Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.
Treating Non-Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Foot ulcers are open sores that develop when the skin and underlying tissue break down, often due to poor circulation, pressure, or injury. While many people associate ulcers with diabetes, non-diabetic foot ulcers can also occur from trauma, vascular disease, or prolonged pressure on certain areas of the foot. These wounds may start small but can quickly worsen, if left untreated. A podiatrist can determine the cause, clean and dress the ulcer, and recommend treatments that promote faster healing and prevent infection. Custom orthotics or footwear modifications may also be advised to relieve pressure and protect the affected area. Proper wound care and consistent follow-up are key to recovery. If you have a sore on your foot that becomes painful or does not heal, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate 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 Dr. Eugenio Rivera from Calo Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 contact our office located in Bellaire, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Causes of Swollen Feet and Ankles
Swollen feet and ankles occur when excess fluid accumulates in the lower extremities, causing puffiness, discomfort, and limited mobility. This condition can result from a variety of underlying causes, including foot and ankle injuries that impair circulation, deep vein thrombosis where blood clots block veins, heart failure that reduces the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently, or kidney disease that interferes with fluid balance. Swelling may be accompanied by pain, redness, warmth, or a feeling of heaviness. A podiatrist can evaluate the cause of the swelling, recommend appropriate treatment, suggest supportive footwear or orthotics, and offer therapies to improve circulation and reduce discomfort. If you notice persistent swelling in your feet or ankles, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide effective relief tips.
Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Eugenio Rivera of Calo Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:
- Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
- Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
- Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
- Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
- Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.
Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet.
Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Bellaire, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Keeping Corns and Calluses From Slowing You Down
Corns and calluses form when the skin protects itself from repeated friction or pressure, often caused by wearing tight shoes, high heels, or areas of the foot that bear extra weight. While they are common, they can become uncomfortable when the thickened skin begins to press deeper into sensitive tissue. Choosing footwear with enough room in the toe box, wearing socks that reduce rubbing, and keeping the skin lightly moisturized can help limit irritation. Gentle care is helpful, but persistent or painful spots should not be filed down aggressively at home because this can worsen the problem. A podiatrist can determine why the thickened skin developed, address any underlying structural issues, and provide safe ways to reduce pressure. If corns or calluses keep returning or are starting to cause pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for proper evaluation and appropriate care.
If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Eugenio Rivera of Calo Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.
Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:
- Well-fitting socks
- Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
- Shoes that offer support
Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Bellaire, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Types of Heel Spurs
Heel spurs are bony growths that develop on the heel bone due to long-term strain on foot muscles and ligaments. They often form where the plantar fascia connects to the heel, causing discomfort and inflammation. Common causes include repetitive stress, wearing improper footwear, and prolonged standing. Risk factors such as flat feet, obesity, and age can increase the likelihood of developing them. There are two main types. Plantar heel spurs located under the heel and dorsal heel spurs form on the back near the Achilles tendon. Symptoms include sharp pain, tenderness, or stiffness. A podiatrist can diagnose heel spurs through an examination and imaging tests, and provide treatments that reduce pain and improve mobility. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Dr. Eugenio Rivera from Calo Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.
Heels Spurs
Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.
Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.
Pain
The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.
Treatments
There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Bellaire, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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