Items filtered by date: August 2024

Foot wound care is essential for everyone, but it is particularly important for the elderly, who are at a higher risk due to drier skin and a greater likelihood of dehydration. Regularly checking feet for any cuts, blisters, or signs of infection is important. Applying moisturizer helps keep the skin supple, reducing the risk of skin tears, a common issue in this age group. Pressure ulcers and diabetic wounds also require close attention, as these can easily become serious if left untreated. Staying hydrated is important for overall skin health, so encourage regular water intake. If a wound shows signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, swelling, or pus, it is vital to consult a podiatrist promptly to prevent complications. Early intervention and proper care can make all the difference in maintaining foot health. If you are elderly or are taking care of a senior, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist if any foot wounds need special care.

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 doctors from Andrea Hyperbaric Wound Care & Health Center. 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 Astoria, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The foot is a marvel of anatomical design, essential for effective heel-to-toe walking. The heel's support comes from the calcaneus bone, which absorbs impact during the initial heel strike. The Achilles tendon, connecting the calf muscles to the heel, plays a vital role in lifting the heel and propelling the body forward. The fibula and tibia, the major bones of the lower leg, provide structural stability and support to the ankle joint. The talus, situated between the tibia and calcaneus, facilitates smooth movement of the foot. As the foot rolls forward, the metatarsals and phalanges work together to push off the ground. This intricate coordination of bones, tendons, muscles, and ligaments ensures efficient movement and balance throughout each step. A podiatrist is medically qualified to treat foot and ankle conditions. If you have injured your foot or have chronic foot pain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer safe and effective treatment solutions.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our doctors from Andrea Hyperbaric Wound Care & Health Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

Heel pain is often caused by plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the tissue running along the bottom of the foot. Other causes include Achilles tendinitis, heel spurs, or repetitive stress injuries. Contributing factors for heel pain can be excessive walking or standing, wearing improper footwear, obesity, or flat feet. To manage heel pain, rest and avoid activities that aggravate the condition. Performing stretching exercises and using supportive footwear or orthotic inserts can provide relief. Mild pain relievers may help reduce inflammation and pain. If you have heel pain and symptoms persist, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a thorough evaluation and treatment plan.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our doctors of Andrea Hyperbaric Wound Care & Health Center. Our doctors 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 Astoria, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Chronic ankle pain is a persistent problem, often resulting from recurrent ankle sprains. These injuries are common among both the general and athletic populations. Up to 40 percent of people experience long-term issues, including pain, swelling, and instability. Recurring ankle pain can last a year or more after the initial injury. This chronic discomfort usually arises from microscopic tears in the ankle ligaments during a sprain, causing either functional or mechanical instability. Functional instability, which is described as the sensation of the ankle giving out, is difficult to see on X-rays. In contrast, mechanical instability involves excessive joint movement that can be detected through clinical tests or imaging. A podiatrist can effectively manage chronic ankle pain. This medically trained foot doctor can provide a thorough evaluation to determine the type of instability and offer such treatment as bracing, or surgery, depending on the severity of the injury. If you experience frequent ankle pain or injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our doctors from Andrea Hyperbaric Wound Care & Health Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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