Diabetic foot wounds can be stubborn and difficult to heal, often requiring more than standard dressings and rest. Advances in care have introduced therapies that improve circulation, encourage new tissue growth, and reduce infection risk. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is one option that supplies extra oxygen to the tissues, helping speed up repair. Negative pressure wound therapy uses gentle suction to remove fluids and promote blood flow. Skin substitutes and growth factor treatments can also stimulate healing when traditional methods fall short. Each therapy is chosen based on the severity of the wound and the overall health of the patient. The goal is always to restore mobility, prevent infection, and avoid complications that could lead to surgery. If you are living with a complex diabetic foot wound, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist to discuss the best treatment plan for you.

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 Jason Bell, DPM from Advantage Foot and Ankle Center . 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 contact our office located in Newark, DE . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle sprains are common injuries that occur when the ligaments in the ankle are stretched or torn, often due to an awkward twist or roll of the foot. Common causes include sports activities, uneven terrain, or walking on unstable surfaces. Symptoms typically include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the ankle. To avoid ankle sprains, it is important to strengthen and stretch the calf muscles and surrounding areas. Regular exercises to improve flexibility and balance can help stabilize the ankle joint and prevent sudden twists. Wearing supportive footwear that fits well and provides adequate arch support is also key in reducing the risk of injury. Additionally, warming up before physical activity and avoiding walking on uneven surfaces can help prevent sprains. A podiatrist can offer personalized advice on strengthening exercises, footwear choices, and other strategies to protect the ankle. If you are dealing with this condition, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Jason Bell, DPM from Advantage Foot and Ankle Center . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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

Baxter’s nerve entrapment, also known as entrapment of the inferior calcaneal nerve, occurs when this small nerve on the inner side of the heel becomes compressed or irritated. It often results from repetitive strain, flat feet, overpronation, or tight muscles in the foot and ankle. The condition can cause heel pain that mimics plantar fasciitis, along with burning, tingling, or numbness along the inner heel or arch. A podiatrist can diagnose Baxter’s nerve entrapment through a physical examination and imaging tests, and then create a personalized treatment plan using stretching, orthotics, or other therapies to relieve pressure. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat Baxter’s nerve entrapment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Jason Bell, DPM from Advantage Foot and Ankle Center . 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 Newark, DE . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A sedentary lifestyle may be linked to numerous health issues, including diabetes and high blood pressure.  For these individuals, it may be necessary to increase the amount of time standing during the day. This may be helpful in easing potential back problems as well as improving posture and strength.  There are many ways to incorporate standing throughout the work day, such as portioning your lunch time to include walking.  Meetings that consist of walking instead of sitting around a table may be beneficial as well. Standing desks may be another option, which can help increase alertness and therefore increase productivity.  Another helpful habit to acquire is using the stairs instead of an elevator, in addition to parking your car further away from the building you are entering to promote walking. If you are experiencing foot problems from sitting all day at work, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Jason Bell, DPM from Advantage Foot and Ankle Center . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Newark, DE . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.