Items filtered by date: June 2024

Diabetes poses significant risks to foot health due to its impact on nerves, circulation, and the immune system. Peripheral neuropathy, a common complication, reduces sensation in the feet, making it difficult to detect injuries or pressure points that can lead to foot ulcers. Additionally, impaired blood flow and weakened immunity slow down healing processes, increasing the likelihood of infections that can quickly become serious. Symptoms of diabetic foot problems to watch for include persistent pain, redness, swelling, warmth, and drainage from wounds. These are potential signs of underlying issues that require immediate attention. Regular foot inspections, wearing proper footwear, and regularly scheduled appointments with a podiatrist are essential for preventing diabetic foot problems from progressing. Early intervention not only improves outcomes but also reduces the risk of complications, such as gangrene and amputation. If you have diabetes, learning how to care for your feet and recognizing the early signs of trouble are essential steps in managing your overall health. It is suggested that you add a podiatrist to your team of healthcare professionals for treating diabetes-related foot problems.

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 Brian Doerr, DPM from Florida. Our doctor 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

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

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 Fort Meyers, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A foot blister is a small pocket of fluid that forms under the skin due to friction, pressure, or irritation. When hiking, blisters are common due to prolonged walking and uneven terrain. To prevent blisters, it is important to wear well-fitted hiking boots and moisture-wicking socks, which reduce friction and keep feet dry. Applying blister prevention products, such as specialized tapes or lubricants, can create a protective barrier on areas prone to blisters. Taking regular breaks to air out and check your feet allows you to address any hot spots early on. Keeping your feet dry and free from debris or changing socks as needed can also help. These proactive measures can significantly reduce the risk of developing painful blisters during hikes. If you have developed a blister on your foot that is bothersome or has become infected, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can guide you toward relief and prevention options.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Brian Doerr, DPM of Florida. Our doctor 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 office located in Fort Meyers, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar warts are small growths that appear on the soles of the feet, caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV. They often develop in weight-bearing areas, such as the heels or balls of the feet, leading to discomfort or pain while walking. Plantar warts typically show up as rough, grainy bumps with black pinpoints, which are clotted blood vessels and may be surrounded by hardened skin. Treatment options include salicylic acid treatments, cryotherapy, or freezing, and prescription medications. In persistent cases, a podiatrist may perform minor surgical procedures to remove the wart. Diagnosis involves a visual examination and, occasionally, a biopsy to rule out other skin conditions. Recovery time varies depending on the treatment method, but keeping the area clean and avoiding pressure on the wart can aid healing. Do not attempt to cut or pick at the wart, as this can spread the virus or cause infection. If you believe you have a plantar wart, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Brian Doerr, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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

Preventing amputation of diabetic limbs is essential in preserving mobility and enhancing the quality of life for individuals with diabetes. Regular foot care plays a pivotal role in this endeavor. Daily inspection of the feet for cuts, blisters, or ulcers, along with proper hygiene and moisturization, helps detect issues early and prevent complications. Choosing appropriate footwear that fits well and provides adequate support reduces the risk of pressure points and injuries. Managing blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and medication adherence is critical in preventing nerve damage and promoting wound healing. Seeking prompt medical attention for any foot problems, no matter how minor, is essential to prevent them from escalating into more serious issues. Regular check-ups with podiatrists allow for comprehensive monitoring of foot health and early intervention if problems arise. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can discuss important measures for limb protection.

Diabetic Limb Salvage

Diabetic limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have a foot ulcer and diabetes, consult with Brian Doerr, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Diabetic Limb Salvage?

Diabetic limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot, that has an infected ulcer, from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Those with diabetes experience poor blood circulation, which prevents proper healing of an ulcer. If the ulcer is left uncheck, it could become infected, which could result in the need for amputation.

Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Amputation has been found to lead to higher mortality rates. This translates into higher healthcare costs, and a reduced quality of life and mobility for amputees. Podiatrists have attempted to increase the prevalence of limb salvage in an attempt to solve these issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Limb salvage teams have grown in recent years that utilize a number of different treatments to save the infected limb. This includes podiatrists that specialize in wound care, rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery. Through a combination of these methods, limb salvage has been found to be an effective treatment for infected limbs, and as an alternative to amputation. Podiatrists will first evaluate the potential for limb salvage and determine if the limb can be saved or must be amputated. 

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