Diabetic foot wounds can develop quickly and require immediate attention to prevent serious complications. Symptoms include redness, swelling, drainage, pain, in addition to numbness and open sores that do not heal. These wounds often result from nerve damage and poor circulation, which can make them difficult to detect and slow to heal. A podiatrist can help by performing thorough foot examinations, cleaning and treating wounds, managing infections, and recommending footwear or orthotics to protect vulnerable areas. Early intervention is vital to avoiding severe outcomes like ulcers or limb loss. If you notice any signs of a diabetic foot wound, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can provide effective relief solutions, while helping you to manage this serious condition.

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 The Foot Center. 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 Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. It most commonly affects the big toe and can result from improper nail trimming, wearing tight footwear, genetics, or injury. Symptoms include redness, tenderness, and drainage. Risk factors include curved nails, poor foot hygiene, and repetitive pressure on the toes. If left untreated, the condition can worsen and lead to serious complications. A podiatrist can safely remove the ingrown portion of the nail, relieve pain, and provide guidance to prevent recurrence. If you notice signs of an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you promptly schedule a visit with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition, which may include minor surgery. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of The Foot Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

Gout is a common and painful form of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. It often affects the big toe but can occur in ankles, knees, and other joints. Symptoms include sudden, intense pain, redness, swelling, warmth, and stiffness in the affected area. The affected joint looks inflamed and feels extremely tender, especially at night. Gout can be triggered by a diet high in purines, which consists of foods like red meat or seafood. Other factors include genetics, alcohol, dehydration, obesity, and certain medications. Left untreated, gout can lead to joint damage and chronic pain. A podiatrist can diagnose gout through an examination and imaging or lab tests. They may recommend medications to reduce inflammation and lower uric acid levels, lifestyle changes like diet modification, and custom footwear to reduce joint pressure. If you have this painful condition, t is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious ailment.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from The Foot Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot, known as the plantar fascia, becomes strained or irritated. This often causes sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after standing for long periods. of time. To help relieve discomfort and support recovery, a podiatrist may prescribe certain exercises to help strengthen the foot and ankle muscles while improving flexibility. Movements like scrunching a towel with the toes or picking up small objects with the foot can help strengthen the muscles that support the arch. Lifting the arch without lifting the toes or heel may also improve control. Additionally. strengthening the calf muscles with heel raises and walking on tiptoes can support the ankle and reduce strain on the plantar fascia. If you have developed plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options, which may include a series of exercises.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from The Foot Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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