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Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) affect approximately 15% of Americans who have diabetes. These wounds can be difficult to treat, as they often go undetected until they have progressed and have a poor blood supply, which makes the healing process very slow. Furthermore, people with diabetes are at greater risk of having an impaired immune system, making the wounds more likely to become infected. Fortunately, there have been many recent breakthroughs in wound treatment. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) uses wound dressing and airtight film with a suction device to cover the wound, drain fluid, and promote healthy new tissue growth. Skin grafting has also advanced and can be used to treat DFUs in some patients. To learn more about advanced diabetic wound care, consult with a podiatrist today. 

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 the podiatrists from Elite 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 one of our offices located in Ahwatukee, Phoenix, and Chandler, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.

Bunions are bony growths that appear along the outside of the foot at the base of the big toe joint. They are thought to occur in response to excess pressure and friction on the toes from wearing ill-fitting shoes, as well as due to a genetic predisposition for bunions. This common toe deformity can be painful, as the bunions rub against shoes and cause the big toe to move out of alignment and towards the smaller toes. There are a variety of treatment methods available for bunions. Conservative methods can be prescribed to manage the symptoms of a bunion. These may include wearing wider, more supportive shoes, wearing orthotics such as toe stretchers, splints, or bunion pads, taking over-the-counter medications to reduce pain, and applying ice to the bunion to decrease inflammation. Bunions can be removed permanently through surgery. If you have painful bunions, talk to your podiatrist about potential treatment options today. 

If you are suffering from bunions, contact the podiatrists of Elite Podiatry. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Ahwatukee, Phoenix, and Chandler, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis where excess amounts of uric acid causes hard crystals to form in the joints—most commonly affected is the big toe joint. The body’s inability to flush uric acid may be caused by kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, certain medications, consuming foods and beverages that are high in purines, and a family history of gout. The pain felt by gout can often be acute, and may be accompanied by a burning sensation, swelling, and severe tenderness in the big toe. A podiatrist can diagnose gout through an examination, blood tests and analysis of joint fluid, and create a treatment plan based on their findings and the severity of the condition in the patient.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact the podiatrists from Elite Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Ahwatukee, Phoenix, and Chandler, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.