Items filtered by date: September 2024

Tuesday, 24 September 2024 00:00

Effective Steps to Heal a Foot Wound

Healing a minor foot wound involves several important steps and visiting a podiatrist to ensure proper care and recovery. This doctor begins by gently cleaning the wound with mild soap and water to remove dirt and debris, then pats the area dry with a clean towel to avoid further irritation. He or she will guide you to use an antibiotic cream on the wound to prevent infection and promote healing. Next, the wound is covered with a sterile bandage or dressing, ensuring it fits snugly but comfortably to protect the area from dirt and bacteria. The podiatrist will explain how to change the bandage if it becomes wet or dirty, in addition to monitoring the wound for signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, or pus. If you have a foot wound, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can treat it effectively and safely.

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 Jack A. Sasiene, DPM from Texas. 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 Texas City and Lake Jackson, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Published in Blog
Tuesday, 17 September 2024 00:00

Pain in the Top of the Foot

Pain in the top of the foot can arise from various causes, often linked to issues with tendons, ligaments, or bones. Common conditions include extensor tendinitis, where the tendons that lift the toes become inflamed, or stress fractures from overuse or repetitive strain. Other potential causes include nerve compression, such as from wearing tight footwear or a condition like Morton's neuroma, and arthritis affecting the foot joints. Bruises or injuries can also lead to localized pain on top of the foot. Proper diagnosis is imperative for effective treatment, which may involve rest or changes in footwear. If you are experiencing persistent or severe foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Jack A. Sasiene, DPM from Texas. 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 offices located in Texas City and Lake Jackson, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Published in Blog
Tuesday, 10 September 2024 00:00

Causes of Painful Feet During Pregnancy

Pregnancy often brings about foot pain due to several factors. Collapsed arches, or fallen arches, are common as the body’s increased weight and hormonal changes put extra pressure on the feet, leading to discomfort and fatigue. Cracked heels can also develop as the skin becomes drier and less elastic, exacerbated by the extra weight and swelling. Swelling, or edema, is another frequent issue, where fluid retention causes feet to enlarge and feel tight, adding to the discomfort. These conditions can make walking challenging and painful. To manage foot discomfort during pregnancy, it is beneficial to wear supportive footwear, maintain good hydration, and practice gentle foot exercises. If you are experiencing foot pain during your pregnancy, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief techniques.

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 Jack A. Sasiene, DPM from Texas. Our doctor 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 Texas City and Lake Jackson, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Published in Blog
Tuesday, 03 September 2024 00:00

Morton’s Neuroma Facts

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition affecting the foot, typically caused by a thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves leading to the toes. This condition often develops between the third and fourth toes, where the nerve becomes compressed or irritated. Morton’s neuroma can be triggered by factors such as wearing tight or high-heeled shoes, which place excessive pressure on the foot, or by repetitive stress from activities like running or jumping. Symptoms can include sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot, tingling or numbness in the toes, and a feeling of having a pebble in the shoe. These symptoms often worsen with activity and improve with rest. If you have pain in this area of your foot, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat Morton’s neuroma.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Jack A. Sasiene, DPM of Texas. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

  • Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
  • Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
  • Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Texas City and Lake Jackson, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Morton's Neuroma
Published in Blog
Sunday, 01 September 2024 00:00

Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

Published in Blog

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