Foot ulcers are not only a concern for people with diabetes. Many individuals without diabetes also develop painful sores on the feet that are slow to heal. These ulcers can be caused by poor circulation, vein problems, pressure from footwear, or unnoticed injuries. People with limited mobility, nerve damage, or skin conditions are especially at risk. Unlike diabetic foot ulcers, these wounds may be overlooked or misdiagnosed, delaying proper treatment. If left untreated, they can lead to infection and deeper tissue damage. Identifying the root cause is essential to healing. A podiatrist can evaluate the ulcer, recommend wound care, and help prevent future sores. If you notice a sore on your foot that is not healing or keeps returning, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and expert care.

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 Paul Hutchison, DPM from Hutchison Foot Clinic. Our doctor 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 office located in Memphis, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet, often beginning between the toes. Symptoms include itching, burning, scaling, and cracked skin. It thrives in warm, moist environments such as locker rooms, communal showers, and sweaty footwear. Causes include walking barefoot in public places and wearing damp socks or shoes. Risk factors include poor foot hygiene, compromised immunity, and tight footwear. A podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis, recommend effective treatment, and provide tips to prevent recurrence. If you notice symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment tips.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Paul Hutchison, DPM from Hutchison Foot Clinic.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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

Hammertoe happens when the toe bends and stays in a curled position, often leading to pain and trouble fitting into shoes. If conservative treatment does not provide enough relief for patients, podiatrists offer two main types of surgery to straighten the toe and improve comfort. These are minimally invasive procedures and open surgery, with each approach offering its own advantages. Minimally invasive surgery uses small incisions and special instruments to adjust the toe without fully opening the joint. This method usually causes less swelling and scarring and allows for faster healing. Many people return to daily routines sooner than with traditional surgery. Open surgery involves a larger incision, giving the surgeon a clear view of the joint and bones. This technique may be chosen for more severe cases that need a more precise correction. If hammertoe is affecting your daily life, it is suggested you meet with a podiatrist to learn about treatment options.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Paul Hutchison, DPM of Hutchison Foot Clinic. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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