Items filtered by date: April 2022

For many diabetics, regular foot care can become a new part of their life, specifically to battle neuropathy or peripheral artery disease. The poor circulation and nerve damage related to the disease can make it more difficult to detect injuries or sores on the feet and toes. As a result, open sores can become ulcerated because the healing process is slowed, and infections can set in more easily. Serious infections, if left untreated, can develop into gangrene and in extreme cases, lead to amputation. The first line of defense against foot ulcers is proper shoes, which can help to protect your feet from harm. Experts advise diabetics to avoid wearing high heels, sandals, stiff shoes, and flip-flops. They suggest wearing socks to prevent blisters and choosing shoes with ample toe room, a smooth inner lining, and a thick heel. It is also suggested that you examine your feet daily for sores, unusual coloration, or other abnormalities. If you are diabetic and have noticed problems with your feet, it is a good idea to make regular visits to a podiatrist for examination and 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 Redwood Podiatry Group. 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 our offices located in Eureka and Arcata, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle pain can be sharp or dull depending on the type of injury that has occurred. While some patients experience pain from ankle sprains or strains, ankle pain may stem from arthritis as well. An Achilles tendon injury can cause severe ankle pain, and this can happen due to an injury that overstretched this strong band of tissue that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. Symptoms of a fractured ankle can include swelling surrounding the ankle, and it is often difficult to walk. Soft tissue damage can come from an ankle sprain or strain and can cause significant pain. Additionally, a medical condition known as gout can also cause ankle pain, and it is necessary to seek immediate treatment. If you have ankle pain for any reason, please consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible so the correct treatment can begin.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Redwood Podiatry Group. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

You may have broken your toe if you dropped a heavy object on it or hit it on a piece of furniture and it hurts – sometimes so bad you cannot move the toe. This can also happen if you play sports and injure your toe. Most of the time if you break a toe, it should be taped to the toe next to it and you should stay off the foot as much as possible until it feels better. This is not the case if the broken bone protrudes from the skin, more than one toe is affected, or you think you broke your big toe - as more treatment is necessary. Broken toes at the end of the foot, such as the pinkie or big toe, tend to be more painful because more pressure is put on them when walking and they are more likely to swell. As blood and liquid collect at the site of the broken toe it will start looking bruised, it may appear deformed like it is no longer lining up with other toes, and/or it can feel weak. It is very important to seek the counsel of a podiatrist if you suspect you have a broken toe. As mentioned, certain situations are worse than others so it is suggested that a podiatrist take an X-ray for a proper diagnosis, and then a corresponding treatment plan can begin.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Redwood Podiatry Group. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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

A small area on the skin that is filled with liquid and resembles a bubble is referred to as a blister. Its function is to protect the damaged skin while new skin grows, and will gradually drain when the body no longer needs it. A blister often develops as a result of excessive friction from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Additionally, blisters can form from certain medical conditions, including psoriasis, frostbite, and eczema. An allergic reaction to an insect bite may cause a blister, or one may develop from specific types of chemicals. The blister can be protected by placing a bandage over it, as daily activities are completed. If you frequently develop blisters on your feet, please consult with a podiatrist who can provide you with reasons why and suggest correct preventative techniques.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Redwood Podiatry Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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