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A foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that typically occurs on the bottom of the foot. It is common in individuals with diabetes or poor circulation, as high blood sugar and reduced blood flow can impair healing. Foot ulcers can develop due to pressure, friction, or injury, and without proper care, they can become infected or worsen over time. Effective wound care is an important way to prevent further complications. This involves cleaning the ulcer regularly, applying appropriate dressings, and ensuring the foot is protected from further injury. It is also important to manage underlying conditions, such as diabetes, by keeping blood sugar levels under control. In some cases, a podiatrist may recommend antibiotics if an infection is present. Wearing proper footwear and offloading pressure from the affected area are also essential in promoting healing and preventing recurrence. If you have developed a foot ulcer, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer appropriate treatment solutions.

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 podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. 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 contact our offices located in Woodbury, West St. Paul, and Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A toenail infection, known as onychomycosis when caused by fungus, can affect the way your nails look and feel. Infected toenails often become thick, brittle, and discolored, turning yellow, brown, or even white in appearance. The surface may develop ridges, crumble at the edges, or lift away from the nail bed. Warm and damp environments, such as heavy work boots or locker room floors, can encourage fungal growth, making toenails particularly vulnerable. In addition to fungal infections, bacteria can also infect the nail, leading to swelling, redness, and discomfort around the nail fold. These changes may interfere with walking, cause pain when wearing shoes, or increase the risk of further foot problems. A podiatrist can perform an examination, remove a small sample of nail if needed, and determine the cause of the infection. Early treatment helps prevent complications and restores nail health. If you believe you have a toenail infection, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Woodbury, West St. Paul, and Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Diabetic neuropathy is a form of nerve damage caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels, and it often affects the feet, toes, and ankles. Diabetic patients may experience burning pain, tingling, numbness, or increased sensitivity, but one of the greatest dangers is the gradual loss of protective sensation. Without the ability to feel pain or pressure, small cuts, blisters, or irritation may go unnoticed, and lead to infections or ulcers. Poor circulation, common in diabetes, further slows healing and raises the risk of tissue breakdown and possible limb loss, if infections are not addressed. Weakened nerves also can alter foot structure, resulting in deformities or instability that place even more stress on the joints and skin. A podiatrist can identify early signs of neuropathy, evaluate nerve and vascular health, and provide treatment to protect the feet. If you have symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for ongoing help in managing this serious condition.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Woodbury, West St. Paul, and Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot corns are areas of thickened skin that develop when pressure or friction is repeatedly applied to certain parts of the feet. They often result from wearing shoes that are too tight, high heeled, or poorly fitted, which places excess pressure on the toes or soles. Corns can cause discomfort, pain, and difficulty walking, if not addressed. Prevention includes wearing properly fitted shoes with cushioned soles and protective padding to reduce friction. A podiatrist can safely remove corns, recommend orthotics, and guide you on proper footwear choices to stop them from returning. If you have a painful corn, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Woodbury, West St. Paul, and Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.