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 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.

Those who engage in martial arts should be familiar with protecting the body and feet when participating in these combat activities. However, some individuals who practice martial arts may need additional support for their feet. To address this, a martial arts participant might use a special kind of orthotic device that is specifically made for this activity. These orthotics provide support for the feet through foot arch padding. However, the orthotics are designed to be worn without shoes and in a way that maximizes barefoot contact with the floor. In other words, these orthotics try to imitate the feeling of being barefoot on the ground. Some of these particular orthotic devices wrap around the ankle and the front of the foot. If you are someone that engages in martial arts, it is highly suggested that you schedule an appointment today with a podiatrist.  

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Daniel Bell, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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.

The pain and discomfort that can happen from having an ingrown toenail can cause difficulty in completing daily activities. They occur when the side of the toenail grows into the skin instead of over it. Ingrown toenails can occur from wearing shoes that are too tight, such as high heels or shoes with a pointed toe. They may also happen if the toenails are trimmed incorrectly or possibly for genetic reasons. Some patients are born with abnormal nail shapes, and this may cause an ingrown toenail to develop. The first sign an ingrown toenail is developing can be mild swelling and redness, and if not treated promptly, the nail may become painful. The nail may turn a white or yellow color, which may precede a possible infection. Soaking the affected foot in warm water may bring mild relief, followed by using a piece of cotton to gently remove the nail from digging into the skin. This may provide temporary relief and will ultimately need to be examined by a podiatrist. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you consult with this type of doctor who can successfully treat ingrown toenails. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Daniel Bell, DPM of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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 and ankle needs.

Many people have the foot condition that is known as toenail fungus, and can be under the impression it may be a cosmetic issue. Research has shown it is beneficial to have it promptly treated, and this may help to prevent potential complications from arising. Toenail fungus can gradually worsen, and the infected nail can thicken and cause foot pain. It may be difficult to walk while wearing shoes, and it may spread to other toes. Additionally, the skin on the feet may become itchy and red, which may indicate athlete's foot has developed. People who are diabetic have to be extremely careful the fungus does not cause the skin to crack, which may lead to bleeding and infections. In severe cases of toenail fungus, the nail can become brittle, and may have to be partially or completely removed as treatment begins. If you have developed toenail fungus, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can offer you the treatment method that is right for you. 

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Daniel Bell, DPM of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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.