Items filtered by date: August 2021

It is strongly suggested that diabetic patients do not ignore any signs of wounds developing on their feet. When there is prompt attention to cuts, sores, or bruises on the feet, symptoms like pain and discomfort may be avoided. Seeking treatment right away can also help prevent wounds from becoming infected; therefore, serious complications like amputation or gangrene can also be avoided. Gangrene destroys blood vessels and can block off blood flow due to swelling since diabetics already have a weakened immune system. It is imperative that existing foot wounds be cleaned daily with warm water, followed by covering them with a sterile bandage. Research has indicated that it can also be beneficial to wear shoes that fit properly as this may help in preventing painful foot wounds. If you are diabetic or you have developed a foot wound, please seek the care of a podiatrist who can help you manage this 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 Ali Davis, DPM from The Foot Clinic. 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 Overland Park, KS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The Achilles tendon connects the heel with two large muscles in the calf that allows the foot to push off. This pushing off motion is necessary for walking, running, and jumping. Achilles tendonitis is a painful inflammation of this tendon where it connects at the heel. In younger people, Achilles tendonitis may develop from overuse. This may be from increasing the intensity of an activity suddenly, running too often on hard surfaces for longer distances, jumping excessively, or wearing shoes without proper support. It may also occur if the foot turns in or out abruptly. In older and middle-aged adults, Achilles tendonitis may be caused by arthritis, bone spurs, and other conditions that aggravate or put excess tension on the tendon. If you have pain in your heel a podiatrist can examine you to determine the origin and develop an effective treatment plan that is specific for you.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Ali Davis, DPM of The Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Overland Park, KS . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A stress fracture is a small hairline fracture that is a result from overuse. The feet are particularly susceptible to developing stress fractures and there are a variety of different types. One of the most common foot stress fractures is a navicular stress fracture. This occurs on the top of the midfoot and is common in sprinters and jumpers. Another type of stress fracture is a metatarsal stress fracture which occurs along one of the metatarsal bones. A metatarsal stress fracture can develop from overuse or poor foot biomechanics and the pain is usually felt towards the middle, or front of the foot and worsens with weight bearing activities. A calcaneal fracture occurs in the heel bone and is common among soldiers who march frequently, as well as runners who choose to do their running on the road. Another common stress fracture that may occur in the feet is a Jones fracture which occurs in the 5th metatarsal and causes pain on the outside of the foot. If you are experiencing pain in the foot, it may be the result of one of these stress fractures. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and plan for treatment.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Ali Davis, DPM from The Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

There are 26 bones in the foot and recognizing the symptoms of a broken bone is important for ensuring the overall health of your feet. A broken foot can be as simple as a small hairline fracture (such as a stress fracture), or it can be a severe break that tears or pierces the skin. The most common symptoms of a broken foot are pain, swelling, and bruising. Other common signs include a snapping or grinding sensation at the time of injury, difficulty or pain when moving the affected foot, inability to bear weight on the foot, tenderness from touching the injury, and difficulty walking. Telling the difference between a broken foot and a sprained foot can be difficult. That is why anyone who believes that they may have a broken foot should consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis. A podiatrist will also be able to help provide the best treatment options for the broken bone.  

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Ali Davis, DPM from The Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

Heel pain can have a variety of causes that range from bone damage like a bone bruise or stress fracture, to structural issues like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis. Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, and this occurs when the plantar fascia, which connects the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed or torn. Children who are experiencing heel pain may be suffering from Sever’s disease. Sever’s disease occurs in active teenagers when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed. Patients who are struggling with heel pain should consult with a podiatrist for diagnosis. Upon diagnosis, a proper treatment method will be provided by your podiatrist.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Ali Davis, DPM of The Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Overland Park, KS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.