October 2024

Diabetic foot care is essential for managing the long-term health of diabetics patients. Over time, high blood sugar levels can lead to nerve damage, known as diabetic neuropathy, which often affects the feet. This causes a loss of sensation, making it difficult to notice injuries like cuts or blisters. Unnoticed injuries can quickly develop into serious infections if not treated. People with diabetes are also at a higher risk for developing foot ulcers, which may lead to more serious complications such as gangrene or in severe cases, limb loss. Regular foot inspections, maintaining good hygiene, and choosing appropriate footwear can help reduce these risks. A podiatrist plays a key role in this process by providing medical care, addressing wounds before they worsen, and offering guidance on how to prevent foot issues. If you have foot problems related to diabetes, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

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 Central Ohio Comprehensive Foot Care. 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

• 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 one of our offices located in Delaware and Westerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pinky toe pain can be a frustrating and often overlooked issue, but it can stem from various causes. One common reason for this type of pain is footwear choice, as tight or ill-fitting shoes can compress the toes, leading to pain and discomfort. Conditions such as bunions or hammertoes can also affect the pinky toe, causing misalignment and resulting in chronic pain. Injuries like fractures or sprains from stubbing the toe or twisting the foot may lead to significant discomfort. Another potential cause is neuropathy, where nerve damage results in tingling or shooting pain in the toes. Inflammatory conditions like arthritis can further contribute to pinky toe pain, causing swelling and stiffness. If you have injured your pinky toe or have pain in this area of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat it accordingly.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Central Ohio Comprehensive Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Delaware and Westerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Diabetic foot wounds that do not heal can signal serious problems that require medical care from a podiatrist. Factors that delay wound healing include poor circulation, high blood sugar levels, and nerve damage. High blood sugar can interfere with the body’s ability to fight infections and slows down collagen production, which helps to close wounds. Poor circulation and nerve damage may reduce sensation, making it harder to notice and treat injuries early. Open wounds can become infected, worsening the condition and causing serious tissue damage. A podiatrist can check your circulation, offer specialized wound care, and suggest treatment methods to prevent complications. This may include techniques to reduce pressure on the wound or using advanced wound therapies. Early care and regular monitoring can help prevent further harm and avoid severe outcomes, such as amputation. If you have a foot wound that will not heal, it is suggested that you make an immediate appointment with a podiatrist.

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 Central Ohio Comprehensive Foot Care. 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 one of our offices located in Delaware and Westerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Footwear plays a significant role in foot biomechanics, influencing how your body moves and functions. High heels, for example, shift weight forward, altering the natural alignment of the spine and increasing pressure on the forefoot. This can lead to discomfort and long-term issues such as bunions or plantar fasciitis. On the other hand, flip flops offer minimal support, allowing the foot to overextend with each step, which can result in instability and strain on the muscles and ligaments. Lack of arch support in flip flops can worsen conditions like flat feet. Understanding how different types of footwear affect your biomechanics helps in making informed choices. Selecting shoes that provide adequate support, cushioning, and alignment can significantly improve comfort and reduce the risk of injuries, promoting healthier movement patterns overall. If you have developed foot pain from wearing shoes that do not align with your foot structure, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you toward making correct shoe choices.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Central Ohio Comprehensive Foot Care. 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 one of our offices located in Delaware and Westerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Achilles tendinopathy is a an injury that affects the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. This ailment typically arises from overuse or repetitive stress on the tendon, often seen in athletes who engage in activities like running or jumping. It can also develop from sudden increases in physical activity or improper footwear. Symptoms usually include pain and stiffness along the back of the heel, which may worsen with activity and improve with rest. The pain is often felt in the lower part of the calf or directly above the heel. Swelling and tenderness in the affected area are also common. If you have endured an Achilles tendon injury, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis to determine the type of injury and offer appropriate treatment solutions. 

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Central Ohio Comprehensive Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Delaware and Westerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.