Items filtered by date: August 2023

Diabetes is a condition that affects how sugar in the blood is controlled. Those with the condition are at a greater risk of developing wounds on their feet because of nerve and vein damage. These can be painful and take a long time to heal. If left untreated, they can lead to amputation of the foot or leg. Negative pressure wound therapy, or NPWT, is a method where a special dressing is put on the wound, and a machine sucks out any fluid from the wound. This method is used to help wounds heal faster, but it is more expensive than regular wound dressings. Studies on this method have shown that while this is a beneficial treatment, it may not be better than traditional foot wound treatment, and more research is needed. Diabetes is a serious condition, and if you are suffering from this disease and have foot problems, including wounds on your feet, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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 David K. Morris, DPM from Florida. 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 Plantation, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Swollen ankles after running can be a concerning and uncomfortable issue that many athletes and runners experience. While it's essential to push your limits and stay active, it's equally important to recognize the potential causes of this discomfort. One common cause of swollen ankles after running is improper footwear. Ill-fitting shoes or those lacking proper support can lead to strain on the ankles, resulting in inflammation. Overuse and overtraining can also contribute to swelling. Pushing yourself too hard or abruptly increasing your running intensity can cause stress on the ankle joints and surrounding tissues, leading to swelling. Further, inadequate warm-up and cool-down routines can lead to muscle tightness and cause fluid to accumulate around the ankles. Proper running shoes, a gradual training progression, and thorough warm-up and cool-down routines can significantly reduce the risk of swollen ankles. If swelling in the ankles persists or worsens, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to rule out underlying issues like sprains, strains, or ligament damage. 

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with David K. Morris, DPM from Florida. Our doctor 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 tendinitis
• 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 Plantation, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Diabetes requires special attention to foot care due to the potential complications it can cause. Reduced blood supply and peripheral neuropathy may lead to slow healing and decreased sensation in the feet. To minimize risks of developing foot ulcers, it is crucial to control blood sugar levels and monitor blood pressure and cholesterol. In addition, regular visits to a podiatrist can help keep the feet in good condition. Maintaining cleanliness and preventing infections by examining the feet daily is essential. Wearing well fitting shoes can also help to prevent conditions such as corns, calluses, and toenail problems. Avoid going barefoot, especially outdoors, to keep from getting cuts or other injuries that may go undetected and fail to heal properly. Keeping toenails trimmed and getting corns or calluses removed is also beneficial to implement. It is helpful to refrain from smoking, as it further impairs blood circulation and can increase the risk of foot problems in diabetics. Seek help from a podiatrist promptly if blisters or injuries do not heal quickly, or if there are any skin color changes, swelling, or redness on the feet. It is suggested that diabetic patients schedule regular visits to a podiatrist to monitor their condition as it affects the feet.

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 David K. Morris, 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 Plantation, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Cracked heels are a common foot ailment that can cause discomfort and affect our overall foot health. While several factors contribute to this condition, vitamin deficiencies play a crucial role in its development. Dry and rough skin may develop from getting inadequate amounts of vitamin A, and this generally precedes cracked heels. Vitamin E is known for its skin-nourishing properties, and insufficient vitamin E can result in decreased skin elasticity. This can make the heels more prone to cracking. As a potent antioxidant, vitamin C promotes collagen production, helping to maintain skin integrity and prevent cracks. Lack of B vitamins, particularly B3 or niacin, and B7 orbiotin, can lead to dry, flaky skin, contributing to heel fissures. To combat cracked heels, it is beneficial to eat a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which are all abundant in vitamins and nutrients. Additionally, moisturizing feet regularly, exfoliating gently, and wearing supportive footwear may help to prevent further damage. By addressing vitamin deficiencies, significant strides can be taken toward achieving smooth and healthy heels.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact David K. Morris, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Plantation, FL . 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 David K. Morris, DPM from Florida. Our doctor 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:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

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 Plantation, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.