Have your feet inspected by a professional before starting a new sport or physical activity. Taking charge of your foot health will keep you in good physical condition and can help you avoid a potential injury, such as a fracture or sprained ankle.
Prevent injuries and see a foot specialist.
Peripheral artery disease, abbreviated PAD, also referred to as peripheral vascular disease, is a condition that arises from the reduced flow of blood to the body’s extremities, including the lower legs and feet. People with diabetes are more susceptible to developing PAD, as a result of weakened and damaged blood vessels from having high blood sugar. Blood clot formation within the vessels can also contribute to this condition. Conditions such as arthritis, which causes inflammation of the arteries, can further fuel peripheral artery disease. Other factors, such as smoking, hypertension, and obesity, increase the risk of developing PAD. Symptoms can include intermittent pain, coldness, numbness, and a bluish hue in the skin. In more advanced stages, wounds that resist healing, and areas of skin that blacken may develop due to the lack of adequate blood flow. In such cases, swift medical intervention is extremely important. If you suspect you may have peripheral artery disease that is affecting your lower extremities, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist, who is specifically trained to manage this condition.
Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with one of our podiatrists from Lewis Wolstein, DPM, P.C. & Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.
Symptoms
Symptoms of PAD include:
It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.
Diagnosis
While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.
Treatment
Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Co-Op City, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
The removal of dead or infected skin tissue is known as debridement. This procedure also eliminates foreign materials from tissue. Debridement promotes the growth of healthy tissue, minimizes scarring, and reduces infection complications. Not all wounds require debridement. It is typically used for non-healing old wounds, chronically infected wounds, or those at risk of infections. Severe or new wounds might also need debridement. The choice of debridement depends on factors like wound type, age, overall health, and risk for complications. Methods include biological debridement using sterile maggots, enzymatic debridement with ointments, autolytic debridement harnessing the body's enzymes, and mechanical debridement as the most common approach. Sharp debridement, both conservative and surgical, involves cutting off unhealthy tissue. Recovery varies but typically takes 6 to 12 weeks. Careful wound management, including regular dressing changes and hygiene, is crucial. Although complications are possible, debridement's benefits often outweigh the risks. If you have a foot wound that persists or appears infected, it is strongly suggested that you see a podiatrist for immediate treatment, which might include debridement.
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 Lewis Wolstein, DPM, P.C. & Associates. 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 office located in Co-Op City, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Proper foot care is of utmost importance for individuals with diabetes, as they are more susceptible to foot complications. Diabetic neuropathy, a condition that impairs nerve function, can reduce sensation in the feet, making it challenging to detect injuries or infections. Regular foot inspections, daily washing with lukewarm water, and thorough drying are essential to maintaining foot health. Applying moisturizer to prevent dry skin and wearing shoes that fit well may help to prevent potential wounds. Trimming toenails straight across and avoiding sharp corners can reduce the risk of ingrown toenails. It's crucial to avoid walking barefoot in addition to inspecting shoes for foreign objects before wearing them. By incorporating these simple, yet vital, steps into their routine, individuals with diabetes can safeguard their foot health and minimize the risk of serious complications. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.
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 one of our podiatrists from Lewis Wolstein, DPM, P.C. & Associates. Our doctors 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
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 Co-Op City, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
For older adults or those with medical issues, the risk of falling is a concern, as it can lead to severe injuries. Regular exercise can help prevent falls by strengthening foot and leg muscles, improving balance, and increasing endurance. One can perform balance exercises during everyday activities, such as standing on one foot while waiting in line or sitting down and standing up without using the hands. For stronger calves and ankle muscles, the toe stand exercise can be done where one holds onto a solid support, like a chair, for balance, with the back straight and both knees slightly bent. Then push up onto the tiptoes as high as possible and lower both heels to the floor. Walking, especially on uneven surfaces, and Tai Chi are beneficial for improving strength and balance. Swimming pool exercises can also help. Start slowly and breathe easily during exercise. If pain or dizziness occurs, stop immediately. If you are concerned about falling and seek additional fall prevention tips, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.
Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Lewis Wolstein, DPM, P.C. & Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.
Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.
How to Prevent Falls
Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:
Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Co-Op City, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Research has shown that approximately 20 percent of adults have foot pain regularly. There are various reasons why this can happen, including the wear and tear that can come from being obese. Stress fractures are a common source of foot pain among physically active people. This can happen from repetitive motion while frequently running or jogging, and the number of cases may have increased during the pandemic. Plantar fasciitis can begin with heel pain and often becomes worse without medical treatment. Diabetic patients experience foot pain which may be due to the nerve damage that often accompanies this condition. Psoriatic arthritis may begin with foot pain, and the ankle joints can become inflamed, too. If you have any type of foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat foot pain conditions.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Lewis Wolstein, DPM, P.C. & Associates. 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:
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 our office located in Co-Op City, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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