Foot complications are prevalent in individuals with diabetes and can lead to severe consequences if left untreated. Neuropathy, or nerve damage, can result in loss of sensation, making it difficult to detect injuries or wounds. Skin changes, calluses, and foot ulcers are common due to reduced circulation and impaired healing. In severe cases, untreated ulcers can lead to infections, sometimes necessitating amputation. Preventive measures include daily foot inspections, wearing proper footwear, and regular podiatric care. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you include a podiatrist on your healthcare team. This medical professional can assess your foot health, provide education on foot care, and help manage possible complications.

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 practitioners from Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners 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 Windsor, ON . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar warts are noncancerous growths caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, infecting the outer layer of skin on the soles of the feet. They often appear as small, grainy lesions with black dots embedded within them, causing discomfort or pain, especially when walking or standing. Those individuals with diabetes or compromised immune systems should be particularly watchful of such growths. These warts are contagious and can spread through direct contact with infected surfaces or skin. Treatment options can include salicylic acid to prescription strength treatments such as cryotherapy, laser therapy, or surgical removal. If you have a plantar wart that causes persistent pain, changes in appearance, or interferes with walking, it is suggested that you seek podiatric attention.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact the practitioners from Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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

Stress fractures typically occur when there is a rapid increase in activity level or time spent on your feet. Your bones are resilient, constantly adapting to changes through a process called remodeling. However, when this adaptation is rushed, such as with sudden increases in activity, the balance between bone destruction and rebuilding is disturbed. This leaves your bones fragile and susceptible to stress fractures. Conditions like osteoporosis as well as high-impact sports may increase the risk of stress fractures. Foot structure variations like high or flat arches and wearing inadequate footwear can also contribute to heightened stress fracture risk. Symptoms of foot stress fractures include swelling, bruising, tenderness, and activity-related pain that diminishes with rest. Ignoring a foot stress fracture can make the injury worse and potentially lead to more severe consequences. If you believe you may have a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact the practitioners from Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a common condition characterized by a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries, resulting in restricted blood flow to the muscles in the lower legs and feet. A particular symptom of PAD is called intermittent claudication, which is a pain, cramp, or sense of fatigue in the leg muscles when you walk or exercise. Other symptoms are hair loss on the legs and feet, numbness or weakness, and slow-growing toenails. Leg ulcers, skin color changes, and shiny skin are other signs. PAD is primarily caused by atherosclerosis, where fatty deposits accumulate within arterial walls, narrowing the vessels. Contributing factors to peripheral artery disease include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and aging. Seeking help from a podiatrist is essential for an accurate diagnosis through physical examination and tests like the ankle brachial pressure index, or ABPI. Treatment involves lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise, smoking cessation, and maintaining a healthy diet. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be needed to improve blood flow and alleviate symptoms. For help in determining whether you have peripheral artery disease that is affecting your foot health, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with the practitioners from Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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