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When to Use Heat or Ice to Reduce Pain

It is common for many people to reach for either an ice pack or a heating pad when they experience minor toe, foot or ankle pain. Heat and ice do frequently work to relieve discomfort, but knowing which one to use can be confusing. The first thing to know is that heat causes blood vessels to open (dilate), and ice causes them to constrict. Heat brings more blood to the injured area, helping to ease pain, spasm and stiffness. It is usually recommended for aching muscles, cramps or stiffness. A heat compress should not be overly hot, or it can burn the skin. A cloth or towel between the compress and the skin is suggested. On the other hand, it is not a good idea to use heat on a new injury, because it can add to any bleeding under the skin. Ice is more often used immediately after an injury to reduce pain, swelling and bruising, and to help numb the area. It is wise to place a cloth or towel between the ice pack and the skin and to leave the ice pack on for no longer than 30 minutes. After a severe ankle injury, especially if you think you may have torn a ligament or broken a bone, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist immediately for examination, diagnosis and treatment. 

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 Kutchback 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 contact our offices located in The Woodlands and Woodville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

Systemic Sclerosis and Foot Health

Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), is an autoimmune rheumatic disease that causes contraction, hardening, and scar formation in the skin, tissues, joints, and even organs. Often the first areas of the body to be affected are the feet, hands, and face. When systemic sclerosis affects the feet, it can cause pain, limited mobility, an abnormal gait, deformity in the back of the foot, calcinosis under the skin’s surface, nail changes, as well as a degradation of skin in the foot. A podiatrist is an important part of the medical team that people with systemic sclerosis should consult with regularly to help them manage symptoms and prevent dangerous complications from developing—such as the development of foot wounds and ulcers. If you have been diagnosed with systemic sclerosis, make an appointment with a podiatrist to make sure you are receiving the regular foot assessment and podiatric care you need.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact one of our podiatrists from Kutchback Podiatry. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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

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How Can Glucose Levels Be Managed?

People who have diabetes should understand the importance of inspecting their feet every single day. This is an effective method to check for any cuts, bruises, or wounds that may have developed. Patients who have this condition can have neuropathy, which is a loss of feeling in the feet, and checking the bottom of the feet with a mirror is important to do too. Diabetes occurs as a result of elevated glucose levels in the blood. It is imperative that tests are performed daily which can check sugar levels. Additionally, it can help when cholesterol levels are monitored, and smoking is stopped. It may help to control glucose levels by eating foods that are healthy and becoming physically active. Many diabetic patients find it helpful to have their podiatrist trim their toenails and check their feet. If you have diabetes, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

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 Kutchback Podiatry. 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 The Woodlands and Woodville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Types of Stress Fractures in the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures are tiny hairline cracks in the bone, usually the result of overuse common in runners, athletes, and people who spend a great deal of time on their feet. Four main types of stress fractures are navicular, calcaneal, metatarsal and Jones. Each targets a different area of the foot and is brought on by different activities. The navicular stress fracture is often caused by sprinting or jumping. The pain occurs on the top inside arch area of the foot. A calcaneal stress fracture occurs in the heel bone (calcaneus), often found in runners, soldiers, or anyone who marches long distances. A metatarsal stress fracture occurs in one of the long bones in the foot (metatarsals) that connect the toes with the heels. It is usually brought on by overuse or poor biomechanics of the foot and is common in runners, dancers and gymnasts. A Jones stress fracture is specific to the 5th metatarsal, the outermost on the foot. It can be caused by turning over on the side of the foot and affects the end of the bone closest to the ankle. Any of these fractures can be painful and take time to heal. If you think you may have developed a stress fracture, it is a good idea to see a podiatrist as soon as possible for a full diagnosis and options for treatment.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Kutchback Podiatry. Our doctors 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 contact our offices located in The Woodlands and Woodville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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