Items filtered by date: July 2022

A foot ulcer is a severe wound on the foot that can be serious in diabetic patients. It is defined as a wound that does not heal and can be a result of peripheral arterial disease. The increased blood sugar levels in diabetic patients can cause a lack of feeling in the feet and this can make it difficult to notice existing cuts, bruises, or scrapes. A wound on the foot needs to have immediate treatment as this can be helpful in proper healing. Correct treatment of a foot ulcer may begin with removing dead tissue, which is referred to as debridement, and taking antibiotics is necessary if the wound is infected. An antibiotic cream may be applied to the wound followed by wrapping it in a bandage. Some patients may wear a specific type of boot that can allow walking while maintaining proper healing. If you have any type of wounds on the feet, it is strongly advised that you speak with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can effectively treat foot ulcers.

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 the foot specialists from Physicians Footcare . 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 our offices located in various cities throughout South Carolina and several offices located in Georgia . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A blister that forms on the skin of the feet is a common response to excess friction from shoes, or from an injury. It is defined as the body’s natural defense mechanism to protect damaged skin. A small area that is filled with liquid can form over the raw skin, and this protects the skin as new skin develops. It is important to cover the blister, and this can help to avoid premature popping. A loose elastic bandage generally works well, or some people use a padded bandage. When new skin has grown, the blister is no longer needed, and will gradually drain. Common reasons for patients to develop blisters can include wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, having an allergic reaction, or possibly from severe sunburn. Additionally, blisters may form from wearing damp socks, and it can help to wear socks that can absorb moisture. If a chemical spills on the feet, the result may be a blister forming. If you have blisters on your feet that are recurring, or if a blister has become infected, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can help you with treatment options.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact the foot specialists of Physicians Footcare . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in various cities throughout South Carolina and several offices located in Georgia . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Running is one of the most popular and widespread forms of exercise. Yet, bunions can often make this activity challenging or even painful. There are a variety of ways that individuals can manage the effects of bunions and continue to run. Bunions are bumps that occur usually on the base of the big toe when the metatarsophalangeal joint is stressed and strained. In some cases, bunions may form at the base of the pinky toe as well. If a runner has developed a bunion that is not causing serious pain, the runner may be able to continue running with wider footwear. Opting for wider running shoes can decrease the extent to which the bunion rubs up against the shoe and further aggravates or inflames the bump. Another way that runners may cope with bunions is by applying ice to the affected area for a short duration of time following the run. Toe spacers and bunion pads may also prove to be useful for runners looking to manage the annoyance of bunions. Bunions are certainly not ideal for runners, but a podiatrist may be able to help you address the affliction and get back on the running trail comfortably again.  

If you are suffering from bunions, contact the foot specialists of Physicians Footcare . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in various cities throughout South Carolina and several offices located in Georgia . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.