A foot wound is any break in the skin of the foot that can result from injury, pressure, poor circulation, or underlying health conditions. Without proper care, these wounds may lead to infection or delayed healing. Debridement, the process of removing dead or damaged tissue, is a key step in promoting healthy tissue growth and preventing complications. A podiatrist is able to diagnose and treat foot wounds, perform debridement, monitor healing, and create individualized care plans to restore foot health. These foot doctors play a vital role in preventing infections and protecting overall mobility. If you have a foot wound or experience slow healing, it is strongly suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to receive expert care and avoid serious complications.
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 Gelbmann Podiatry. 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 feel free to contact our offices located in Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!
Toenail fungus is a common infection caused by various fungi, including those responsible for tinea pedis, also known as athlete’s foot, and onychomycosis, which specifically affects the nails. It develops when fungi invade the nail bed or surrounding skin due to warm, moist environments, poor foot hygiene, or minor injuries. Risk factors include wearing tight shoes, excessive sweating, and compromised immune systems. Symptoms include thickened, discolored, brittle, or crumbly nails, and sometimes itching or discomfort. A podiatrist can diagnose the specific type of fungal infection and offer effective treatments such as topical or oral antifungal medications and nail debridement. If you have the beginning symptoms of toenail fungus, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose the problem and offer effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.
For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Gelbmann Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Toenail Fungus Treatment
Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.
Antifungals & Deterrence
Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.
Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.
Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Corns and calluses are thickened areas of skin that develop as a natural response to repeated pressure or friction. Although they help protect the skin, they can become painful, especially when located on weight-bearing areas of the feet. Corns typically form on the tops or sides of toes and are often small and round. Calluses are usually larger and develop on the soles of the feet, especially under the heels or balls of the feet. Wearing tight shoes, walking barefoot, or having foot deformities like bunions can contribute to the formation of corns and calluses. While these skin changes are not harmful on their own, the discomfort they cause may affect walking and daily comfort. Treatment often includes reducing pressure through padding, wearing properly fitted footwear, and sometimes using custom orthotics. If corns or calluses are causing pain, it is suggested you visit a podiatrist for proper care.
If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Gelbmann Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.
Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:
- Well-fitting socks
- Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
- Shoes that offer support
Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
