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Shin Foot And Ankle Specialists - DefaultSeptember 2018
Wednesday, 26 September 2018 00:00
Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked
Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.
Monday, 24 September 2018 00:00
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes can cause two problems that can potentially affect the feet: Diabetic neuropathy and Peripheral Vascular Disease. Diabetic neuropathy occurs when nerves in your legs and feet become damaged, which prevents you from feeling heat, cold, or pain. The problem with diabetic neuropathy is that a cut or sore on the foot may go unnoticed and the cut may eventually become infected. This condition is also a main cause of foot ulcers. Additionally, Peripheral vascular disease also affects blood flow in the body. Poor blood flow will cause sores and cuts to take longer to heal. Infections that don’t heal do to poor blood flow can potentially cause ulcers or gangrene.
There are certain foot problems that are more commonly found in people with diabetes such as Athlete’s foot, calluses, corns, blisters, bunions, foot ulcers, ingrown toenails, and plantar warts. These conditions can lead to infection and serious complications such as amputation. Fortunately, proper foot care can help prevent these foot problems before they progress into more serious complications.
Each day you should wash your feet in warm water with a mild soap. When you finish washing your feet, dry them carefully especially between your toes. You should also perform daily foot inspections to ensure you don’t have any redness, blisters, or calluses. Furthermore, if you are diabetic, you should always wear closed-toed shoes or slippers to protect your feet. Practicing these tips will help ensure that your feet are kept healthy and away from infection.
If you have diabetes, contact your podiatrist if you have any of the following symptoms on your feet: changes in skin color, corns or calluses, open sores that are slow to heal, unusual and persistent odor, or changes in skin temperature. Your podiatrist will do a thorough examination of your feet to help treat these problematic conditions.
Monday, 24 September 2018 00:00
Symptoms of Diabetic Foot Conditions
If the body does not produce adequate insulin, a condition that is referred to as diabetes may possibly develop. The feet are often affected if this ailment should occur, and if left untreated it may become a serious matter. A condition that may arise from being diabetic is known as diabetic neuropathy. The symptoms may include a loss of sensation in the feet, which can cause difficulty in feeling any cuts, scrapes or blisters that may have developed. Additionally, peripheral vascular disease may be common among diabetic patients, and this may often be a result of changes that may occur in the blood vessels. If you are diabetic, it’s important to be aware of the changes that may occur in your feet. Please consider scheduling a consultation with a podiatrist so the toenails can be properly trimmed and additional information on how to take care of diabetic feet can be acquired.
Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Jeff Brooks from Oceanside Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.
The Importance of Caring for Your Feet
- Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
- Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
- Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.
Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.
It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Oceanside, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Wednesday, 19 September 2018 00:00
It's Time for Beautiful Feet
You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.
Monday, 17 September 2018 00:00
Foot and Ankle Surgery
When conservative, noninvasive methods prove ineffective, surgery may be selected as the next course of action for the treatment of your foot or ankle condition. A wide number of foot and ankle surgical procedures exist, and it is up to your podiatrist to determine which intervention will be most appropriate and helpful for your case. Some surgical procedures include bunion surgery, fusion, hammertoe surgery, heel spur surgery, metatarsal surgery, nail surgery, neuroma surgery, reconstructive surgery, skin surgery, and tendon surgery. Typically, surgery is turned to as a definitive way to alleviate excessive pain or discomfort and to return your foot to full mobility.
Regardless of the location on the body, all surgical procedures require preoperative testing and examination to ensure the surgery’s success and preferred outcome. A review of your medical history and medical conditions will take place, as will an evaluation of any current diseases, illnesses, allergies, and medications. Tests such as blood studies, urinalyses, EKG, X-rays, and blood flow studies may be ordered. Because the procedure involves the foot and/or ankle, the structures of your feet while walking may also be observed by your podiatrist.
Care post-surgery will depend on the type of surgical procedure performed. Typically, all postoperative care involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation. To improve and ensure a safe recovery, your foot and ankle surgeon may also employ the use of bandages, splints, surgical shoes, casts, crutches, or canes. He will also determine if and when you can bear weight. A timely and thorough recovery is a priority for both you and your podiatrist, and carefully following postoperative instructions can help achieve this.
Monday, 17 September 2018 00:00
Types of Foot Surgery
If you should develop a bunion on the side of your big toe, you may want to consider permanent removal of this condition by having surgery performed. This particular procedure is referred to as an osteotomy, and may be effective in diminishing any pain that is associated with it. Additionally, a foot condition that is known as hammer toe may benefit by being surgically corrected. This type of surgery typically involves eliminating the joint appearing deformed, that is located between the toes, and may result in the toes becoming more flexible. Surgery that is referred to as an ankle fusion, may be beneficial in helping to heal ankle arthritis, which may be a result of a condition that is known as osteoarthritis. If you are afflicted with an Achilles tendon injury, surgery may be a reasonable option, which may eliminate the swelling and pain that is often associated with this ailment. If you are suffering from a severe foot malady, please consult with a podiatrist for a correct diagnosis and the best course of treatment, which may include surgery.
Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Jeff Brooks of Oceanside Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:
- Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
- Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
- Cosmetic reconstruction
What Types of Surgery Are There?
The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:
- Bunionectomy for painful bunions
- Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
- Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage
Benefits of Surgery
Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.
Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Oceanside, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Wednesday, 12 September 2018 00:00
Heel Pain Can Be Treated!
Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.
Monday, 10 September 2018 00:00
Everyday Foot Care
Our feet are arguably one of the most important parts of the body. When it comes to health and beauty routines, the feet and toenails are usually ignored. You should always practice proper footcare to avoid any fungal infections or ailments that can not only ruin the appearance of your feet, but also cause pain. Ignoring any foot problems could potentially lead to an expensive doctor’s visit.
The most important step in proper foot care is to wash your feet daily. You should wash them with soap and water. Doing this will cleanse your feet of dirt, sweat and bacteria. It is crucial that you clean between the toes and pat your feet dry with a towel afterward. Your toenails are also an important part of the feet and you may find that they get dirtier in the summer when you wear sandals. It is important that you practice proper toenail care in addition to cleaning the rest of your feet. When trimming your nails, you should always trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. Trimming in a curved shape may lead to ingrown toenails.
Moisturization is also important for foot care, and you should be moisturizing your feet every day. The best way to prevent dry feet is to rub lotion or petroleum jelly on your clean feet at night and put socks over them. In the morning, your feet should be soft and moisturized.
Another crucial step in proper foot care is to wear the right shoes for whichever activity you are going to partake in. In warmer weather, you should wear shoes that allow your feet to breathe. It is best to avoid shoes such as flip-fops that do not provide arch support. Tight shoes may also be harmful, and they may even cause you to develop bunions.
If you plan on taking a shower in a public area, you should be especially careful, so you do not pick up any fungi. Showers are prone to harboring different types of bacteria and fungi. You should always wear shower shoes or flip flops when walking around in locker rooms and public showers. Avoid sharing shoes with other people because this is another way that fungus may be spread.
If you are experiencing any problems with your feet you should speak with your podiatrist to determine the best method of treatment for you.
Monday, 10 September 2018 00:00
How to Properly Take Care of Your Feet
Most people like their feet to look and feel good, and this may be accomplished with a few minutes spent each day on proper foot hygiene. Many of us take our feet for granted as they carry us through the day. We may wear shoes that are uncomfortable or wear tight pantyhose and socks. There are several ways to pamper your feet and they will not only feel better, but may also look good. Some of these may include washing and drying the feet especially between the toes, which may prevent conditions such as athlete’s foot and foot fungus from developing. Additionally, using a moisturizer daily on your feet may keep the feet smooth during harsh winter months when the skin can become dry. The feet may feel good by wearing comfortable shoes and it may be beneficial to ensure the socks that are worn are not too tight. If you choose to partake in having pedicures performed, it’s advised to make sure the salon is sterile and clean. Please consult with a podiatrist for additional methods of how to properly take care of your feet.
Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Jeff Brooks from Oceanside Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor 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 our office located in Oceanside, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Wednesday, 05 September 2018 00:00
Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?
Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!
