Protecting Your Diabetic Feet

Diabetes can lead to serious foot problems due to nerve damage, known as neuropathy, and poor circulation. These issues reduce sensation in the feet and slow down the body’s ability to heal, making it easier for cuts, blisters, or sores to go unnoticed and worsen over time. Common symptoms include numbness, tingling, and wounds that are slow to heal. Feet may also appear discolored or swollen, and can develop ulcers that may be painless but carry a high risk of infection. A podiatrist can diagnose diabetic foot conditions by performing a comprehensive foot exam and checking nerve function and blood flow. Treatment may involve wound care, custom orthotics, foot hygiene education, and monitoring to prevent complications. Regular visits to a podiatrist play a critical role in maintaining foot health and preventing serious outcomes. If you have diabetes, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a full evaluation and personalized care plan for 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 the foot specialists from Academy Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors 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 offices located in Southlake, Keller (Fort Worth), Hurst, North Richland Hills, Flower Mound, Argyle, and Denton, TX. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Keep Your Feet Healthy So You Can Stay Active

Have your feet inspected by a professional before starting a new sport or physical activity. Taking charge of your foot health will keep you in good physical condition and can help you avoid a potential injury, such as a fracture or sprained ankle.

Prevent injuries and see a foot specialist.

What to Do if Your Foot Blister Pops

Blisters are fluid-filled pockets of skin that often occur on the feet as a result of friction. When a blister forms, you should avoid popping it, because draining the liquid within the blister leaves the raw skin beneath it exposed and vulnerable to infection. However, sometimes a blister pops or tears open on its own. When this happens, start with washing the area gently with clean water. Then, carefully smooth the flap of skin left behind from the popped blister over the tender, exposed skin beneath. Do not remove this flap of skin unless it is very dirty, torn, or has pus underneath it. Cover the area with a thin layer of petroleum jelly and a nonstick bandage. It is then a good idea to have the blister checked out by a podiatrist. If you have a particularly painful blister, notice signs of infection, or are prone to foot blisters, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact the foot specialists of Academy Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Southlake, Keller (Fort Worth), Hurst, North Richland Hills, Flower Mound, Argyle, and Denton, TX. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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What Can Shockwave Therapy Be Used For?

Patients who undergo shockwave therapy may notice how simple and effective this type of treatment can be. It is administered by sending wave pulses to the affected area of the foot, and this may be helpful in reducing existing inflammation. Shockwave therapy can be used in treating specific foot conditions that can include Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, or ligament injuries. It is known to stimulate the formation of new blood vessels, which is helpful in promoting healing. The benefit of choosing this type of treatment can include the short amount of time necessary to complete the treatments. The need for surgery may even be eliminated. If you would like additional information on how shockwave therapy can treat certain foot conditions, please confer with a podiatrist.

Shockwave therapy is a treatment commonly used to treat various injuries and conditions, particularly plantar fasciitis in the feet. To learn more, consult with the foot specialists from Academy Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is a new treatment option designed to treat bone conditions such as tennis elbow, shoulder pain, and others. Shockwave therapy uses high intensity sound waves that are directed to the affected tissues of the body with pinpoint accuracy. The effects are very beneficial, leading to a production of collagen fibers, eliminating inflammation.

Who Benefits from Shockwave?

Shockwave is recommended for patients suffering from heel pain and associated problems. Heel pain is a common condition which can be caused by obesity, overexertion, and spending a substantial amount of time on hard floors with your feet exposed and unsupported.

Fast and Easy

The therapy is actually a simple process that can leave patients feeling better the very next day. Shockwave therapy is not as dramatic as it sounds. It enables more blood flow to effected areas, addressing the source of the problem and allowing treatment to last for a long time.

Treatment & Recovery Time

Shockwave treatment will enable your feet to recover quickly. This is especially important since surgery is not required. It is cost effective and does not require the use of anesthesia. This treatment is a better option to surgery, since it is proven safe.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Southlake, Keller (Fort Worth), Hurst, North Richland Hills, Flower Mound, Argyle, and Denton, TX. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Treating Heel Pain with Shockwave Therapy

How Foot Bones Function During Running

The bones of the foot play a critical role in running by acting as a spring that stores and releases energy with each step. As the foot strikes the ground, the arches compress to absorb shock and dissipate energy, protecting the joints and soft tissues from excessive stress. During push off, the bones and ligaments work together to release stored energy, propelling the body forward efficiently. Research shows that the foot contributes a significant proportion of the total energy return during running, highlighting its importance in performance and injury prevention. A podiatrist can help by analyzing gait, prescribing orthotics, and providing strategies to optimize foot function. If you have foot pain from running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on practical running form strategies. 

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact the foot specialists from Academy Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

  • Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
  • In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Southlake, Keller (Fort Worth), Hurst, North Richland Hills, Flower Mound, Argyle, and Denton, TX. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Biomechanics in Podiatry

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