Items filtered by date: July 2023

People who are diabetic are generally concerned about developing a diabetic foot ulcer. Proper wound care treatment is crucial for this type of infection, and serious consequences may ensue if prompt medical attention is not received. Research has shown that approximately 25 percent of diabetic patients will develop a foot ulcer, and implementing prevention techniques may help to avoid this. An essential step for this type of wound care treatment can be to remove the necrotic or dead wound tissue. This is referred to as debridement, and there are various ways to treat this. It is important to reduce any pressure on the wound, and often an off-loading boot is worn. The wound is typically drained, and the healthy underlying tissue is examined. Effective prevention methods can include keeping glucose levels within a normal range, drinking plenty of water daily, and eating healthy foods. If you have a diabetic foot ulcer, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can provide the proper treatment.

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 New England Foot and Ankle. 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 Chelmsford and Newburyport, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The feet provide us with mobility, and enable people to participate in running, walking, and jumping activities. An individual person will walk 100,000 miles during the course of an average lifetime, and research has shown that many people spend approximately 80 percent of their waking hours on their feet. This being said, it is beneficial to keep the feet as healthy as possible in order to prevent unwanted foot conditions from developing. Some of these ailments can consist of hammertoe, foot cramps, ingrown toenails, or bunions. Many of these can be remedied by purchasing shoes that fit correctly, in addition to maintaining proper foot care. Diabetic patients may be prone to developing foot ulcers. This is defined as an infection that develops on the sole of the foot, and can happen from the inability to feel existing cuts. If you have foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and treat it effectively.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from New England Foot and Ankle. 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 Chelmsford and Newburyport, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

High-heeled shoes are the cause of many foot problems, and experts agree the higher the heel, the worse they are for your feet. When high heeled shoes also have a narrow and pointy toe box, they may become even more destructive. Add to that strappy sandals with minimal support and thin soles, and the situation worsens. Specifically, high heels force the weight of the body onto the metatarsals and sesamoid bones of the feet. This excess pressure in turn causes inflammation of the surrounding nerves. In some cases, hairline breaks in the bones, called stress fractures, can develop. In addition, the likelihood of tripping and spraining an ankle increases while wearing high heels. The answer may be simply changing your footwear or limiting the amount of time spent wearing high heels. Shoes with heels no higher than two inches are thought to be less harmful. Look for shoes with a wider toe box that allows freedom of movement for the toes and thicker heels for increased stability. For help with foot problems stemming from wearing high heels long term, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from New England Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Chelmsford and Newburyport, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

One of the most effective methods of measuring the feet is by using a Brannock device. It was invented in 1925 by Charles Brannock, and has improved traditional foot-measuring techniques. This device is described as a base plate that has graduated markings. The foot is placed on this plate and the length and width of the foot can be accurately measured. This device can also measure the distance from the heel to the ball of the foot. The Brannock device was widely used among various military branches to ensure that enlisted men and women wore the correct shoe size. This measuring tool is generally found in the majority of shoe stores. People who purchase their shoes online may not have access to this device, and will often use other methods of obtaining an accurate foot measurement. If you would like to learn more about the Brannock device and other techniques of measuring the feet, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can provide you with the information you are seeking.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from New England Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Chelmsford and Newburyport, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.