Wounds on the feet can develop for many reasons. Diabetes, poor circulation, nerve damage, pressure points, in addition to wearing ill-fitting shoes, surgery, and trauma can all break the skin and slow healing. Treatment often includes wound cleaning, infection control, specialized dressings, and sometimes antibiotics or advanced therapies. Offloading is just as important as these treatments. Offloading means reducing pressure on the wounded area so new tissue can form. This may involve a surgical shoe, removable boot, cast, custom insert, or temporary padding. When pressure continues, wounds reopen or fail to heal, even with good care. Proper offloading allows blood flow to improve and inflammation to settle. It also helps prevent deeper infection and further breakdown. Following offloading instructions at home is essential. Walking barefoot or skipping use of devices can reverse progress. Early care often improves outcomes. If you have sustained any kind of foot wound, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for proper treatment and 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 contact our office located in Memphis, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory joint condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissues. When this disorder affects the feet, it can lead to progressive inflammation that damages joints, ligaments, and surrounding structures. Symptoms include persistent pain, swelling, stiffness, and tenderness within the forefoot and toes. Over time, visible changes in appearance may occur as bone damage develops and toes begin curling or shifting from their natural position. These structural changes may alter foot shape and may affect shoe size or comfort when walking. Risk factors include genetic susceptibility and autoimmune disease patterns. A podiatrist can monitor joint health, reduce pressure on affected areas, and recommend supportive care. If you have symptoms of RA in your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Paul Hutchison, DPM of Hutchison Foot Clinic. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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.

Foot and ankle pain while roller skating often develops from improper equipment or technique. Wearing the wrong size boots can create pressure points, reduce stability, and strain muscles and joints. Incorrect skating technique may also place excessive stress on the feet and ankles, leading to discomfort and fatigue. Properly fitting boots should feel secure and supportive without squeezing the toes or sides of the foot. Laces should be fairly tight to provide stability, and the ankle strap should be adjusted to keep the heel secure and the ankle well-supported. Poor foot mechanics or repeated strain may worsen pain over time. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, recommend supportive insoles, and provide guidance to improve comfort and prevent injury. If you have foot or ankle pain from skating, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and prevention tips.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Paul Hutchison, DPM from Hutchison Foot Clinic. Our doctor 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 office located in Memphis, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Haglund's syndrome is a painful condition that affects the back of the heel and is more common in women, especially those who often wear high heels or shoes with stiff backs. It usually involves three related problems. First, the large tendon that connects the calf muscle to the heel becomes irritated where it attaches to the bone. Second, a small fluid-filled cushion that helps reduce friction in the heel becomes swollen and inflamed. Third, a bony bump can form on the back of the heel. This bump may rub against shoes, leading to redness, swelling, and ongoing pain. Symptoms of Haglund's syndrome can affect one or both heels and often get worse with activity or certain footwear. A podiatrist can order imaging tests and recommend treatment such as supportive devices, targeted injections, or surgery in more severe cases. If you have pain in the back of the heel, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Paul Hutchison, DPM of Hutchison Foot Clinic. 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 Memphis, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.