Treating diabetic foot wounds requires a comprehensive approach focused on promoting healing and preventing further complications. It begins with identifying and addressing the factors that can contribute to the wound, such as wearing proper footwear and avoiding further injury. Keeping the wound clean and protected with specialized dressings is essential to create an optimal environment for healing. Regular removal of dead tissue and calluses helps prevent infections and allows new tissue to grow. Managing bacteria surrounding the wound site is especially vital, along with ensuring good blood flow to the wound. This may involve medications or procedures to improve circulation. Off-loading techniques, like using cushions or specialized shoes, help reduce pressure on the foot wound, allowing it to heal more effectively. A podiatrist can offer personalized care and guidance throughout the diabetic wound treatment process. If you have developed a diabetic foot wound, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for correct management tips.

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 Daniel Bell, DPM from Florida. Our doctor 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 Pembroke Pines and Plantation, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Lateral ankle sprains can happen to anyone as the result of a sudden movement, such as stepping off a curb and landing the wrong way. Ankle sprains are particularly common among athletes who engage in sudden stops and starts, jumping, or sideways movements. The majority of sprained ankles happen when the outer, or lateral, ligaments are stretched too much. Factors such as gender, height, and foot anatomy can contribute to vulnerability, as do previous injuries and improper footwear choices. Women wearing high heels, for instance, may be at higher risk of ankle sprains. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the sprain, identify underlying risk factors, and devise a personalized treatment plan for you. This foot doctor addresses both intrinsic and extrinsic factors of an ankle sprain. Treatment and a full recovery can help to minimize the risk of future ankle sprains. If you have sprained an ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Daniel Bell, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Pembroke Pines and Plantation, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Patients considering hammertoe surgery should be aware of potential risks and complications associated with the procedure. These include post-operative pain, swelling, and the risk of bone spur recurrence, particularly if they were a contributing factor to the hammertoe. Other complications from hammertoe surgery can include difficulty with toe mobility and altered gait, along with the possibility of nerve damage that leads to pain or numbness. As with any surgery,  infection at the surgical site is another concern. Following post-operative care instructions and attending follow-up appointments with a podiatrist are vital steps in minimizing the risk of complications. To find out whether hammertoe surgery is right for you, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can help you to make an informed decision.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Daniel Bell, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Pembroke Pines and Plantation, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.