Items filtered by date: September 2022

A common area for diabetics to experience problems is their feet. We should all be aware of the vital role our feet play in life as they hold us up when we are standing or walking. It is particularly important for diabetics to maintain the health of their feet as diabetes often comes with peripheral neuropathy which can cause numbness and tingling in the feet and pain. Some sensations that those without diabetes feel are not felt by diabetics. Beyond maintaining blood/sugar levels, if you are diabetic, some things you can do for your feet include checking your feet daily to make sure you do not have sores, cuts, bruises, or any reddened or swollen areas, wash feet daily with soap and water, dry them well, apply moisturizer, and keep your toenails trimmed by cutting them straight across. It is suggested that you see a podiatrist regularly to have your feet examined and to obtain additional tips for you to protect your feet from diabetic side effects.

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 Foot & Ankle Specialists of Central Ohio. 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

• 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 offices located in Gahanna, Newark, Columbus, and Lancaster, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Athletes are all too familiar with blisters on the feet. They can be uncomfortable and may compromise the quality of performing their chosen sport. An existing blister needs to be managed properly and this may prevent infection, bleeding, or significant pain from developing. A blister on the foot generally develops from excess friction that can come from wearing shoes or socks that do not fit correctly. The first sign a blister is forming is called the hot spot, and this suggests the skin is tender and can appear red. As the blister forms, the skin can separate and the area can fill with liquid. This is the body’s natural response to protecting the damaged skin as the healing process takes place. The blister will gradually drain once the new skin has formed. There are specific types of athletes that are susceptible to developing blisters. These can include runners, gymnasts, and baseball players. If you would like to learn about how to properly care for blisters on the feet, please consult with a podiatrist who can address any concerns you may have.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Specialists of Central Ohio. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can 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.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Gahanna, Newark, Columbus, and Lancaster, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athletes are all too familiar with blisters on the feet. They can be uncomfortable and may compromise the quality of performing their chosen sport. An existing blister needs to be managed properly and this may prevent infection, bleeding, or significant pain from developing. A blister on the foot generally develops from excess friction that can come from wearing shoes or socks that do not fit correctly. The first sign a blister is forming is called the hot spot, and this suggests the skin is tender and can appear red. As the blister forms, the skin can separate and the area can fill with liquid. This is the body’s natural response to protecting the damaged skin as the healing process takes place. The blister will gradually drain once the new skin has formed. There are specific types of athletes that are susceptible to developing blisters. These can include runners, gymnasts, and baseball players. If you would like to learn about how to properly care for blisters on the feet, please consult with a podiatrist who can address any concerns you may have.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Specialists of Central Ohio. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can 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.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Gahanna, Newark, Columbus, and Lancaster, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toenail fungus is a very common affliction that is caused by an infection of an organism such as fungi and molds. Typically, these infections are most likely found in warm, moist environments where such organisms thrive. If an individual has a fungal infection, they might notice discoloration on the affected toenail. One critical way in which a person can prevent a toenail fungus from developing is by consistently wearing clean socks and shoes. If you fail to alternate your shoes and socks on a daily basis, sweat and yeasts or fungi can accumulate on the fabric. This makes suffering from a toenail fungus more likely. You might choose to wash your shoes in the washing machine to ensure that they are clean. Including baking soda or vinegar in the wash might be helpful in eliminating harmful organisms. However, ensure that the shoes are completely dry before wearing them again. In the same vein, it can also be important to be diligent about cleaning and completely drying your own feet on a regular basis to ensure that any harmful organisms are not growing on the foot itself. If you are worried about developing a toenail fungus, contact a podiatrist for more information.  

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Specialists of Central Ohio. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Gahanna, Newark, Columbus, and Lancaster, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Toenail fungus is a very common affliction that is caused by an infection of an organism such as fungi and molds. Typically, these infections are most likely found in warm, moist environments where such organisms thrive. If an individual has a fungal infection, they might notice discoloration on the affected toenail. One critical way in which a person can prevent a toenail fungus from developing is by consistently wearing clean socks and shoes. If you fail to alternate your shoes and socks on a daily basis, sweat and yeasts or fungi can accumulate on the fabric. This makes suffering from a toenail fungus more likely. You might choose to wash your shoes in the washing machine to ensure that they are clean. Including baking soda or vinegar in the wash might be helpful in eliminating harmful organisms. However, ensure that the shoes are completely dry before wearing them again. In the same vein, it can also be important to be diligent about cleaning and completely drying your own feet on a regular basis to ensure that any harmful organisms are not growing on the foot itself. If you are worried about developing a toenail fungus, contact a podiatrist for more information.  

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Specialists of Central Ohio. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Gahanna, Newark, Columbus, and Lancaster, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Ingrown toenails are formed when the nail grows into the surrounding skin, rather than over it. Ingrown toenails can become extremely painful, and if not attended to quickly, may become infected. People with curved or thick toenails are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail. Common causes of ingrown toenails include nails that are rounded, shoes and socks do nott fit properly, or stubbing the toe. Repeating an activity that aggravates the toe, such as kicking a soccer ball, can also lead to the development of an ingrown toenail. Trimming the toenail straight across can help to relieve the pain. If the skin around the ingrown toenail becomes red, swollen, or infected, it may be wise to consult with a podiatrist who can examine it. Draining the infected area along with administering medication are among the treatments that may be offered. In the most severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Your podiatrist  also may offer post-surgical instructions to speed your recovery and prevent future occurrences.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Specialists of Central Ohio. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Gahanna, Newark, Columbus, and Lancaster, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenails are formed when the nail grows into the surrounding skin, rather than over it. Ingrown toenails can become extremely painful, and if not attended to quickly, may become infected. People with curved or thick toenails are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail. Common causes of ingrown toenails include nails that are rounded, shoes and socks do nott fit properly, or stubbing the toe. Repeating an activity that aggravates the toe, such as kicking a soccer ball, can also lead to the development of an ingrown toenail. Trimming the toenail straight across can help to relieve the pain. If the skin around the ingrown toenail becomes red, swollen, or infected, it may be wise to consult with a podiatrist who can examine it. Draining the infected area along with administering medication are among the treatments that may be offered. In the most severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Your podiatrist  also may offer post-surgical instructions to speed your recovery and prevent future occurrences.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Specialists of Central Ohio. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Gahanna, Newark, Columbus, and Lancaster, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.