Diabetic foot ulcers require prompt and comprehensive treatment to prevent complications. The first step involves cleaning the wound thoroughly to remove dead tissue and reduce infection risk. Keeping the ulcer dry and covered with a sterile dressing helps protect it from further damage. Pressure offloading, achieved by using specialized footwear or orthotic devices, is essential to reduce stress on the affected area and promote healing. Antibiotics may be prescribed if there is an infection, and ensuring the ulcer is healing properly allows for timely intervention if complications arise. Managing blood sugar levels effectively is vital, as high glucose levels can impede the healing process. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition, and effectively treat foot ulcers.

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 doctors from Advanced Podiatry. Our doctors 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 Needham, Norwood, and Hanover, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments that support the ankle stretch or tear, often due to sudden twisting, turning, or rolling of the foot. They are common in sports and activities that involve quick changes in direction. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected ankle. Severe sprains may also cause instability and a popping sensation at the time of injury. Complications can include chronic ankle pain, instability, and arthritis if not properly treated. Treatment generally involves rest, compression, elevation, and anti-inflammatory medications to help manage the pain and swelling. Targeted stretching exercises are important for restoring strength and flexibility. Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the sprain but usually takes several weeks to a few months for full strength to return. If you believe you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our doctors from Advanced Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

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

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Needham, Norwood, and Hanover, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Clubfoot is a congenital condition where the baby’s foot is turned inward due to issues with bones and muscles. Treating clubfoot requires a multi-step treatment approach. Initially, the Ponseti method of serial casting is used to correct the foot's position. After achieving correction, the next vital step involves using a boots-and-bar orthosis. This device consists of two open-toed boots connected by a metal bar. It keeps the feet turned outward to maintain the corrected position. A podiatrist will fit your child with this device, ensuring that the boots fit snugly and the foot remains secure inside. For the first three months, your child will need to wear the device for 23 hours a day, gradually reducing to nighttime use after periodic evaluation by the podiatrist. It is important to consistently use the orthosis until your child is four to five years old to prevent the foot from reverting to its clubfoot position. Adherence to wearing the orthosis is key to successful long-term results. To ensure the best treatment for your child's clubfoot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a treatment plan.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our doctors of Advanced Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Needham, Norwood, and Hanover, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Gout, a form of arthritis, arises from a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream, causing sharp crystals to form in the joints. It primarily affects the big toe but can also occur in other joints, like the ankle or knee. The uric acid buildup may happen due to certain dietary factors, such as consuming foods like red meat, seafood, and alcohol. Genetics and underlying health conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, and kidney problems can also increase the risk of developing gout. Gout can present in various forms, including acute attacks, causing sudden and intense pain in the joints. Chronic gout involves recurrent episodes of pain and swelling, which may lead to joint damage over time if not treated properly. Another form, called tophaceous gout, occurs when urate crystals accumulate under the skin, forming lumps or nodules known as tophi. Symptoms of gout typically include severe joint pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected area. If you struggle with gout or any symptoms that may result in gout, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist to receive proper care and treatment.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our doctors from Advanced Podiatry. Our doctors 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 Needham, Norwood, and Hanover, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

During pregnancy, changes in foot size are normal due to various factors. Hormonal shifts can cause water retention, which can cause swelling in the feet and ankles, known as edema. This can cause discomfort. The swelling can temporarily increase foot size by a shoe size or more. The hormone relaxin, which loosens ligaments in preparation for childbirth, can also affect the structure of the feet, causing them to spread out and possibly increase in size. As a result, many pregnant women find that their shoes feel tighter or that they need to switch to larger sizes during pregnancy. Expectant mothers need to prioritize comfortable, supportive footwear to alleviate discomfort and reduce the risk of foot problems. If you are having problems in the feet and ankles during pregnancy, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our doctors from Advanced Podiatry. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Needham, Norwood, and Hanover, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.