Wound healing in diabetics is often slower and more complex due to several factors. High blood sugar levels can impair circulation, limiting the delivery of oxygen and nutrients needed for tissue repair. Diabetes also affects the immune system, reducing the body’s ability to fight infection and respond to injury. Even small wounds, especially on the feet, can become serious if not treated promptly. Complications such as ulcers, infections, and in severe cases, tissue death may occur. A podiatrist plays a vital role in monitoring foot health, managing wounds, and preventing complications. They provide regular assessments, specialized care, and education on proper foot hygiene, footwear, and lifestyle habits. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you with proper wound care, in addition to managing this serious condition.
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 clinicians from The Footcare Centre. Our podiatrists 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 offices located in Weybridge, UK. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
If you are struggling with daily pain from a bunion, you may wonder if having surgery is the right choice. A bunion is not just a bump on the side of the big toe. It develops when the joint at the base of the big toe shifts out of place as the tip pushes toward the other toes. This can lead to pressure, skin sores, and even affect the alignment of the second toe. Surgery is the only way to correct the position of the bones and relieve pressure caused by the bunion. A podiatrist may recommend one of several procedures, including cutting and repositioning the bones, or fusing parts of the foot to stabilize the joint. The main benefit of bunion surgery is long-term relief from pain and improved foot function. However, recovery can take weeks. Risks include swelling, stiffness, and rare complications like infection or nerve irritation. If you have a painful bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to find out if surgery is the right option for you.
If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our clinicians from The Footcare Centre. Our podiatrists can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Bunion?
A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.
Why Do Bunions Form?
Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary
Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions
How Are Bunions Diagnosed?
Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.
How Are Bunions Treated?
Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
Orthotics or foot inserts
Surgery
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Weybridge, UK. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune condition that often impacts the feet and ankles, leading to joint inflammation and structural changes over time. This chronic inflammation can make walking difficult and painful, especially during flare-ups. Movements that require side to side motion or walking on uneven surfaces may become challenging due to stiffness and instability. As the condition progresses, the arch of the foot can collapse, causing the foot to flatten and altering the way weight is distributed. This change can lead to further discomfort and imbalance. Bunions, which are bony bumps that form on the joint at the base of the big toe, are also common in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. If you have symptoms of RA in your feet and ankles, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this uncomfortable condition.
Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact one of our clinicians from The Footcare Centre. Our podiatrists will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.
Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet
Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.
Symptoms
Swelling and pain in the feet
Stiffness in the feet
Pain on the ball or sole of feet
Joint shift and deformation
Diagnosis
Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your podiatrist will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Weybridge, UK. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Wound healing in diabetics is often slower and more complex due to several factors. High blood sugar levels can impair circulation, limiting the delivery of oxygen and nutrients needed for tissue repair. Diabetes also affects the immune system, reducing the body’s ability to fight infection and respond to injury. Even small wounds, especially on the feet, can become serious if not treated promptly. Complications such as ulcers, infections, and in severe cases, tissue death may occur. A podiatrist plays a vital role in monitoring foot health, managing wounds, and preventing complications. They provide regular assessments, specialized care, and education on proper foot hygiene, footwear, and lifestyle habits. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you with proper wound care, in addition to managing this serious condition.
If you are struggling with daily pain from a bunion, you may wonder if having surgery is the right choice. A bunion is not just a bump on the side of the big toe. It develops when the joint at the base of the big toe shifts out of place as the tip pushes toward the other toes. This can lead to pressure, skin sores, and even affect the alignment of the second toe. Surgery is the only way to correct the position of the bones and relieve pressure caused by the bunion. A podiatrist may recommend one of several procedures, including cutting and repositioning the bones, or fusing parts of the foot to stabilize the joint. The main benefit of bunion surgery is long-term relief from pain and improved foot function. However, recovery can take weeks. Risks include swelling, stiffness, and rare complications like infection or nerve irritation. If you have a painful bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to find out if surgery is the right option for you.
Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune condition that often impacts the feet and ankles, leading to joint inflammation and structural changes over time. This chronic inflammation can make walking difficult and painful, especially during flare-ups. Movements that require side to side motion or walking on uneven surfaces may become challenging due to stiffness and instability. As the condition progresses, the arch of the foot can collapse, causing the foot to flatten and altering the way weight is distributed. This change can lead to further discomfort and imbalance. Bunions, which are bony bumps that form on the joint at the base of the big toe, are also common in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. If you have symptoms of RA in your feet and ankles, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this uncomfortable condition.