Items filtered by date: May 2021

Millions of Americans suffer every day with complications due to diabetes such as poor circulation, nerve damage, chronic wounds and foot ulcers. Preventing and properly treating foot ulcers and wounds is vital to the health of the diabetic patient, and will help avoid the rare occurrence of lower-extremity amputation due to diabetic complications. However, nerve damage prevents many patients from detecting a diabetic ulcer as they commonly occur on the bottom of the feet, and poor circulation reduces the body’s ability to heal them. Along with trying to manage their condition through diet, exercise, and monitoring blood sugar levels, diabetics should examine their feet daily. If they spot a wound, they should wash it, apply antibiotic ointment and cover it immediately to prevent bacteria from developing. They should also place themselves under the professional care of a podiatrist who will help manage the ulcer through a variety of non-invasive methods, and surgical intervention (if necessary).

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 Mark Hupart, DPM from Southside Podiatry . 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 feel free to contact our office located in Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle swelling can be painful and a cause for concern. There are many reasons that your ankle may be swollen. An injury to the foot or ankle, such as a sprain, can cause swelling, as well as pain, tenderness, bruising, and difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected leg. Infections can also cause swelling, and should be treated immediately to avoid serious complications. Venous insufficiency, a circulatory problem in which the veins don’t transport an adequate amount of blood from the legs back to the heart, may cause swelling and skin discoloration, and make infections and ulcers more likely. Other possible reasons that your ankles may be swollen include pregnancy, blood clots, systemic conditions such as liver and kidney disease, and taking certain medications. If you have swollen ankles and are unsure of the cause or are experiencing pain and discomfort, please seek the care of a podiatrist. 

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Mark Hupart, DPM  from Southside Podiatry . Our doctor 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
• Bursitis
• 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 Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.

A skin infection that develops on the foot is often referred to as athlete’s foot. It is caused by a fungus, and can develop into an uncomfortable foot condition. This type of fungus is often found in warm and moist environments, consisting of public swimming pools, shower room floors, and surrounding areas. Common symptoms of athlete’s foot can include redness, itchy skin between the toes and on the sole of the foot, and the skin may become dry and begin to flake. Additionally, it can affect the toenails, which may turn yellow and become thick. It is considered to be contagious, and it is suggested that preventive methods are used while in these types of areas. These can include wearing appropriate shoes, and refraining from sharing towels and socks. If you notice symptoms of athlete’s foot, please consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward the proper treatment techniques.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Mark Hupart, DPM from Southside Podiatry .  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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

Your feet undergo many changes while you are pregnant. Two of the most common changes are overpronation and edema. Overpronation refers to a pattern of walking in which the feet roll inwards. This is usually due to having flat feet or fallen arches, which also often occurs during pregnancy. Overpronation can be treated by wearing orthotics. Edema refers to swelling and affects the feet and ankles in pregnant women. Elevating your feet frequently may help reduce swelling. While pregnant, wearing the right shoes is more important than ever. Your shoe size and width may change due to swelling or fallen arches, so it is helpful to have your feet measured and buy roomy, comfortable shoes that fit correctly. For more information about foot health during pregnancy, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Mark Hupart, DPM from Southside Podiatry . Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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