Items filtered by date: June 2024

Caregivers play a vital role in maintaining the foot and toenail health of those they assist. Regular inspection of the feet is important, checking for any signs of redness, swelling, cuts, or infections. Toenails should be trimmed straight across to prevent ingrown toenails, and the edges can be gently filed to remove sharp corners. Keeping feet clean and dry helps prevent fungal infections, while moisturizing can prevent dry, cracked skin. It is also important to ensure that shoes and socks fit properly to avoid pressure points and blisters. Elevating the feet periodically can improve circulation, especially for those who are less mobile. Any signs of infection or persistent foot problems should be addressed promptly. If you are a caregiver, it is suggested that you include a podiatrist on the healthcare team to ensure specialized care and early intervention for any foot-related issues.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Ocotillo Foot and Ankle Centers. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

Poor foot circulation is a condition where blood flow to the feet is reduced, leading to various health issues. It often results in symptoms such as cold feet, numbness, and swelling. Common causes include diabetes, peripheral artery disease, and prolonged inactivity. Smoking and high cholesterol levels can also contribute to this condition. Poor circulation can delay healing of wounds and increase the risk of infections due to inadequate blood supply. Regular exercise, such as walking or stretching, can improve circulation by stimulating blood flow. Wearing compression socks can also help manage symptoms by promoting venous return. Maintaining a healthy diet and managing underlying conditions is essential for preventing poor foot circulation. Having poor foot circulation can be uncomfortable, and the causes often need to be identified before starting treatment. If you have poor foot circulation, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose this condition and offer appropriate relief solutions.

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Ocotillo Foot and Ankle Centers. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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

Ankle fractures refer to breaks in any bones that make up the ankle joint, typically involving the tibia, fibula, or talus. These fractures can be caused by trauma from falls, sports injuries, or vehicular accidents, as well as overuse injuries or underlying conditions like osteoporosis. The ankle joint is composed of three main bones which are the tibia, fibula, and talus, along with the surrounding ligaments and tendons that provide stability and support. Injury may involve any of these structures, ranging from minor hairline fractures to severe breaks that displace the bones. Depending on the severity and location of the fracture, treatment may involve immobilization with a cast or brace, realignment of displaced bones through manipulation or surgery, and rehabilitation to restore strength and function. Prompt medical attention is vital to prevent complications and ensure proper long-term healing. If you have broken your ankle, it is suggested that you make an emergency appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose the injury and offer treatment options.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Ocotillo Foot and Ankle Centers. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

Diabetic foot ulcers are open sores or wounds that develop on the feet of individuals with diabetes. Ulcers may arise due to poor blood circulation, nerve damage known as neuropathy, and high blood sugar levels, which impair the body's ability to heal. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and drainage from the ulcer, and they may become infected if not properly treated. Some risk factors for diabetic foot ulcers are prolonged diabetes, poor glycemic control, smoking, and wearing inappropriate footwear. Additionally, foot deformities and a history of foot ulcers or amputation increase the likelihood of developing these sores. Treatment involves keeping the ulcer clean and covered, managing blood glucose levels, and taking antibiotics to prevent or treat infection. A podiatrist plays a crucial role in managing and preventing diabetic foot ulcers. They can provide routine foot care, recommend proper footwear, and offer guidance on foot hygiene. If you have diabetes and notice any foot abnormalities, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to prevent complications.

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 Ocotillo Foot and Ankle Centers. 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 our offices located in Chandler, and Phoenix, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.