Diabetic Foot and Wound Care

Diabetics have to be very careful to inspect their feet daily and seek immediate podiatry treatment for a foot injury such as a small cut or break in the skin. Annual foot exams are recommended. Proactive treatment and wound care can be crucial in preventing a small problem from becoming dangerous.

Neuropathy or burning, tingling or numbness in the feet can be a serious problem for diabetics, affecting balance and ability to walk. In the worst case, uncontrolled diabetes can result in foot or leg amputations. Controlling diabetes and being vigilant about foot care are critically important.
Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails hurt. The big toe becomes red and swollen where the nail is pushing into the skin.

Foot Pain

It’s not surprising that the foot can suffer from many uncomfortable and painful maladies. The foot is complex, containing one-quarter of the bones in the body, 33 joints and over 100 muscles, ligaments and tendons. When running, the foot absorbs three to four times the body’s weight at each step. Take care of your feet when something is wrong and they’ll continue to take care of you.

The Hardworking Heel

The heel or calcaneus is the largest bone in the foot. It absorbs the impact when walking or running and is essential in propelling the body forward.

Heel Pain

The heel can be damaged in various ways or be affected by a systemic condition such as arthritis or an infection. The pain is often located under or behind the heel and may gradually worsen. It can be triggered by wearing a flat shoe. Changing to proper-fitting footwear, ice and rest may relieve the pain.

Plantar Fasciitis

Inflammation of the plantar fascia can be very painful. This is a ligament that extends from the heel bone to the end of the foot. If the plantar fasciitis stretches too far, it can become inflamed, usually at the heel. The pain may also occur elsewhere in the foot.

Heel Spurs

A heel spur is a calcium deposit that causes a bony protrusion on the bottom of the heel bone. Many are painless, but some are very painful. When someone has plantar fasciitis, it is not unusual for them to also have a heel spur.

Ankle Pain

Arthritis, especially osteoarthritis, often causes ankle pain. Since the up and down movement of walking is powered by the ankle, any inflammation or injury in this region makes getting around difficult.

Sprains

As every athlete knows, ice helps to reduce the swelling associated with a sprained ankle. Rest, compression and elevation are also helpful. For bad sprains, consult a podiatrist.

Sprains can be mild or extremely painful. In a sprain, at least one ligament on the outside of the ankle has been stretched too far or torn. It takes time to heal.

Broken Ankles

Without x-rays, it can be difficult to tell the difference between a sprain and a fracture or broken bone. It’s always best to consult a podiatrist for the correct diagnosis and treatment. Any break requires proper treatment.

Ankle Surgery

In a bad break, a podiatric surgeon may need to be correctly position bone fragments, holding them in place with metal plates and screws. These do not usually cause a problem for the patient.

Whenever you or any family member are experiencing foot or ankle problems, contact an experienced podiatrist at Gentle Foot Care for the expert foot care you need.

Serving These Cities In And Around Columbus and Franklin County: