Puncture wounds to the feet are often caused by sharp objects, such as nails, glass, or thorns. Animal bites.might also cause puncture wounds. They should never be considered minor injuries. Even the smallest puncture wounds can trap bacteria deep beneath the skin. If care is delayed, this increases the risk of infection, abscess formation, joint involvement, or bone infection. Symptoms may initially appear mild, but pain, swelling, redness, or drainage can develop days or even weeks later. A podiatrist evaluates the depth, location, and cause of the injury, checks for retained foreign material, and assesses surrounding nerves, tendons, joints, and bone. Diagnostic imaging and laboratory testing may be used to detect hidden damage or early infection. Prompt medical management can significantly reduce the risk of serious complications for people with diabetes, who may lack sensation in the feet. For help with foot pain caused by a puncture, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, 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 Suncoast Podiatry Associates. 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 office located in Ocala, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Measuring your foot is a simple way to ensure proper shoe fit and avoid discomfort. To measure length, place your heel against a wall and mark the tip of your longest toe, then measure the distance. To measure width, wrap a soft tape measure around the widest part of your foot, and then use a conversion chart to determine the correct shoe size. Wearing shoes that do not fit properly can lead to blisters, bunions, corns, hammertoes, and even long-term joint pain. A podiatrist can assess your foot shape, gait, and any underlying conditions while recommending supportive shoes or custom orthotics for comfort and protection. If you have foot pain from wearing the wrong shoes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on additional tips for finding your right shoe size.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from Suncoast Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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

Heel spurs, a common cause of ongoing heel pain, develop when calcium deposits build up on the underside or back of the heel bone. This condition is often linked to repeated stress placed on the foot, especially where muscles and connective tissue attach to the heel. Symptoms include sharp pain when taking the first steps in the morning, aching or tenderness after standing or walking, and discomfort that worsens after activity rather than during it. Heel spurs are frequently associated with strain on the plantar fascia, a band of tissue along the bottom of the foot. Other causes are poor foot mechanics, long periods of standing, excess body weight, or wearing shoes that do not properly support the heel. Athletes and those whose jobs require prolonged time on their feet may be at higher risk. If you are experiencing heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, 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 one of our podiatrists from Suncoast Podiatry Associates. Our doctors 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 Ocala, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Nursing is a highly demanding job that requires long hours of standing, walking, and responding quickly to patient needs. Waterproof nurse shoes are essential because they protect the feet from spills, bodily fluids, and frequent exposure to moisture throughout the workday. This protection helps reduce the risk of skin irritation, infections, and unpleasant odors. Slip resistant soles provide added safety on wet hospital floors and help prevent workplace injuries. Comfort is also critical during long shifts, and wearing supportive waterproof shoes help reduce foot fatigue, joint stress, and back discomfort. Durable materials ensure the shoes withstand daily wear, while remaining easy to clean and maintain. A podiatrist can help nurses select footwear that offers proper support, cushioning, and fit, based on individual foot needs. If you are a medical professional and have developed foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, helping to protect your feet and stay comfortable on every shift.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Suncoast Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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