January 2024

Debridement wound care is often necessary for the proper healing and prevention of complications in foot wounds. Debridement, whether with special dressings, maggots, or mechanical methods, aids in removing dead or infected tissue and facilitates healing. After this procedure, it is important to regularly change the dressing, as per your podiatrist’s instructions. Keeping the dressing dry by avoiding activities like swimming or hot tubs is vital. Always maintain cleanliness by washing your hands before and after touching the wound. Avoid applying pressure and use cushions or crutches, if necessary. While debridement carries potential risks like irritation, bleeding, or infection, its benefits often outweigh these. Pay attention to signs of infection, such as increasing pain, redness, swelling, or fever. If you have foot wounds or have had a debridement procedure and healing is slower than expected or shows signs of infection, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for 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 Advanced Foot & Ankle Associates, PLLC. 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 Lake Worth and Aledo/Willow Park, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A foot fracture, also known as a broken foot, refers to the break or crack in one or more of the bones within the foot. These fractures can result from various incidents, such as traumatic injuries, repetitive stress, or weakened bone structure. Diagnosing a foot fracture often involves a combination of physical examination and diagnostic imaging. The podiatrist will assess the injured area, looking for signs like pain, tenderness, swelling, deformity, and impaired range of motion. X-rays are the most common imaging tool used to confirm the diagnosis, allowing podiatrists to determine the type and location of the fracture accurately. Understanding the definition and diagnosis of a foot fracture is crucial for proper treatment and recovery. Whether it is a stress fracture from overuse or a traumatic injury, early diagnosis and appropriate management are essential for optimal healing and the restoration of normal foot function. If you have broken your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide one of several treatment options that are right for you.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Associates, PLLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Lake Worth and Aledo/Willow Park, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot cramps, though common, can be a perplexing and uncomfortable experience. Understanding the underlying causes is essential for effective prevention and relief. Dehydration is a leading contributor, and insufficient fluid intake can disrupt the balance of electrolytes, leading to cramping. Poor circulation, often associated with prolonged sitting or standing, can deprive the muscles of adequate oxygen, triggering cramps. Overexertion or inadequate stretching during physical activities may strain muscles and result in cramping. Certain medications, such as diuretics or statins, may also be culprits. Mineral deficiencies, particularly in magnesium, potassium, or calcium, play a significant role in cramp development. Footwear choices, including ill-fitting shoes or high heels, can contribute to muscle imbalances and cramping. Pregnancy, neurological conditions, and metabolic disorders are additional factors that can induce foot cramps. If you have foot cramps, it is strongly suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer effective treatment methods.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Associates, PLLC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Lake Worth and Aledo/Willow Park, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hammer toe surgery serves as an effective remedy, particularly when the deformity stands as the primary concern. Yet, in some cases surgical intervention is a must. Tendon transfer is a suitable option for correcting flexible hammer toes. This surgical approach involves repositioning the toe by pulling a nearby tendon across the joint. The procedure effectively corrects muscle weaknesses, enhances the toe's appearance, and mitigates associated pain. In instances of fixed hammer toes, joint resection proves beneficial. This surgical technique requires the cutting of ligaments and tendons to straighten the toe, potentially involving the removal of a portion of the bone. Temporary pins may be employed to maintain alignment, and they are typically removed several weeks post-surgery. For severe fixed hammer toes, fusion emerges as a possible solution. This process entails removing portions of the joint to facilitate bone fusion. Tendons, ligaments, and bone ends are cut, and the joint is stabilized using pins until the process is complete. If you have a hammertoe that impedes completing everyday activities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to determine the most appropriate surgical option for you.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Foot & Ankle Associates, PLLC. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Lake Worth and Aledo/Willow Park, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Whether you find yourself down to that last clean sock or debating the wisdom of going sockless inside your shoes, it is important to recognize the significance your sock choices can have on foot health. Clean socks play a pivotal role in maintaining foot hygiene, preventing infections, and ensuring overall comfort. Neglecting to change your socks can lead to consequences such as foot odor. This may be caused by the combination of sweat, bacteria, and dead skin cells. While not a direct health problem, dirty socks create an inviting habitat for bacteria and fungi. These can potentially lead to infections, such as athlete's foot or cellulitis. Trapping moisture, sweat, and bacteria against the skin also invites irritation, blisters, rashes, eczema, and dermatitis, all of which can make your feet more susceptible to infections. Re-wearing dirty socks is not recommended, as it can exacerbate foot problems and increase the risk of infections or skin irritations. Wearing the same pair for 24 hours can lead to moisture buildup, bacterial growth, and other potential foot-related issues. If you are dealing with infections, odor, or rashes on your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to find the cause and receive treatment.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Associates, PLLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Lake Worth and Aledo/Willow Park, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.