Items filtered by date: August 2023

For individuals living with diabetes, maintaining foot care takes on paramount importance. Elevated blood sugar levels can lead to nerve damage and reduced blood flow in the feet, making them vulnerable to infections and slow healing. Regularly inspecting the feet for any cuts, blisters, or sores, can help to prevent infections. It is helpful to moisturize the feet but avoid applying lotion between the toes. Wearing well-fitting shoes made from breathable materials may help to ensure maximum comfort. It is beneficial to choose seamless socks that can prevent friction. Trimming the nails straight across can help to avoid ingrown nails, and elevating the feet while sitting may promote healthy circulation. Prioritizing your foot health is crucial to having a comfortable and active life with diabetes. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Philip C. Caswell, DPM from Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Sparta, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Podiatry, a medical field focusing on foot and lower leg conditions, is an option that appeals to those interested in patient care without a traditional medical school. To determine if podiatry suits you, it is important to understand its benefits and the skills needed. Podiatrists diagnose, treat, and perform procedures, such as setting broken bones and prescribing medications. They have distinct educational paths and professional organizations, offering flexible work arrangements in private practices or hospitals. Reasons to consider podiatry include work-life balance, impact on patients' lives, and diverse specializations, such as sports medicine or surgery. In addition, this profession offers varied patient populations, high demand, innovation, good pay, job stability, independence, and favorable work environments. Skills like interpersonal communication, critical thinking, dexterity, and research are vital for effective podiatry practice. If you are considering pursuing podiatry as a career choice, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a practicing podiatrist to see what it is really like to perform this role.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Philip C. Caswell, DPM from Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Sparta, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Various foot conditions can make movement difficult. Chief among them is cracked heels. As one ages, skin becomes thinner and dryer and the skin on the heels can form calluses, or dead skin, and can develop cracks. This often happens because the heels endure a lot of pressure from walking and the skin is dry. Cracked heels can become painful and make walking difficult. If they get bad enough, fissures can develop and the cracks deepen, can bleed, and be a breeding ground for infection. If one has diabetes, peripheral artery disease, or poor circulation, cracked heels can become serious foot wounds that are difficult to heal. Hydration and moisturizing the feet can help with cracked heels, as can wearing socks with cushioned shoes and temporarily cutting down on activities that put pressure on the heels. If you have cracked heels and the condition is causing you discomfort or it is worsening, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can make sure that is what you are dealing with and provide treatment.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact Philip C. Caswell, DPM from Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Sparta, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Your feet are your constant companions, carrying you through life's journey. When injuries occur, proper wound care is vital to ensure a speedy recovery and prevent complications. The following are steps that can be taken for proper wound care. Begin by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water to avoid introducing bacteria into the wound. Gently cleanse the affected area with mild soap and warm water, patting it dry with a clean towel. Bleeding can be controlled by applying gentle pressure with a clean cloth or sterile gauze. Using an antiseptic solution or ointment can help to disinfect the wound and minimize the risk of infection. This can be followed by applying an adhesive bandage or sterile dressing to shield the wound from dirt and friction. Change the dressing regularly and keep an eye on any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge. By following these simple wound care steps, you can safeguard the health of your feet. If the bleeding persists or the wound is deep, it is suggested to seek prompt medical attention from a podiatrist.

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 Philip C. Caswell, DPM from Family Foot & Ankle Care. 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 office located in Sparta, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The feet are often taken for granted until foot pain develops. Foot pain can happen for several reasons which may cause difficulty in completing daily activities. Each foot has 26 bones and numerous joints, tendons, ligaments, and muscles. This complex system works together to provide stability and balance, and therefore it is helpful to maintain proper foot care. Wearing shoes that fit correctly may help to prevent a multitude of foot conditions, such as hammertoes, bunions, and ingrown toenails. Athlete’s foot and toenail fungus are common conditions that can cause discomfort. These can occur when frequenting places like public swimming pools, shower rooms, or similar areas. A small tear to the plantar fascia may cause debilitating pain, and arthritic conditions like gout can cause the joints in the big toe to become inflamed. For any type of foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and an effective treatment plan.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Philip C. Caswell, DPM from Family Foot & Ankle Care. 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 office located in Sparta, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.