatrists address growing feet, while sports podiatrists treat athletic injuries. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to keep your feet healthy and active.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact one of our podiatrists from Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Leesburg and The Villages, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.