Foot ulcers require specialized care to remove dead tissue and promote healthy healing. Different types of wound care are used depending on the severity and condition of the ulcer. Sharp debridement uses sterile instruments to remove damaged tissue quickly and precisely. Autolytic and enzymatic methods rely on moisture or natural enzymes to help the body clear away unhealthy tissue more gradually. Mechanical debridement, which uses gentle cleansing or dressing changes, can aid in removing debris, though it must be performed carefully to protect healthy skin. For deeper or infected ulcers, hydrosurgical techniques may be used to target damaged tissue with pressurized saline for improved precision. A podiatrist can evaluate the ulcer, determine which type of wound care is most effective, and monitor healing progress. If you have a foot ulcer that will not heal, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and 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 one of our podiatrists from Foot Doctors of Utica. 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 contact our offices located in Herkimer, and New Hartford, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition that affects many middle-aged women due to hormonal changes, reduced elasticity in connective tissues, increased activity levels, and footwear that does not offer adequate support. Symptoms often include sharp heel pain when taking the first steps in the morning, tenderness along the bottom of the foot, and stiffness that may worsen after long periods of standing. The condition may appear as mild swelling near the heel and feel like a persistent ache or a sudden stabbing sensation. Causes include overuse, improper shoe choices, weight gain, or biomechanical issues, such as flat feet or high arches. A podiatrist can provide an early and accurate diagnosis through physical examination and imaging, followed by treatments that include custom orthotics, stretching plans, footwear guidance, and advanced procedures when necessary. If you are dealing with this type of heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot Doctors of Utica. Our doctors 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 offices located in Herkimer, and New Hartford, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Mid-foot stress fractures in runners often involve the navicular bone, which lies between the ankle and the front of the foot. Repetitive impact from running can place excessive pressure on this bone. This often happens during foot strike, when the navicular becomes trapped between the talus and the cuneiform bones. The resulting pressure can eventually cause a small crack to form, which leads to pain on the top or inner side of the mid-foot. Because these mid-foot stress fractures are difficult to detect on standard X-rays, advanced imaging, such as a CT scan or MRI, is often needed to confirm the diagnosis. Without proper care, the fracture can become worse or heal improperly, resulting in long-term pain or weakness. A podiatrist can assess the injury, ensure accurate imaging, and recommend appropriate treatment or surgery if needed. If you have mid-foot pain while running, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and suggested treatment.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Doctors of Utica. Our doctors 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 contact our offices located in Herkimer, and New Hartford, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Many people experience common foot problems that can cause pain and limit mobility. Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe, often due to genetics or wearing poorly fitting shoes, and can cause swelling and discomfort. Fallen arches, or flat feet, can lead to pain in the arch or heel, and may result from aging, injury, or genetics. Hammertoes cause one or more toes to bend abnormally, creating stiffness and difficulty wearing shoes. Ingrown toenails occur when the nail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to redness, swelling, and possible infection. Additionally, plantar fasciitis is a inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, causing sharp heel pain, especially in the morning. A podiatrist can diagnose these conditions through a thorough exam and imaging  tests when needed. Treatment options include custom orthotics, footwear changes, medications, or minor procedures. It is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for proper care and relief.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot Doctors of Utica. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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