Items filtered by date: March 2020

Diabetic patients tend to have a higher chance of developing foot conditions, most commonly, foot ulcers. A foot ulcer can be defined as an open sore that heals slowly. This condition typically affects a patient’s big toe, or the ball of the foot. Diabetic patients are more at risk for developing a foot ulcer for a variety of reasons, including nerve damage. Because nerve damage can cause a loss of feeling in the feet, diabetic patients may not always be aware if they have injured their feet or have developed a wound. If wounds are left untreated for too long, it is likely for an infection to develop, causing more severe foot damage. To help prevent wounds on the feet from causing serious harm, it’s suggested that if you are a diabetic patient, you check your feet on a daily basis for any abnormalities. For more information on wound care, please speak with a podiatrist for professional care.

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 Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. 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 feel free to contact one of our offices located in Debary, Lake Mary, Orlando, and Oviedo, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Research has indicated that adult feet have grown approximately two sizes larger than they were in the 1970’s. This is a result of the human species growing taller, and the feet having to accommodate the weight and size of the body. It can be beneficial to make sure there is a half inch between the longest toe and the top of the shoe. A shoe that fits properly will feel good when it is first tried on. It is suggested to wear the socks that will be worn with the shoes you’re interested in purchasing, in addition to shopping for shoes at the end of the day when the feet are at their largest. If you would like more information about how to buy shoes that fit correctly, please consult with a podiatrist.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Debary, Lake Mary, Orlando, and Oviedo, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

It is crucial for elderly patients to protect themselves in their homes. This may be helpful in preventing falling, which can cause serious health issues and complications with the feet. It may be beneficial to slow your pace as you walk and complete tasks in your home. Additionally, it can help to wear slippers that have a non-slip sole. Research has indicated that when grab bars are installed in the shower and bath area, the risk of falling may be reduced. It is important to have routine medical exams so current prescriptions may be evaluated, in addition to having a thorough eye exam. If you would like more information about falls prevention techniques and how to help protect your feet, it’s suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Debary, Lake Mary, Orlando, and Oviedo, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There are several bones that are located around the ankle joint. Patients may experience a broken ankle if they fall and twist the ankle, which may affect one or more of these bones. Common symptoms may include severe pain and discomfort, swelling, and it often becomes difficult to walk. The swelling may be reduced when the affected ankle is elevated. An X-ray is generally performed, which is helpful in determining the severity of the fracture. Effective treatment methods can consist of keeping the foot stable by wearing a protective boot. This typically helps the foot to stay immobile as the healing process occurs. If you have broken your ankle, it is advised that you consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can properly treat this condition.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Debary, Lake Mary, Orlando, and Oviedo, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Blisters on the feet typically develop as a result of excessive friction, and can cause pain and discomfort. It may help to protect the feet while participating in running and jumping activities, and this can be accomplished by wearing shoes and socks that fit correctly. A blister is defined as a small sac that is filled with fluid. This protects the damaged and raw area as the healing process occurs. It will generally drain on its own once new skin has formed. It may be helpful to protect the blister with a soft bandage as it heals, as this may enable you to continue daily activities. If you have developed a blister on your foot that is bothersome, or has become infected, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can help you manage this condition.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Debary, Lake Mary, Orlando, and Oviedo, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.