Items filtered by date: April 2023

Wounds on the feet are varied and can have many different symptoms. There are several different types of wounds that a patient may develop on their feet. For example, arterial ulcers are one specific type of wound on the foot. Some people may be unfamiliar with this particular kind of wound. It is important to note that an arterial ulcer occurs when a break in the skin of the foot lets bacteria touch the tissue, and the ulcer will not heal properly due to blocked arteries in the leg. If an individual is living with an arterial ulcer, they may feel pain that can vary from case to case. To help arterial ulcers heal, a dressing may be used. The dressings essentially facilitate the healing of an ulcer by keeping it clean and protected. If you are someone that is currently suffering from an arterial ulcer, it is recommended that you contact a podiatrist today for treatment and advice.

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 Thomas Vail, DPM from Step Alive Foot & Ankle Center. Our podiatrist 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 office located in Findlay, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

One of the things that frightens many runners is to suffer a stress fracture. It is defined as a hairline crack that happens from repeated stress on the bone. Increasing mileage and distance too quickly can result in a stress fracture, in addition to frequently running for several miles at a time. Patients may notice that an existing stress fracture can begin with a dull pain, and the foot may feel weak. If prompt medical attention is not sought, the pain can become sharp, and walking on it can be difficult. A stress fracture may be accompanied by swelling, and an X-ray is often taken to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment from this foot condition is often started by temporarily eliminating running, and using crutches. Wearing a walking boot may help to keep the weight off of the foot. If you feel that you may have endured a stress fracture, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Thomas Vail, DPM from Step Alive Foot & Ankle Center. Our podiatrist can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

Plantar warts are a particular kind of condition of the foot that can be unsightly and potentially diminish the health of one’s feet. These warts can develop on the bottoms or soles of the feet. Many patients will often ask what plantar warts look like and how a person might go about identifying a plantar wart. The answer is that plantar warts on the feet fortunately all basically look similar, even though they may vary in size. For example, most plantar warts on the feet will be somewhat round in shape. Additionally, a plantar wart will most likely be flat as opposed to being raised. The plantar wart can also have an outer layer to the wart that is rough and tough in texture. Lastly, plantar warts will have a black dot at the center of the wart. If you are someone that is living with plantar warts it is highly suggested that you contact a podiatrist for treatment. 

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Thomas Vail, DPM from Step Alive Foot & Ankle Center. Our podiatrist 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 office located in Findlay, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.