Items filtered by date: December 2020

People with diabetes also often have poor circulation in the lower limbs as well as damaged nerve function, known as neuropathy. Neuropathy can result in pain, numbness, tingling, or a loss of sensation in the feet. The combination of a loss of sensation and poor blood flow in the feet can be particularly dangerous, as it makes the development of diabetic foot ulcers more likely. Diabetic foot ulcers are slow-healing wounds on the bottom of the feet. Left unnoticed and untreated, the wounds can grow, become infected, and lead to serious complications, such as tissue death and amputation. It is very important to inspect the feet daily to detect wounds and other potentially harmful changes early. If you have diabetes and notice any injuries, pain, or other changes in your feet, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for 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 Gary J. Kaiserman, DPM from Achilles Footcare 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 feel free to contact our offices located in Forest Lane and West Kiest Boulevard Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs due to a buildup of uric acid, which is a waste product usually found in the blood. This uric acid can build up because the kidneys do not excrete it fast enough, or because too much is made. The excess uric acid can then crystallize in the joints and lead to inflammation. While gout usually affects the big toe, it can affect any other joint in the body as well. Severe pain or swelling in the joints, redness of the skin around the joint, and limited movement of the joint can all be indicators of gout. Reducing alcohol intake, losing weight, having a balanced diet, and drinking enough water can reduce the risk of developing gout. If you believe that you are suffering from gout, consult with a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Gary J. Kaiserman, DPM from Achilles Footcare Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Forest Lane and West Kiest Boulevard Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Some running injuries may be prevented by practicing proper training methods. The feet are often affected by running injuries, and unfortunately this can make it quite difficult to accomplish daily activities. It is important to strengthen the body, and this may help to gradually increase the mileage and intensity of your runs. It is beneficial to build strength in the legs separately, helping to decrease injury risk. Reverse lunges are known to improve stability, in addition to strengthening the lower part of the body. Flexibility in the hips and glutes may be increased when single leg deadlifts are frequently performed, and may become more challenging when a weight is held. If you would like additional information about how to prevent running injuries, please speak with a podiatrist. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Gary J. Kaiserman, DPM of Achilles Footcare Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Forest Lane and West Kiest Boulevard Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Children may be susceptible to incurring a broken foot as a result of their physical activity. There are several types of fractures that can occur. An open fracture is defined as damage that has happened to the tissues and skin near the affected area and may cause a bone infection without immediate treatment. A closed fracture can occur from a fall, and there is minimal injury to the skin. Children generally have softer bones than adults, and a buckle fracture can happen as a result of flexible bones. After a proper diagnosis is performed, which typically involves having an X-ray taken, treatment can begin. If your child has fallen and has severe foot pain, it is suggested that you promptly seek the care of a podiatrist, who can determine if the foot is broken.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Gary J. Kaiserman, DPM of Achilles Footcare Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Forest Lane and West Kiest Boulevard Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.