Items filtered by date: March 2024

Non-diabetic foot ulcers are open sores or wounds that occur on the feet of individuals who do not have diabetes. While less common than diabetic foot ulcers, they still pose significant health risks. These ulcers can develop due to things like poor circulation, trauma, pressure, or infections. People at risk include those with peripheral artery disease, venous insufficiency, neuropathy, or autoimmune conditions. Additionally, lifestyle factors like smoking, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk. Non-diabetic foot ulcers often manifest as painful lesions, typically on the bottom of the foot or toes. They require prompt medical attention to prevent complications such as infection or tissue damage. Treatment may involve wound care, infection management, pressure relief, and addressing underlying conditions contributing to ulcer formation. If you have sores on your feet that won't heal, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist as quickly as possible for a comprehensive treatment plan.

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

Foot protection in the workplace holds the utmost importance for ensuring employee safety and well-being. Workers across various industries face potential hazards that can lead to foot injuries, emphasizing the need for preventive measures and appropriate safety protocols. Two categories of work-related foot injuries commonly observed include traumatic injuries and repetitive stress injuries. Traumatic injuries, such as crushing, punctures, or lacerations, often occur in environments where heavy machinery or equipment is used, posing immediate risks to foot health. Conversely, stress injuries stem from prolonged exposure to repetitive motions or standing for extended periods, leading to conditions like plantar fasciitis or tendonitis. Both categories of injuries can result in severe pain, disability, and reduced productivity, emphasizing the important role of wearing proper footwear at work. If you experiencing foot pain related to work conditions, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

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 feel free to contact our office located in Ocala, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Achilles tendon injuries, debilitating and often painful, stem from a variety of causes and risk factors. One primary cause is overuse or repetitive strain, particularly common among athletes engaged in high-impact sports like running or basketball. Sudden increases in training intensity or frequency can also strain the tendon, leading to microtears or inflammation. Additionally, inadequate stretching or warming up before physical activity can increase susceptibility to injury. Foot problems such as flat feet or high arches can further exacerbate the risk of Achilles tendon issues by altering biomechanics and placing uneven stress on the tendon. Tight calf muscles and poor footwear choices, lacking proper support or cushioning, can also contribute to strain on the Achilles tendon. Recognizing these underlying causes and addressing risk factors through proper conditioning, stretching, and footwear selection are essential steps in preventing Achilles tendon injuries and maintaining overall foot health. If you have endured an Achilles tendon injury, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can successfully treat this condition.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Suncoast Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Ocala, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle pain can be debilitating, impacting daily activities and mobility. Incorporating targeted exercises into your routine can help alleviate discomfort and strengthen the ankle joint. Start with ankle circles, gently rotating the ankle clockwise and then counterclockwise to improve flexibility and range of motion. Calf raises are another beneficial exercise, where you rise onto your toes and lower back down, strengthening the calf muscles and stabilizing the ankle. Towel scrunches involve placing a towel on the floor and using your toes to scrunch it toward you, enhancing toe and foot strength. These simple yet effective exercises can be performed regularly to promote ankle stability, reduce pain, and enhance overall function. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer you additional treatment and relief options.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, 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.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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.