Items filtered by date: August 2021

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are wounds that can form on the feet of people with diabetes. Due to the combination of diabetic neuropathy and poor circulation that many people with diabetes experience, these wounds can often go undetected in their early stages and tend to heal slowly and poorly. The more severe the wound, and the longer it remains untreated, the more likely it is that there will be complications. Early detection and treatment of these wounds is crucial to the overall health of a person with diabetes. Daily visual inspections of your feet can be done at home as a preventive measure to check for any abnormalities or changes in the appearance of your feet. Take note of any cuts, scrapes, sores, discoloration, or strange sensations like pain, numbness, or tingling. If you notice anything unusual, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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 Southwest Podiatry. 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 our offices located in Dallas, and Carrollton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A verruca is a small wart on the sole of the foot. They are more commonly known as plantar warts. Plantar warts can grow on the sole of the foot because of the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus is contagious and thrives in warm and moist environments like locker rooms and swimming pools which makes plantar warts common for people who are barefoot in these communal areas. Plantar warts are not usually painful unless they are bearing weight. Some patients have found they may be tender to the touch as well. To avoid the spread of plantar warts, you should wear flip flops in communal areas such as pools, locker rooms, or showers. If you have a plantar wart that persists, consulting with a podiatrist and getting professional advice can be extremely beneficial.  

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Southwest Podiatry. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Dallas, and Carrollton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A fungal infection is the reason why many patients develop athlete’s foot. Typically, a rash may form between the toes and on the bottom of the foot. It may be accompanied by an unpleasant odor, and can cause severe redness and itching. It can develop from frequenting public swimming pools, locker rooms, and surrounding areas. Research has indicated the type of fungus that can cause this condition lives and thrives in these places and similar environments. Additionally there are certain medical conditions that can affect the skin, and may cause athlete’s foot. These can consist of impetigo and cellulitis. Mild relief may be found when the feet are clean and kept dry, and it may help to use an antifungal cream for mild cases. If your feet feel uncomfortable, and you think you may have athletes’ foot, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Southwest Podiatry.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Dallas, and Carrollton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Morton’s neuroma is a foot condition in which a nerve between the toes becomes irritated and compressed, resulting in pain around the ball of the foot. Typically, Morton’s neuroma affects the nerve between the third and fourth toes. Symptoms of this condition may begin as a tingling sensation in the space between the toes that worsens over time. Toe cramps and shooting or burning pain in the ball of the foot often follow. Putting pressure on the irritated nerve while walking or wearing tight shoes can make the pain more severe. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of Morton’s neuroma, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat your condition. 

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Southwest Podiatry. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

While the most common form of heel pain occurs when the long band of tissue on the sole of the foot becomes damaged or torn (plantar fasciitis), there are other causes of heel pain. Some of them include: heel spurs—calcium deposits that develop on the heel bone after repeated strain on ligaments and muscles, bursitis—swelling of the fluid-filled sac (bursa) which cushions and lubricates the back of the heel, fractures—breaks in the heel bone from a fall or other accident, and Sever’s disease—when the Achilles tendon pulls repeatedly on a growing child’s heel bone growth plate during physical activity, causing irritation in the middle of the heel bone. If you have any kind of pain in your heel, see a podiatrist who can properly diagnose the cause, and treat it appropriately.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Southwest Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Dallas, and Carrollton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.