Items filtered by date: June 2023

A foot ulcer is a serious wound. It is said to look like a crater in the skin and is generally found on the bottom of the foot or tip of a toe. Thick skin can gradually surround it and may act like a border. A foot ulcer can be common among diabetic patients, and immediate wound care is often sought for treatment and relief. A foot ulcer can range between being a surface wound to a deep wound, and both types can become infected if not treated. Diabetic patients can suffer from neuropathy, which is the inability to feel sensations on the feet. This may also be coupled with poor circulation, which may slow down the healing process. A foot ulcer that develops in people who have good circulation may heal in approximately six weeks, but it may take considerably longer in patients who have poor circulation. Treatment can begin with a podiatrist performing a debridement, which is trimming away diseased tissue. This can be followed by applying an appropriate dressing and recommending specialized footwear. If you have a foot ulcer, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can successfully treat this foot 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 Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners 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 Leesburg and The Villages, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Having cracked heels is a foot condition that can cause embarrassment. It is defined as cracks that develop in the skin of the heels and may become fissures if conservative treatment does not work. Cracked heels can happen for a variety of reasons, including wearing shoes that have an open back, or standing on hard surfaces for the majority of the day. Additionally, frequently wearing flip-flops may lead to developing cracked heels, as a result of the lack of support most of these types of shoes have. Elderly people may notice they have cracked heels. The heel pads can lose elasticity, possibly causing cracked heels. People who are overweight may also be prone to getting cracked heels, which can be from the extra weight the heels must endure. Relief may be found when the feet are soaked in warm water, followed by applying a good moisturizer on them. If you have cracked heels, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you effective prevention and relief methods.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, 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.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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.

People who are 65 years old or older have increased chances of incurring a fall. A common reason this can happen may be a result of decreasing body strength as aging happens. A good fall prevention technique can include implementing a gentle exercise routine that can increase cardiovascular and muscle strength. Falling can have serious consequences, and may affect the feet. A broken ankle or toe may cause pain and difficulty in completing daily activities. Research has shown there are several thousand seniors who live independently, and many falls can occur in the home. Fall prevention strategies can include removing worn rugs from the living area, and it is helpful to improve lighting in the main areas of the household. Many people choose to have grab bars installed in the shower and toilet area, and it is beneficial to use a non-slip bath mat. If you would like to have additional knowledge about effective fall prevention techniques, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can help you with methods that can protect the feet.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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 unfortunate reality that many Americans face every day is that foot pain can be quite a disruption to everyday life. Many patients of podiatrists often ask what exactly causes foot pain. The answer is that there are a multitude of different potential causes of foot pain, and so the precise cause is very specific to the individual patient. For example, being obese can cause foot pain because of the extra weight that is exerted on the feet. Additionally, wearing shoes that are not supportive, such as flip flops or high heels, can trigger sensations of pain in the feet. It is possible that a person may also be experiencing foot pain due to an underlying foot condition, such as plantar fasciitis or heel spurs. If you are someone that is experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today who can determine what the cause is, and offer correct treatment solutions.

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.