Items filtered by date: October 2024

Diabetic foot ulcers are a significant risk for people with diabetes, often leading to severe complications if not properly managed. These ulcers are open sores or wounds that usually occur on the bottom of the feet, caused by a combination of poor circulation and nerve damage, common in diabetic patients. Prevention is key in managing this risk. Daily foot inspections, maintaining proper foot hygiene, and wearing well-fitted shoes can help prevent ulcers. Managing blood sugar levels also plays a vital role in prevention. For those who develop foot ulcers, early treatment is critical. This includes cleaning and dressing the wound, controlling infection, and using custom orthotics or special footwear to alleviate pressure on the affected area. In more severe cases, surgical interventions may be necessary. If you have diabetes, and develop a foot ulcer, it is strongly suggested that you include a podiatrist on your health care team for routine care of your feet.

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 Jennifer M. Kern, DPM from South Carolina. 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 West Columbia, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Morton's neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of the foot, and the pain is felt typically between the third and fourth toes. It occurs when the tissue surrounding one of the nerves leading to the toes thickens, causing sharp, burning pain or a sensation of walking on a pebble. Numbness or tingling in the toes may also be present. Morton’s neuroma is often caused by irritation or compression of the nerve, usually due to wearing tight shoes, high heels, or engaging in repetitive activities like running. Foot abnormalities, such as flat feet or high arches, can also contribute. To manage symptoms, switching to shoes with a wider toe box and low heels, and using orthotics can reduce pressure on the nerve. A podiatrist may recommend treatments such as corticosteroid injections and anti-inflammatory medications. In severe cases, surgical removal of the neuroma may be necessary. If you have a painful Morton’s neuroma, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Jennifer M. Kern, DPM of South Carolina. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

Peripheral neuropathy is a nerve damage condition that frequently accompanies diabetes and can lead to significant foot problems. This condition often manifests as tingling, a pins and needles sensation, burning pain, or numbness in the feet. In severe cases, it can result in reduced mobility, foot deformities, and even ulcers. Managing peripheral neuropathy involves addressing these symptoms and preventing complications. If you are experiencing any of these things or have concerns about your foot health, it is important to seek professional help. A podiatrist can conduct a thorough examination of your feet to diagnose peripheral neuropathy and recommend appropriate treatments to manage pain and improve your quality of life. For expert advice and personalized care, it is suggested you scheudle an appointment with a podiatrist.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Jennifer M. Kern, DPM from South Carolina. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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