Diabetic foot is a condition that can require a hospital stay for some diabetic patients. It is a condition that may cause the patient to lose feeling in their feet, which can make it difficult to feel a cut or a bruise. It occurs as a result of elevated blood sugar levels. It is beneficial to control the amount of sugar that is ingested, and this is often helpful in keeping glucose levels within a normal range. Additionally, many patients find their feet feel better when they are gently washed and dried, and trimming the toenails correctly may help to avoid cuts on the toes. It is important to incorporate gentle exercise into your daily routine, as this may help to improve circulation and overall health. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to properly manage any foot-related problems that may arise because of this 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 Hahn, DPM from Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. 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 Texarkana, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Wearing flip flops frequently may lead to the skin on the heels becoming dry, causing the condition known as cracked heels. Additionally, cracked heels may form from standing on hard surfaces for the majority of the day, or from having specific medical conditions. These conditions may consist of diabetes, obesity, eczema, and psoriasis. Research has indicated it may help to incorporate zinc and omega-3 into your diet which can be accomplished by taking vitamins. Some of the symptoms that are associated with cracked heels can include peeling skin, bleeding cracks, and the affected area may be red and itchy. If you are experiencing any signs of cracked heels please schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this ailment.

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 Hahn, DPM from Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. 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 Texarkana, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel pain is a common ailment among people across the globe.  The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel, and when these muscles are not properly stretched, it may result in heel pain.  Therefore, it can help to stretch the calf muscles for heel pain relief.  An effective stretch can consist of standing on a step, and gently lowering one heel at a time. Additionally, many people find towel stretches to be beneficial in diminishing heel pain. This is accomplished by sitting on the floor with outstretched legs, and placing a towel around the heels. After gently pulling the heels toward you, it is beneficial to hold this position for ten seconds. If you would like more information about how to stretch the feet to possibly alleviate heel pain, please consult with a podiatrist.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Philip Hahn, DPM of Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

Podiatrists are doctors who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of lower limb disorders, diseases, and injuries. They are trained to diagnose and treat a variety of foot and ankle conditions, from injuries such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis, to diabetic foot ulcers, athlete’s foot and beyond. Podiatrists can also prescribe and design custom orthotics to help patients manage and recover from various injuries, ailments, and deformities. They can analyze your walking patterns, correct your gait, improve mobility and prevent foot pain. They can even aid in the management of systemic conditions that affect the lower limbs, such as diabetes, neuropathy, and poor circulation. If you have any foot or ankle problems, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist near you. 

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Philip Hahn, DPM from Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. 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 Texarkana, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.