Most foot wounds heal with time and proper care, but some fail to improve, despite treatment. Poor circulation is a common reason, as reduced blood flow limits oxygen and nutrient delivery needed for healing. Diabetes can also slow recovery by affecting nerves, immune response, and blood vessels, making injuries harder to feel and treat early. Ongoing pressure from walking, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or abnormal foot structure may repeatedly reopen wounds. Infection is another major factor, as bacteria can delay tissue repair and increase inflammation. Certain wounds become chronic when underlying conditions are not addressed. Skin breakdown may continue if pressure points are not offloaded, or if moisture and friction persist. Early evaluation is important to prevent complications. When a foot wound does not show signs of healing or continues to worsen, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist as quickly as possible for appropriate treatment.

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 contact our office located in Sparta, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ingrown toenails form when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, often affecting the big toe. This can occur from improper nail trimming, pressure from footwear, toe deformities, or trauma. As the nail penetrates the skin, inflammation may develop, leading to redness, swelling, tenderness, and drainage. If left untreated, ingrown toenails can become infected and painful, interfering with walking, work, and other activities. A podiatrist can evaluate the affected toe and identify contributing factors, such as gait mechanics or structural issues of the foot. Treatment includes relieving pressure, addressing infection, correcting nail growth patterns, or performing a minor in office procedure to remove the problematic nail portion. If you have pain from an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Philip C. Caswell, DPM of Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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.

A broken foot refers to a fracture in one or more bones of the foot that disrupts normal movement and weight-bearing. Healing time can vary depending on the location and severity of the fracture, overall health, and how well the foot is protected during recovery. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, and difficulty standing or walking. Causes often involve falls, sports injuries, repetitive stress, or direct impact. Risk factors include osteoporosis, overuse, wearing improper footwear, and high-impact activities. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose the injury using a physical examination and imaging, create a personalized treatment plan, and monitor healing progress. If you have symptoms of a broken foot, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, 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.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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.

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. It commonly affects the feet because these joints are under constant stress and are more prone to crystal accumulation, especially in the big toe. Symptoms often include sudden severe pain, swelling, redness, warmth, and stiffness that may limit walking and daily activities. Gout can be influenced by lifestyle and medical factors such as being overweight, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and kidney disease. Relief often includes lifestyle adjustments like improved diet choices, hydration, and weight management to reduce flare ups. A podiatrist can evaluate foot involvement, relieve pain, protect joint function, and recommend footwear or orthotics to reduce stress. If you have symptoms of gout, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can help you to manage this painful condition. 

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Philip C. Caswell, DPM from Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor 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 office located in Sparta, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.