Tennessee Podiatry Blog | Alabama Podiatry | Foot and Ankle Care

Early Warning Signs of Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 15:42:04 GMT

Did you know that one in four people with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer ? If you’re one of the millions of Americans living with diabetes, it’s important to be aware of the early warning signs of diabetic foot ulcers so you can get treatment before it becomes a bigger problem. This blog post will give you an overview of what diabetic foot ulcers are, early warning signs, and some tips on preventing them.

What is a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?

A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that develops on the foot of a person with diabetes. About 60% of diabetics will develop neuropathy, which is damage to the nerves. (Dreyer, 2022). When neuropathy occurs in the feet, it can lead to decreased sensation. This means that a person with neuropathy may not feel pain or notice a wound on their foot until it becomes infected. If the infection becomes severe enough, then amputation may be necessary. Diabetic foot ulcers are the most common reason for hospitalization among patients with diabetes (Dreyer, 2022).

What causes diabetic foot ulcers?

Elevated blood sugar levels - If your blood sugar levels are consistently high, the smaller vasculature (arteries and veins) will become damaged, which may lead to foot ulcers.
Poor foot care - Ignoring early warning signs, wearing tight shoes, and inadequate foot care can increase your chances of developing a foot ulcer.
Poor blood flow - If blood can’t reach an area in your foot, then injured tissue will not receive the oxygen, nutrients, or healing factors needed to heal the wound.
Neuropathy - If you can’t feel when you’ve been injured, then a tiny blister or callous can quickly become a large wound that can become infected.

How to Prevent Diabetic Foot Ulcers?

The best way to prevent diabetic foot ulcers is to keep your blood sugar under control by adhering to a healthy diet, taking all of your medications as prescribed, and engaging in regular exercise. Visit your healthcare provider regularly so they can check your feet for any early signs of infection or injury.

Here are some other tips for preventing diabetic foot ulcers:

Wash your feet every day with warm water and mild soap. Be sure to dry your feet well, especially between the toes.
Inspect your feet daily for cuts, sores, redness, or swelling. Use a mirror if necessary.
After a shower, when your nails are soft, trim your nails straight across and file down rough edges with an emery board or nail file.
Wear shoes that fit well and protect your feet from injury.
Avoid prolonged sitting, standing, or crossing your legs.

What are the early warning signs of diabetic foot ulcers?

During your daily foot care, look for early warning signs that you may develop a foot ulcer. The area may be red, tender, or even swollen. Sometimes, foot ulcers start as blisters or callouses. If you see this or any other problems with your feet, make an appointment with a podiatrist (a foot and ankle specialist) for further evaluation.

How are Diabetic Foot Ulcers Treated?

The most important thing you can do if you have diabetes is to control your blood sugar levels. This will help prevent diabetic foot ulcers from developing in the first place. If you already have a foot ulcer, your doctor will clean the wound, instruct you on keeping it clean and dry, and prescribe medication to help prevent infection. Surgery may sometimes be necessary to remove dead tissue or amputate it.

What should you do if you think you have a diabetic foot ulcer?

If you have any area on your foot that is red, swollen, painful, or developing an open wound, make an appointment with a podiatrist for further evaluation. Diabetic foot ulcers are serious complications of diabetes that can lead to hospitalization and lower limb amputation. However, they are preventable if you have good blood sugar control and see your healthcare provider regularly. You should also inspect your feet daily and take care of any minor problems immediately before they become serious. These tips can help prevent diabetic foot ulcers and keep your feet healthy!

References

Advancing Foot and Ankle Medicine and Surgery. (n.d.). Diabetic Wound Care | Foot Health | Patients | APMA .
American Podiatric Medical Association. Retrieved November 1, 2022, from https://www.apma.org/diabeticwoundcare
Dreyer, M. A. (2022, August 8). Diabetic Foot Ulcer - StatPearls . NCBI. Retrieved November 7, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537328/

Diabetic Foot Care: 10 Ways to Control Diabetic Foot Issues

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 14:34:33 GMT

If you have diabetes, taking care of your feet is important. Diabetes can cause many foot issues , including amputation. This blog post will discuss ten tips for keeping your feet healthy and free from diabetic foot issues. Following these simple steps can help you avoid serious health problems down the road. So let’s get started!

Why is foot care so important for people with diabetes?

Diabetes can damage the nerves in your legs and feet, resulting in numbness, pain, unsteady gait, and weakness. If you develop neuropathy, it will make it harder for you to feel pain when you have injured your feet. This can lead to untreated cuts and bruises getting infected. If the infection becomes bad enough, your bones can become infected (osteomyelitis), or the tissue that contains the infection can die (gangrene). If the damage is irreversible, your healthcare provider may recommend removing the affected limb, which is called amputation.

So, how can people with diabetes take care of their feet?

Tip #1

Check your blood sugar levels

Use your glucometer to monitor your blood sugar levels. Keep a log of your numbers so you can understand how your medication, food choices, and activity level affect your sugar. If you keep your blood sugar levels within the target range (as specified by your healthcare provider), you can reduce your risk of developing diabetic foot issues.

Tips #2

Eat a heart-healthy diet

Diabetic foot care starts with what you eat! The American Heart Association recommends that you include a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy proteins, like fish, in your daily diet.

Tip # 3

Take your prescribed medications

Be sure to take all medications as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Your medication regime is determined after thoroughly reviewing your symptoms, risks, and labwork. If you have questions about your medications, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider before stopping them.

Tip # 4

If you smoke, stop

Smoking increases the risk of vascular problems, especially in your legs and feet, which can lead to diabetic foot issues. If you need help to quit, make an appointment with your healthcare provider, who can help you get treatment.

Tip #5

Wash your feet every day

Diabetic foot care continues in the shower! Be sure to wash your feet every day with warm soapy water. Afterward, dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes. Next, apply a moisturizer to reduce the risk of your skin getting dry and crack.

Tip #6

Check your feet every day

Diabetes can cause nerve damage that makes it hard for you to feel pain from an injury, so be sure to check every inch of your feet closely, and use a mirror if needed.

Tip #7

Make an appointment with a doctor if your feet get injured

If you discover that you have a cut, don’t ignore it and assume it will just go away. People with diabetes often have reduced blood flow. Your blood is rich in healing properties, like platelets. In diabetics, the damaged area doesn’t get enough blood flow, so the cut or bruise won’t heal as fast. It’s important to involve your healthcare provider so they can take care of your cut with a wound care treatment plan.

Tip #8

Wear comfortable socks and shoes

It’s important to wear comfortable socks and shoes so you won’t develop any callouses or blisters that can turn into something much worse. Avoid open-toe, open-heel shoes which may increase your chances of getting cut or bruised.

You may even consider asking your healthcare provider for a prescription for diabetic socks and footwear.

Diabetic socks can help you prevent foot issues because they can improve blood flow to your feet, keep your feet dry, keep fungal infections off your feet, and provide cushion to reduce the chances of developing blisters.
Diabetic footwear are specially designed shoes , or shoe inserts , intended to reduce the risk of skin breakdown or developing foot sores.

Tip #9

Keep your appointments

Diabetes Check-Up

Every 3 to 4 months, your healthcare provider will ask you to come in for your diabetes follow-up. During your visit, they will review your blood sugar log and recommend bloodwork, including an a1c test. The a1c test shows the average amount of sugar in your blood over the past few months. This will help your healthcare provider adjust your diet and medications, which will help reduce the chances of developing diabetic foot issues.

Eye Check-Up

Diabetes can damage your eyes’ blood vessels, so you should schedule and keep your annual eye exams. During your exam, the eye specialist will place drops in your eyes to widen, or dilate, your pupils. Dilating your pupils helps your doctor to see inside your eyes more easily and inspect for damage caused by your diabetes.

Tip #10

Make an appointment with a Podiatrist

Foot Check-Up

Podiatrists are foot and ankle specialists that can help you care for your feet and address any diabetic foot issues that may arise. They perform a wide range of services, including foot exams, trimming your toenails, treating cuts or bruises, removing callouses, perform venous and arterial screenings, and even prescribe wound care for a slow-healing sore.

Foot care is extremely important for people with diabetes as they are at a higher risk of developing foot ulcers and other complications. If you have diabetes, taking extra precautions is important to keep your feet healthy and free of infection. We hope the tips in this blog post will help you do just that. Remember, if you have any concerns about your feet or are experiencing symptoms of a foot problem, always contact your podiatrist. We are here to help ensure that all our patients maintain healthy and happy feet.

References

Dansinger, M. (2021, May 18). Proper Diabetes Foot and Toenail Care and Checking for Problems . WebMD. Retrieved November 1, 2022, from https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/caring-feet
Pendsey, S. P. (n.d.). Understanding diabetic foot - PMC . NCBI. Retrieved November 1, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2878694/

High School Sports Injuries: Prevention and Treatment Tips from a Podiatrist

Fri, 29 Jul 2022 18:14:11 GMT

High school sports injuries are inevitable. Kids play at an extremely high level and push themselves to the limit at every practice and match. Even though injuries are a daily occurrence, taking precautions can reduce common injuries like ankle sprains and fractures.

Podiatrists work with kids and adults to prevent and treat feet and ankle injuries, which are among the most common high school sports injuries. This article will provide tips and tricks to help keep your high schooler's feet and ankles safe.

High School Sports Injury Statistics

According to the National Athletic Trainers' Association , high school athletes suffer nearly two million injuries each year. Of those injuries, 35% are to the ankle and foot.

The most common high school sports injuries are:

Ankle sprains
Achilles tendonitis
Plantar fasciitis
Shin splints
Stress fractures

While some high school sports injuries are unavoidable, many can be prevented with the proper precautions. As a parent or coach, it's important to be aware of the risk factors and warning signs associated with high school sports injuries .

Risk Factors for High School Sports Injuries

There are several risk factors that can contribute to high school sports injuries. Some of the most common include:

Poor conditioning: Athletes who are not in shape are more likely to pull a muscle or suffer an overuse injury. Injuries are common at the onset of the season when kids are starting training camp or Summer practice.
Poor technique: Improper form can put unnecessary stress on joints and muscles, leading to injuries. Like poor conditioning, the start of the season often yields injuries because kids are learning or re-learning different techniques.
Lack of warm-up: Cold muscles are more likely to be injured. A proper warm-up will help loosen the muscles and prepare them for activity.
Wearing improper shoes: Shoes that don't fit properly or provide adequate support can lead to foot, ankle, and knee injuries. Kids are excited to show off their new shoes or cleats, but choosing the right shoes with proper support is vital to your child's safety.

Warning Signs of High School Sports Injuries

There are several warning signs that a high school athlete may be injured. If you notice any of the following, it's important to seek medical attention:

Joint pain that persists after activity
Swelling or bruising around a joint
Limping or abnormal gait
Sharp pain with activity
Weakness or instability in a joint

Prevention and Treatment Tips for Foot and Ankle Injuries from a Podiatrist

Podiatrists are experts in the prevention and treatment of foot and ankle injuries. Here are some tips to help prevent high school sports injuries:

Wear proper shoes: Make sure your high school athlete is wearing shoes that fit properly and provide adequate support. This is especially important for high-impact sports like basketball, football, volleyball, and soccer.
Do a proper warm-up: A proper warm-up will help loosen the muscles and prepare them for activity. It's important to do a full-body warm-up that includes dynamic stretching and light cardio.
Cross train: Incorporating other activities into your high school athlete's training will help reduce the risk of overuse injuries. Swimming, biking, and yoga are all great options.
Listen to your body: If you're feeling pain, it's important to rest and ice the area. Continuing to play through the pain can lead to a more serious injury.

If your high school athlete does suffer an injury, a podiatrist can provide the treatment they need to get back on the field. Treatment will vary depending on the type and severity of the injury but may include:

Ice and rest: This is often the first line of treatment for high school sports injuries. Applying ice to the area for 20 minutes several times a day can help reduce pain and swelling.
Physical therapy: A physical therapist can help strengthen the muscles around the injured area and improve the range of motion.
Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair a foot or ankle injury. This is usually only recommended for severe injuries that haven't responded to other treatment methods.

A high school sports injury can be a frustrating and painful experience. With a proper prevention and treatment plan, your high school athlete can get back on the field to do what they love.

If you have any concerns about high school sports injuries, or if your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain due to an injury, please don't hesitate to contact one of our podiatrists trained in sports injuries.

Skin Cancer of the Feet: Symptoms, Causes, and Podiatry Treatments

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 16:27:24 GMT

Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, more than 3.5 million skin cancers are diagnosed yearly in the United States. Skin cancer can grow anywhere on the body, but is widespread on the feet. Feet get a lot of sun exposure and are often not protected with sunscreen or clothing.

What are the Top Symptoms of Skin Cancer of the Feet?

Skin cancer on the feet can take many forms, and it is vital to be aware of the symptoms and seek treatment as soon as possible.

The most common symptom of skin cancer of the feet is a growth or lesion on the skin. This growth may be:

A new growth that wasn’t there before
A change in an existing mole
A sore that doesn’t heal
Change in the color or texture of the skin

Other symptoms of skin cancer can include:

itching
bleeding
crusting
Scaling

You must see a podiatrist for further evaluation if you have any of these symptoms.

What Causes Skin Cancer of the Feet?

Skin cancer develops when there is damage to the DNA of skin cells. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds causes this DNA damage. The more exposure to UV radiation, the greater the risk for skin cancer.

People who are most at risk for skin cancer of the feet are those who have:

A history of sunburns
Excessive sun exposure
A family history of skin cancer
Fair skin that burns easily

Unprotected sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for all types of skin cancer, including skin cancer of the feet.

Podiatry Treatments for Skin Cancer of the Feet

If your podiatrist diagnoses you with skin cancer on your feet, the doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan. Treatment options will depend on the type, size, and location of the skin cancer.

The most common treatments for skin cancer of the feet are:

Excisional surgery : The skin cancer is cut out along with a margin of healthy tissue.
Mohs surgery : Mohs surgery is a type of surgery that removes skin cancer one layer at a time. Mohs surgery allows the surgeon to see how deep the skin cancer goes and helps to preserve healthy tissue.
Topical chemotherapy : A cream or ointment applied to the skin to kill cancer cells.
Radiation therapy : High-energy beams are used to kill cancer cells.

These are just a few treatment options for skin cancer on the feet. Your podiatrist will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is best for you.

How Can I Prevent Skin Cancer of the Feet?

The best way to prevent skin cancer on the feet is to reduce your exposure to UV radiation.

Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily, even on cloudy days.
Wear protective clothing , such as a hat, long-sleeved shirt, and pants when you are outside.
Seek shade outdoors , especially between 10 am and 4 pm when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps . Avoiding tanning beds is easy with our knowledge of the harsh effects of tanning beds.

If you have any concerns about skin cancer on your feet , make an appointment to see a podiatrist. Early detection is critical in the successful treatment of skin cancer.

How can a podiatrist help ease bunion pain?

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 19:03:57 GMT

If you are one of the millions of Americans who suffer from bunion pain , you know just how debilitating it can be. Bunion pain can make walking, working, or even sleeping difficult. Fortunately, there is help. A podiatrist can provide treatments to help ease your bunion pain. This blog post will discuss the different treatments a podiatrist can offer and how they can help improve your quality of life.

What is a Bunion?

A bunion is a bony lump that can form on the joint at the base of your big toe. Bunions are usually caused by wearing tight, narrow shoes. Over time, this forces your big toe to bend toward your second toe, which can cause the bunion to form. Arthritis and other conditions that affect the bones in your feet can lead to bunions. Bunions can be painful and make it difficult to wear certain types of shoes. If you have a bunion, you may be able to treat it with over-the-counter medication or home remedies. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the bunion.

What Causes Bunions?

Genetics, poorly fitting shoes, and arthritis are common causes of bunions. People with bunions often experience pain when walking or wearing shoes, as well as inflammation and redness around the bunion. In severe cases, bunions can make it difficult to walk or even stand. Bunions can worsen over time and lead to further foot problems if left untreated. If you think you might have a bunion, see a podiatrist for treatment options.

What are Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Bunions?

When most people think of bunions, they think of surgery. However, surgery is not the only treatment option for this common foot deformity. Several non-surgical treatments can help relieve pain and improve the appearance of bunions.

Toe pads and cushions - One standard non-surgical treatment is pads or cushions. These can help reduce pressure on the bunion and prevent it from rubbing against shoes.
Toe spacers and separators - Another non-surgical treatment option is toe spacers or separators. These devices help realign the toe and take pressure off the bunion joint.
Orthotics - Orthotics are another standard non-surgical treatment for bunions. These devices can be custom-made or over-the-counter, and they help to support the foot and relieve pain.
Medication - Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and naproxen can help reduce swelling and pain. For more severe bunions, prescription-strength non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be necessary. Corticosteroid injections can also reduce inflammation and pain.
Physical therapy - Physical therapists can design stretching and strengthening exercises specifically for bunions. They may also recommend using ultrasound or other treatments to reduce inflammation.

If you have a bunion, talk to your podiatrist about your treatment options.

Orthotics for Bunions

Orthotics for bunions are specialized devices that provide support and relief from pain for those who suffer from this condition. Orthotics help support, align, prevent, or correct deformities and improve movable body parts' function. Orthotics for bunions can help to realign the joint and reduce pain. In some cases, they can also help prevent the deformity's progression. Orthotics for bunions are usually made from silicone or soft materials worn over the sock or directly on the skin. You can purchase them over the counter or custom-made by a podiatrist.

Shoes for Bunions

Fortunately, many companies now offer shoes and footwear designed explicitly for bunions. These products often have extra room in the toe area to accommodate the bunion. They may also feature special padding or support to help relieve discomfort. In addition, many of these shoes are stylish and attractive, so you don't have to sacrifice style for comfort. If you're looking for shoes to help ease the pain of your bunions, check out the latest offerings from these specialty companies.

What are the top DIY Bunion Treatments?

Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the condition, but some DIY treatments are effective.

Epsom salt - Soaking the foot in Epsom salt can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
Ice Packs - Apply ice packs to help numb the area and speed up healing.
Exercise - Try exercises that stretch and strengthen the muscles around the big toe to realign the joint and prevent further deformities.
Maintain a healthy weight - One of the best ways to reduce the risk of bunions is to maintain a healthy weight. Carrying extra weight puts extra pressure on the feet, which can contribute to the development of bunions.
Rest and relax - One of the most effective treatments is to rest and relax. Rest can help reduce swelling and inflammation and give you some much-needed relief from pain. When you put your feet up and take a break from standing and walking, you give your feet a chance to recover from the stress of daily activity.

With some simple at-home treatments, it is possible to manage mild bunions and improve symptoms.

Ditch the High Heels to Reduce Bunion Pain

High heels put extra pressure on the toes, which can eventually lead to bunions. So if you want to avoid bunions, you should stop wearing high heels regularly. This may not be easy, as high heels are often considered essential for various occasions. But it's important to remember that bunions can be extremely painful, so it's probably not worth sacrificing for your health. Next time you're getting ready for a night out, consider leaving the high heels at home. Your feet will thank you in the long run.

What are Surgical Options for Bunions?

Fortunately, there are several surgical treatment options available for bunions. The most common procedure involves cutting out the bunion and realigning the toe. Sometimes, podiatric surgeons may use pins or screws to hold the toe in place while it heals. Other procedures involve breaking and resetting the bone or fusing the joints. While surgery is not always necessary, it may be recommended for severe cases or if non-surgical treatments have failed to provide relief.

How Do You Prevent Bunions?

There are some things you can do to prevent bunions from forming:

Wear shoes that fit well and don't put pressure on your toes.
Avoid high heels or other shoes with narrow toe boxes.
Use pads or other devices to keep your toes in alignment.

If you have a family history of bunions, you may be more likely to develop them. But following these preventive measures can help reduce your risk.

Schedule an Appointment with a Podiatrist for Bunion Treatment

What does a podiatry visit for bunion treatment entail?

If you have a bunion, you may be wondering what to expect during your first visit to the podiatrist.

The podiatrist will take a medical history and perform a physical examination during the initial consultation. They will also assess any other foot problems you may have. X-rays help determine the bunion's severity and rule out other conditions. Once a diagnosis has been made, the podiatrist will develop a treatment plan. This may include conservative measures such as orthotics, padding, and shoe modifications.

The first step in treating bunions is to make an appointment with a podiatrist. During your visit, they will assess your condition and develop a treatment plan to relieve your pain and improve your quality of life.

Contact a local podiatrist to learn more about bunion treatment.

What is a Podiatrist? | Guide to Podiatry and Foot and Ankle Care

Fri, 03 Jun 2022 17:55:27 GMT

A Podiatrist is a medical professional specializing in diagnosing and treating problems with the feet and ankles. Podiatrists can treat various conditions, from bunions and hammertoe to plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. In addition to providing medical care, Podiatrists also play an essential role in preventing foot and ankle injuries. For example, they can advise on choosing the right shoes and how to care for your feet properly. Whether you are experiencing pain or want to maintain healthy feet, visiting the podiatrist can help you take care of your most important asset: your feet.

What Does a Podiatrist Do?

A podiatrist is a medical professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of foot, ankle, and lower leg disorders. Podiatrists work with patients of all ages, from infants to seniors. They often treat disease or overuse injuries, such as bunions, heel pain, and Achilles tendonitis. In addition to providing medical care, podiatrists may also perform surgery to correct problems with the bones and soft tissues of the foot and ankle.

Podiatrists play an essential role in keeping people mobile and active. By diagnosing and treating conditions that can cause pain and disability, they help patients stay on their feet and avoid potential complications. With their knowledge of the structure and function of the foot and ankle, podiatrists are uniquely qualified to provide comprehensive care for all kinds of foot and lower leg problems.

Is a Podiatrist a Doctor?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM), a branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. A podiatrist attends a four-year podiatric medical school and completes a residency program. After completing their education and training, podiatrists receive a license from the state where they will be practicing. However, they are not medical doctors (MDs) or doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs). MDs and DOs are licensed to practice all branches of medicine, while podiatrists are licensed to practice podiatric medicine.

Podiatrist Education and Training

Podiatry education and training are essential for podiatrists to treat foot, ankle, and lower leg conditions effectively. Podiatric medical schools offer accredited podiatric medical programs that lead to the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree. After completing a podiatric medical program and passing board examinations, podiatrists must complete a residency program in podiatric surgery. Podiatric residencies typically last three years and include training in general surgery, orthopedic surgery, vascular surgery, dermatology, radiology, primary podiatric medicine, and podiatric surgery. In addition, podiatrists must obtain a state license to practice podiatry. The requirements for licensure vary from state to state. Generally, they require the successful completion of exams and a criminal background check. Podiatrists who want to specialize in a particular practice area may also choose to complete a fellowship program. Fellowship programs typically last one to two years and provide advanced surgical techniques, research methods, and clinical care training.

What are the Top Podiatry Schools in the US?

There are nine schools in which to study podiatric medicine in the US.

What Conditions Does a Podiatrist Treat?

Visiting the podiatrist can be a valuable step in maintaining your overall health. A podiatrist is a health care professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Podiatrists train to recognize the early signs of serious problems, such as diabetes and arthritis, and to provide prompt treatment that can help prevent further damage. Podiatrists treat common conditions, including bunions, heel pain, ingrown toenails, Achilles tendonitis, and Morton's neuroma. In addition to providing medical treatment, podiatrists also advise patients on how to protect their feet from further injury and how to maintain healthy feet through proper hygiene and shoe selection.

What Injuries Does a Podiatrist Treat?

Podiatrists treat common injuries, including fractures, sprains, strains, and bruises. A podiatrist can treat a wide range of foot and ankle injuries, including:

Achilles tendon rupture
Ankle fractures
Arthritis
Bunions
Heel pain (plantar fasciitis)
Ingrown toenails
Neuromas
Warts

Surgery may be necessary to correct some injuries. Patients may require surgery to fix foot and ankle problems in some cases. A podiatrist can also prescribe medication or other treatment options, such as orthotics (custom-made shoe inserts).

Do Podiatrists Perform Surgery?

Podiatrists train to perform surgery. Many podiatrists specialize in surgical treatments for problems affecting the feet and ankles. Patients often need surgery to correct problems with the bones, ligaments, or tendons in the foot or ankle. For example, a podiatrist may need to repair a fracture, correct a deformity, or remove a tumor. Podiatrists also perform surgery to treat conditions like bunions, hammertoe, and ingrown toenails. Your podiatrist will carefully evaluate your condition and determine if surgery is your best treatment option.

Some standard podiatric surgical procedures include:

Bunionectomy
Hammertoe correction
Arthroscopic surgery
Tendon repair
Fusion surgery

What Kind of Patients Does a Podiatrist Treat?

Podiatrists treat patients of all ages and backgrounds who are experiencing problems with their feet, ankles, or lower legs, including children, adults, and seniors.

What are the Top Reasons to See a Podiatrist?

There are many reasons to see a podiatrist. Here are the top three.

Prevention - First, podiatrists can help you prevent foot and ankle injuries. They can do this by ensuring that your shoes fit properly and by providing you with custom orthotics to support your feet. They can also help you recover from an injury by creating a rehabilitation plan that will help you strengthen your muscles and improve your range of motion.
Treatment - Second, podiatrists can help you treat conditions that affect your feet and ankles, such as bunions, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendonitis. They can prescribe medication to relieve pain and inflammation and perform surgeries to correct some problems.
Education - Third, podiatrists can provide you with guidance on how to take care of your feet. Regular foot care is critical if you have diabetes or another condition that puts you at risk for foot problems. Podiatrists can teach you how to care for your feet properly and avoid injuries.

What Should You Expect at a Podiatry Appointment?

At your first podiatry appointment, the doctor will likely ask about your medical history and any problems you're experiencing with your feet. They will also conduct a physical examination of your feet, looking for any signs of infection, deformity, or other problems. In some cases, X-rays or other imaging tests may be necessary to get a better look at your feet. The doctor may also ask you to walk so that they can assess your gait (the way you walk). The doctor will develop a treatment plan to address your specific needs based on all of this information.

In some cases, this may involve simple lifestyle changes, such as wearing different shoes or taking over-the-counter pain medication. More aggressive treatment, such as surgery, may be necessary in other cases. Regardless of the specific course of treatment, the goal is to improve the health and function of your feet.

Does Insurance Cover Podiatry Visits?

The answer to this question varies depending on the individual insurance plan. Some insurance plans do cover podiatry visits, while others do not. Contact your insurance company directly to determine if your insurance plan covers podiatry visits. Most insurance companies are happy to provide this information to their customers. If your insurance company does not cover podiatry visits, there are still ways to get the care you need. Often, podiatrists offer discounts to patients who pay out-of-pocket for their services. Some podiatrists offer sliding scale fees based on a patient's income. Podiatrists want their patients to be able to get the care they need, so they are usually willing to work with patients to find a way to make it happen. No matter your situation, there is likely a way for you to see a podiatrist and get the care you need.

Should I Visit a Podiatrist Every Year?

The simple answer is that you should visit a podiatrist every year for a check-up, but there are exceptions to this rule. If you have diabetes, you should see a podiatrist at least four times per year so that they can monitor your feet and look for signs of nerve damage or poor circulation. If you have any other foot conditions, such as bunions or hammertoes, you should also visit a podiatrist regularly. Even if you don't have any foot problems, it's still a good idea to visit a podiatrist once per year for a general check-up. You can catch any issues early and get treatment before they become serious.

Do I Need a Referral to See a Podiatrist?

You may have heard that you need a referral from your doctor to see a specialist, but this isn't always the case. In most states, you can see a podiatrist without a referral. However, there are some exceptions. If you have Medicare, Medicaid, or another managed care plan, you may need a referral. Check with your insurance company to be sure. Even if you don't need a referral, it's always a good idea to let your doctor know when you're seeing another type of healthcare provider. This way, your doctor can coordinate your care and ensure that everyone is on the same page.

Schedule an Appointment With a Trained Podiatrist

Do you have foot pain? Do your heels hurt when you wake up in the morning? Do you have diabetes? If you answered yes to any of these questions, consider visiting a podiatrist for a foot and ankle consultation. You don't have to live with foot pain. Get quality and professional care from a trained foot and ankle specialist.

Guide to Arthritis Treatment for Feet and Ankles

Fri, 27 May 2022 17:29:20 GMT

Arthritis can be a debilitating disease that affects many body parts, including the feet and ankles. If you are struggling with arthritis in your feet or ankles, you may be looking for information on arthritis treatment. This blog post will provide a guide to arthritis treatment for feet and ankles. We will discuss the different types of arthritis treatment available and the benefits and risks of each type. We hope this blog post will help you find relief from your arthritis symptoms.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and pain in the joints, including the feet and ankles. There are many different types of arthritis, but the three most common types associated with the feet and ankles are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.

Foot and Ankle Arthritis Types

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage between the joints breaks down. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and swelling in the affected joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack the joints. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected joints.

Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs when too much uric acid is in the body. Gout can cause crystals to form in the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and redness.

What Causes Arthritis of the Feet and Ankles?

Many different factors can contribute to arthritis of the feet and ankles. Age is a significant risk factor, as arthritis is more common in older adults. Other risk factors include genetics, previous joint injury, and obesity.

What Causes Arthritis to Flare Up?

Many things can trigger arthritis flares, including weather changes, stress, and infection. Overuse of the joints or not getting enough rest can lead to arthritis flares.

What are the Symptoms of Arthritis?

The symptoms of arthritis vary depending on the type of arthritis and the severity of the condition. However, common symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected joints. These symptoms can make it difficult to walk or even stand for long periods.

What are the Treatment Options for Arthritis of the Feet and Ankles?

There are many different treatment options available for arthritis of the feet and ankles. The best treatment option for you will depend on the type of arthritis, the severity of your symptoms, and your overall health.

Standard treatment options include:

Pain relief medications: over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
Steroid injections: these injections can help to reduce inflammation in the joints.
Physical therapy: physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles around the joints and improve the range of motion of the affected joints.
Surgery: in some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged joints.

Benefits of pain relief medications for arthritis

There are many different benefits of pain relief medications for arthritis. Pain relief medications can help to reduce pain and inflammation in the joints. They can also help to improve the range of motion and increase mobility. In some cases, pain relief medications can also help prevent further damage to the joints.

Risks of pain relief medications for arthritis

There are also some risks associated with pain relief medications for arthritis. These medications can cause side effects such as stomach upset, dizziness, and drowsiness. In some cases, they can also interact with other medications. It’s essential to speak with your podiatrist about the potential risks and benefits of pain relief medications.

Benefits of steroid injections for arthritis

Steroid injections can be an effective treatment for arthritis. They can help reduce inflammation in the joints and improve the range of motion. In some cases, they can also help prevent further damage to the joints.

Risks of steroid injections for arthritis

There are some risks associated with steroid injections for arthritis. These risks include pain at the injection site, infection, and tissue damage. In some cases, the steroids can also leak into the surrounding tissues and cause side effects such as weight gain, acne, and mood swings. It’s important to speak with your podiatrist about the potential risks of steroid injections.

Benefits of physical therapy for arthritis

Physical therapy can be an effective treatment for arthritis. It can help to strengthen the muscles around the joints and improve the range of motion. Physical therapy can also help to increase mobility and reduce pain. In some cases, it can also help prevent further damage to the joints.

Risks of physical therapy for arthritis

When done correctly, physical therapy has few risks, but if done incorrectly, strain or further injury to the affected joints can occur. It’s important to speak with your podiatrist about the potential dangers of physical therapy before starting any new treatment.

Benefits of surgery for arthritis

Surgery can be an effective treatment for arthritis. It can help to repair damaged joints or remove bone spurs. Surgery can also help to improve the range of motion and increase mobility. In some cases, it can also help prevent further damage to the joints.

Risks of surgery for arthritis

There are some risks associated with surgery for arthritis. These risks include infection, bleeding, and blood clots. In some cases, the surgery can also cause nerve damage. It’s important to speak with your podiatrist about the potential risks and benefits of surgery before starting any new treatment program or surgical intervention.

How to Manage Foot and Ankle Pain Caused by Arthritis

There are many different ways to manage foot and ankle pain caused by arthritis. Some common management strategies include:

Rest: take a break from activities that aggravate your symptoms.
Ice: apply ice to the affected joints for 20 minutes to reduce inflammation.
Compression: wear compression socks or wrap the affected joints in an elastic bandage to reduce swelling.
Elevation: keep the affected joints elevated above heart level to reduce swelling.
Exercise: low-impact exercises can help to strengthen the muscles around the joints and improve range of motion.
Wear supportive shoes: wear shoes that provide support and cushioning to the joints.

Is There a Cure for Arthritis of the Feet and Ankles?

There is no cure for arthritis of the feet and ankles.

Contact a Podiatrist for Foot and Ankle Arthritis Treatment

Arthritis is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. If you are struggling with arthritis of the foot or ankle, it is important to talk to your podiatrist about the best treatment options. There are many different treatments available, and the best choice for you will depend on the severity of your symptoms and your overall health. With the proper treatment, you can find relief from your arthritis symptoms and improve your quality of life!

Contact a podiatrist today for relief from chronic pain associated with arthritis.

Visit a Podiatrist for these Top 5 Foot and Ankle Symptoms

Fri, 20 May 2022 13:07:45 GMT

Are you currently experiencing a foot and ankle problem? Some foot-related conditions and diseases exhibit specific symptoms, putting you on notice. While your symptoms may be related to something minor, they could also signify that a significant foot or ankle problem is becoming worse.

If you happen to experience any new, unusual, or painful symptoms in your feet and ankles, understanding the potential causes and the potential treatments available will help get you started on your journey back to foot and ankle health.

According to the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society, the best way to prevent ankle injuries is to maintain good strength, muscle balance, and flexibility.

Importance of Foot and Ankle Health

The foot and ankle involve an intricate and interconnected network of bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles that all work together. This network provides your body with the stability it needs to function properly. The last thing you want to experience is a foot or ankle injury, like sprains and strains, as injuries can potentially make it so your feet and ankles provide you with less stability and support.

Poor foot and ankle health can even get in the way of your ability to perform your everyday responsibilities. Understanding some of the more common symptoms associated with foot and ankle problems helps to ensure your feet and ankles are always in good health. If you happen to experience one or more of the below symptoms, making an appointment with an experienced podiatrist is your next step.

Top Foot And Ankle Symptoms

Foot and ankle injuries are common, especially among those who participate in sports and high-impact exercises. Foot and ankle injuries tend to be more common when playing football, basketball, soccer, and volleyball.

See below to learn about the top symptoms people experience in their feet and ankles when something is wrong. If you're experiencing one or more of the below symptoms, know that these are warning signs that require you to see a podiatrist as a precautionary measure.

1. Swelling In The Feet And Ankles

Potential Causes: Pregnancy, Injury, Infections, Blood Clots, Edema, Damaged Valves, Poor-Fitting Shoes, Hot Weather

Potential Treatments: Exercising More Often, Increasing Fluids, Leg Elevation, Losing Weight, Taking Medications, Avoid Alcohol, Surgery, Making Healthy Lifestyle Changes, Proper-Fitting Shoes

Associated Diseases, Conditions: Diabetes, Heart Disease, Liver Disease, Kidney Disease

2. Heel Pain

Potential Causes: Vitamin Deficiency, Obesity, Poor-Fitting Shoes, Heel Spurs, Osteomyelitis (a bone infection)

Possible Treatments: Rest, Prescription and Over-The-Counter Medications, Night Splints, Heel Lifts, Proper-Fitting Shoes, Performing Special Exercises

Associated Diseases, Conditions: Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles Tendinitis, Bursitis, Achilles Tendon Rupture, Bone Tumor, Paget's Disease of Bone, Diabetes

3. Pain Of The Big Toe And Toenail

Potential Causes: Injury, Overstrains, Ingrown Toenail, Fungal Infection, Bunions, Poor-Fitting Shoes

Possible Treatments: Heat, Ice Therapy, Epson Salt Soak, Prescription, and Over-The-Counter Medications, Surgery, Proper-Fitting Shoes, Performing Special Exercises

Associated Diseases, Conditions: Diabetes, Gout (a painful type of arthritis), Morton’s Toe, Turf Toe

4. Loss Of Feeling, Numbness, Or Tingling In The Feet And Toes

Potential Causes: Injury, Infection, Poor-Fitting Shoes (Compression), Peripheral Neuropathy, Nerve Damage, Chronic Alcohol Abuse

Possible Treatments: Rest, Massage, Supportive Devices, Proper-Fitting Shoes, Antidepressants, Corticosteroids, Healthy Diet, Alcohol Avoidance

Associated Diseases, Conditions: Diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Peripheral Artery Disease, Fibromyalgia, Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease, Sciatica

5. Pain And Stiffness In The Feet, Ankles, Or Toes

Potential Causes: Poor-Fitting Shoes, Soft-Tissue Injuries, Overuse, Inflammation, Wear And Tear In Joint Cartilage

Possible Treatments: Rest, Performing Special Exercises, Proper-Fitting Shoes, Prescription, and Over-The-Counter Medications, Surgery

Associated Diseases, Conditions: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Post-Traumatic Arthritis, Peripheral Neuropathy

The Bottom Line on Foot and Ankle Health

When you understand the potential causes of a foot or ankle injury, you can take the preventive measures necessary that can help you avoid being diagnosed with future podiatry problems. Don’t wait for your symptoms to worsen. It’s always easier to treat foot and ankle issues early.

As foot and ankle issues can range from the very simple to the relatively complex, anytime you’re experiencing symptoms in these areas, you should schedule an appointment with a professional podiatrist for a full evaluation.

How Nutrition Can Affect Your Feet

Mon, 09 May 2022 17:32:11 GMT

How do you keep your feet healthy? Making sure you’re getting proper nutrition is one of the easiest ways to take care of your feet. Inspecting, cleansing, moisturizing, keeping them dry, and wearing the right shoes are top ways to ensure your feet are healthy as well. You can learn how to make the right food choices to support your feet.

Practice Good Nutrition for Healthy Feet

Just like the rest of your body, your feet also flourish when receiving certain nutrients. When you choose to eat foods that support healthy feet, you’re doing what’s necessary to keep your overall foot health. Many foot-related issues can be prevented by simply consuming the proper nutrients. By integrating suitable nutrients into your everyday diet, you’re taking the proactive measures necessary to prevent yourself from being diagnosed with any number of foot problems, conditions, or diseases.

Nutrition and Foot Care Strategy

Creating a foot care strategy requires you to follow an everyday foot care routine. It also means figuring out which foods can support your good foot health. Your food choices directly impact the overall health of your feet. Your feet need certain types of nutrients to function correctly, as well as prevent injury or disease. For example, calcium supports strong bones. If you consume the right amount of calcium, you’re less likely to experience foot-related problems like osteoporosis or heel spurs.

As inflammation is the underlying cause of many foot-related problems, you must make sure you choose the best foods known to support good foot health. Common foot conditions caused by or made worse by inflammation include plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis.

What are the Best Healthy Foods for Foot Health?

How can good nutrition affect foot health? Keeping solid bones, ligaments, joints, and muscles in your feet is always a goal. If you’re ready to eat for the health of your feet, you need to make sure you’re getting enough nutrients. As you’ll want to stay within your calorie intake for the day, consider choosing nutrient-dense foods.

Protein – Protein helps rebuild the body. Lean meats, cottage cheese, and tofu are all great sources of healthy proteins.
Vegetables – Vegetables are necessary for keeping muscles strong and helping repair muscle tissue. Raw vegetables offer the most nutrients, i.e., broccoli, and bell peppers.
Fruits – Include antioxidants and are high in fiber. Oranges, apples, bananas, and strawberries are some of the more nutritious fruits.
Vitamin A – Supports a healthy immune system. Carrots, sweet potato, cantaloupe, and winter squash make great vitamin A foods.
Vitamin B – Supports good nerve health, a nutrient that’s especially important if you’ve already been diagnosed with diabetes. Tuna, eggs, and salmon are excellent sources of vitamin B.
Vitamin C – Helps keep inflammation at bay. Oranges, tomatoes, and spinach are excellent sources of vitamin C.
Vitamin D – Essential for strong bones and helps in improving overall muscle functioning. Salmon (nutrient-dense), mushrooms, sardines (nutrient-dense), and tuna are all great sources for consuming vitamin D.
Calcium – Supports strong bones. Milk, yogurt, cheese, and leafy green vegetables are excellent sources of calcium.
Omega-3 – Assists in reducing inflammation. Salmon (nutrient-dense), walnuts, eggs, and olive oil are all high in omega-3s and help combat inflammation within the joints.
Spices – Anti-inflammatory spices include turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger.
Antioxidants – Assists in reducing inflammation and fighting off diseases. Pecans, blueberries (nutrient-dense), and dark chocolate are top antioxidant food choices.

Foods that Affect Foot Health Negatively

How can bad nutrition affect foot health negatively? Inflammation is the underlying cause of many foot-related problems, including tendinitis and plantar fasciitis. Many foods include harmful ingredients that can cause inflammation, making it necessary for you to avoid consuming these ingredients to experience good foot health. Purine-rich foods can cause gout attacks, making it a good idea to specifically avoid organ meals, fried foods high in fat, and alcohol.

It can be difficult for many to avoid eating sweets, so consider modifying a favorite treat that doesn’t include refined sugar. Healthier sugar replacement options include honey and maple syrup.

Refined Sugar
HFCS
White Flour
Trans Fats
Omega-6 Fats, Vegetable Oils
Red Meat, Processed Meat
Sodium
Alcohol

Conclusion

Part of protecting the wellness of your feet is consuming the nutrients that are known to support healthy feet. Getting the nutrition your feet need to function starts with a balanced diet properly. Consuming nutrients that help prevent you from experiencing foot problems and assist in the healing process is easy to do and well worth the time spent.

Ways To Keep Your Feet Healthy And Safe During Exercise

Mon, 02 May 2022 19:32:35 GMT

Keeping your feet healthy and safe when exercising helps support your good foot health. Whenever you're engaged in any form of exercise you must learn how to take care of your feet, and it doesn't matter whether you're working out in a gym, participating in your favorite sport, or going on long leisurely walks. Protecting your feet when engaging in any form of exercise helps prevent you from suffering any foot-related problems, which becomes even more important as you age.

Keeping Your Feet Healthy When Exercising

If you’ve made a commitment to exercise more this year, understand there are benefits as well as potential issues and/or risks you should know about when it comes to your foot health. Benefits include gaining strength, mobility, and flexibility in your feet. Potential issues and/or risks include experiencing foot problems due to wearing poor footwear and not taking breaks when performing high-intensity workouts.

Keep Your Feet Safe During Exercise

Just like you warm up your body before exercising, you should also warm up your feet. As there are many different types of foot stretches you can perform, choose three to start with and then rotate. Simply pick your favorite stretch exercises and/or the ones that you feel will best benefit your feet and ankles.

Wear The Right Shoes

Knowing whether you have a flat foot or a high arch helps you choose the right type of exercise shoe, and wearing the right shoes is one of the best ways to keep your feet safe while you're exercising.

Clean And Dry Feet

Keep your feet clean and dry when exercising as you want to avoid getting a bacterial virus or a fungus, which is quite common in public exercise areas, like gyms. Be sure to wear flip-flops after exercising when in the locker room or taking a public shower.

Ways To Protect Your Feet When Working Out

The two main ways you can protect your feet when working out? Wear the appropriate shoes and take regular breaks in between high-performance exercises.

Wear Appropriate Shoes For The Type Of Exercise You Are Performing

Wearing the right shoes is one of the best ways you can keep your feet both healthy and safe when exercising. The best shoes for exercising are those that support the optimal movement, making proper support and comfort key. If you participate in a certain type of exercise a minimum of twice a week, then you should consider getting shoes designed specifically for that exercise activity. Be sure to measure your feet every few years or so. As we age our feet tend to get wider, making it so you may need to wear a different size.

Rest Between High Impact Exercises

Avoid excessive impact forces on your feet by taking a break after engaging in a high-impact workout. You can take a break by completely resting or by participating in a low-impact exercise, like yoga. You can also participate in cross-training, which varies your exercising activities so you can avoid repetitive or excessive impact to your feet.

How To Recognize Signs Of A Foot Or Ankle Injury

All types of exercise involve your feet and ankles, so you should avoid the potential for strains and always be aware of wear and tear injuries. You don’t want to worsen a potential injury or overstrain your muscles while exercising, of which both can lead to your experiencing inflammation in your feet and/or ankles.

Never, ever ignore any type of ache or pain you feel you feel in your feet or ankles. Protecting your ankles when exercising is especially important if you’ve had a previous ankle injury. Additional signs of a foot or ankle injury include:

Pain
Tenderness
Swelling
Bruising
Limited Range Of Motion
Instability
A Popping Sound
Difficulty Walking

Bottom Line

Participating in regular exercise is important to your overall health. To avoid experiencing a foot or ankle injury you must keep your feet healthy and safe during exercise. Following the above guidelines will assist in keeping your feet healthy and safe, no matter what exercise option you choose to participate in. If you happen to experience any signs of a foot or ankle injury during or after exercising, be sure to make an appointment with a podiatrist for potential treatment.

Making regular visits with a podiatrist helps to ensure your feet are always in good health!

Make Foot Health A Priority In 2022

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 19:30:33 GMT

Making healthier food choices, exercising more, and getting a better night’s rest are three top health-related aspirations. But what about foot health? While not intenti onal, most people take their good foot health for granted and don’t even think about the health of their feet until a problem arises. This is why one of your health goals for 2022 should include making your foot health a priority.

According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, approximately 20% of the US population has at least one foot problem annually.

Be Proactive

There are many reasons why someone would experience a foot problem. Poor fitting shoes and living with health problems, like diabetes and obesity, are two of the more common reasons. As good foot health is necessary for you to live an active life, don’t wait until something happens to one or both of your feet before you start paying attention. Instead, take some proactive steps that are known to support good foot health.

Prevention is key and doesn’t require a lot of your time, making it ideal for you to learn what you can do to prevent foot problems from forming in the first place.

Making Foot Health A Priority In 2022

The last thing you want to happen is to experience a foot problem that prevents you from performing your everyday activities. Just imagine how difficult this would be! You have the power to prevent, or at the very least minimize, your chances of experiencing any type of foot health problem.

What can you specifically do to make your foot health a priority in 2022?

Create A Simple Daily Foot Care Regime

Thoroughly inspect your feet daily for cuts, sores, etc. The more you get to know your feet, the easier it’ll be to know when there's a problem. Moisturize your feet every day. After showering, be sure to thoroughly dry your feet and then add a deep moisturizer. When cutting your toenails, cut them straight across and don't cut them too short.

Exercise

Walking is a simple exercise, and one of the more beneficial for good foot health. Walking helps keep your foot muscles in shape, as well as keeps the blood circulating through your feet, of which both support healthy feet. Performing some gentle stretching exercises for both your feet and ankles also keep muscles strong and helps prevent injury. Any form of exercise helps keep you at a healthy weight, and that’s important as excess weight places a lot of pressure on your feet and can lead to your experiencing a variety of foot problems.

Schedule Regular Pedicures

Getting pedicures regularly is an easy way for you to provide your feet with the basic care they need to stay healthy. Professional pedicures deep clean your feet, removing the bacteria that can cause nail disease and foot odor.

Get Foot Massages

A foot massage feels great and offers many foot health benefits! Three of the more benefits include improving circulation, lowering blood pressure, and transporting oxygen throughout the whole body,

Avoid Wearing ‘Bad’ Shoes

Avoid wearing high heels and flip-flops often. High heels shift your body weight forward, making it so most of your weight is being absorbed by the front part of your feet. This can potentially lead to your experiencing hammertoes, calluses, and bunions. Flip-flops don't offer the arch support and heel cushioning your feet need. This can potentially lead to your experiencing an overuse in your tendons and muscles not only in your feet but also in your hips and back.

Get New Shoes

Once your shoes begin to wear and lose support, you should replace them. A good rule of thumb is to replace your shoes every 500 miles or so to avoid experiencing any foot and/or heel pain.

Keep Your Feet Safe

Always wear shoes in public places to avoid getting an infection, athlete's foot, toenail fungus, plantar warts, etc.

Eat Healthily

What you choose to eat affects your entire body, including your feet! Foods that specifically support healthy feet include almonds, berries, salmon, and leafy green vegetables. Foods to avoid include sugar, trans fats, and refined carbohydrates.

Visit A Podiatrist For A Check-Up

Visiting a podiatrist regularly is important, especially if you're already experiencing any type of foot issue.

Co nclusion

Be sure to add healthy feet to your list of priorities this year! Paying attention to the health of your feet is the best way for you to avoid experiencing any foot problems. Don't take your feet for granted and instead follow the above foot health recommendations that support the overall health of your feet.

What Are The Benefits Of Laser Toenail Fungus Therapy?

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 15:19:00 GMT

Toenail fungus is a fungal infection that impacts the toenails. Fungal toenail infections are fairly common, with those who have it experiencing mild to severe symptoms. Once a patient is diagnosed with a case of toenail fungus they’ll need to undergo treatment as this hard-to-treat infection won’t heal on its own. If left untreated, any symptoms experienced will only continue to worsen. Laser toenail fungus therapy is a top treatment option.

What Are Other Treatment Options For Toenail Fungus?

Common treatment options for toenail fungus include taking oral medications, applying topical antifungal medications, or a combination of both. Medications prescribed be a podiatrist offer a higher rate of success. Patients who don't respond to prescription medicines may need to undergo laser toenail fungus therapy to effectively treat the toenail fungus.

What Is Laser Toenail Fungus Therapy?

What is the process of laser toenail fungus removal? Today's laser technologies allow a podiatrist to perform a laser procedure to address ongoing toenail fungus problems. This treatment therapy offers patients suffering from constant fungal infection-related toenail problems the chance to finally be fungal-free. How does it work? Toenail fungus therapy works by using the laser’s beam to create heat, in turn killing the organisms that are causing the toenail to be infected.

Toenail fungus often thrives at the base of a nail. Laser therapy penetrates both the toenail and the soft tissue. This not only immediately kills the hard-to-target fungus, it also promotes new and healthy nail growth. When it comes to how long it takes for laser toenail fungus therapy to work, most patients can expect to fully heal within 6 to 9 months.

Benefits of Laser Toenail Fungus Therapy

Patients who decide to undergo laser therapy to treat toenail fungus often do so after learning about the many benefits that come with choosing this common laser procedure. Once a patient’s treatment session is over they can expect their toenail(s) to begin growing healthy nail tissue within a matter of weeks.

Heat Kills The Fungus . The main benefit that comes with undergoing laser treatment is that lasers completely destroy the fungus. The heat generated from the laser immediately eliminates the fungus, making this an extremely efficient treatment option for healing fungus in a patient’s toenails.

Little Discomfort . The process of performing laser toenail fungus removal is one that causes very little, if any discomfort to the patient. Patients who do experience any level of discomfort often does so within the first 48 hours after undergoing the laser procedure. Laser therapy doesn't require patients to take anesthesia.

Simple Procedure . Laser treatments take between 5 and 15 minutes to perform, depending on the patient’s overall severity. Many patients only require one treatment to experience successful results. Patients who need more than one treatment must wait 30 days between treatments.

Fast Results . How long does it take for laser toenail fungus therapy to work? Laser therapy for treating toenail fungus is a fast treatment option. This means patients who undergo laser treatment will begin to experience immediate relief. Patients receive fast results due to the laser's ability to immediately kill the fungus.

No Side Effects . Are there any side effects to laser toenail fungus therapy? Patients will experience no negative side effects when choosing to treat their toenail fungus problems utilizing the latest in laser toenail fungus therapy technology. This makes this a completely safe medical procedure to address and treat ongoing and/or severe toenail fungus problems.

Quick Recovery Time. Patients can expect to recover from undergoing laser therapy within 2 weeks. Patients have the ability to recover quickly as using a laser to treat toenail fungus reduces the amount of swelling and helps to minimize the formation of scar tissue.

Who Is Eligible Or Recommended For Laser Toenail Therapy?

In other words, are there any patients who are not recommended for laser nail fungus removal? Patients not approved to undergo laser nail fungus removal include pregnant or nursing women, those who have pigmented lesions or ingrown toenails, or anyone diagnosed with diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, or arterial insufficiency.

Good To Know

Many people struggle to get rid of their toenail fungus problem once and for all. Fungus removal is often difficult to treat because the fungus can get into the layers of a toenail, even growing underneath the nail. Toenail fungus not only can get in the way of one’s ability to perform their everyday duties, it can potentially spread to other parts of the body.

If you're currently experiencing ongoing toenail fungus problems, making an appointment with a podiatrist to learn whether you should undergo laser toenail therapy is your next step.

Sports Medicine and Podiatry

Thu, 09 Dec 2021 19:20:44 GMT

What is Sports Medicine?

At Upperline Foot and Ankle, we believe that sports medicine isn't just for elite athletes, but for anyone having issues with their feet and ankles. If you have an injury that's keeping you from doing what you enjoy, podiatric sports medicine is for you. Don't miss out on your favorite winter activities due to foot or ankle pain.

H. Austin Hewlett, DPM, F ACFAS - Podiatrist at Upperline Foot and Ankle.

Elevator Podiatrist - Corns and Calluses - Dr. Mike King

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 13:07:43 GMT

Michael King, DPM, FACFAS, FASPS, Chief Medical Officer at Upperline Health, discusses the difference in corns and calluses on the feet, how to prevent corns and calluses, different treatment options, the effectiveness of OTC treatments, and when to see a podiatrist for corns and calluses.

The Trouble with Heels

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 15:57:33 GMT

High heels have been a mainstay in fashionable footwear for as long as time itself. Although not typically recommended by podiatrists, high heels are here to stay, especially as more and more people enter the workplace after a period of staying home.

What are the Potential Foot and Ankle Issues Caused by Wearing High Heels?

Every podiatrist understands the potential for foot and ankle problems that are created when wearing high heels. Bunions, hammertoes, metatarsalgia, corns, calluses, neuromas, ankle sprains and ingrown toenails are all conditions that are directly caused by or, at the very least, made worse by tight-fitting, high heeled shoes.

It’s important that we inform patients who purchase high heels of the potential risks and offer insight into how to make these otherwise ill-fitting shoes safer for them to wear.

Foot Size Discrepancies

Feet often change size, even going up a full size as we age, give birth, or experience health issues. Patients often comment on a specific brand of shoe fitting better than another, when in truth, foot sizing isn’t regulated. And most patients haven’t had their feet properly sized since they were young. It’s important to note that a proper shoe fitting every few years from a professional is essential to purchasing proper footwear.

Proper Measurement

The Brannock Foot-Measuring Device was patented in 1927 and is still the standard for foot measuring. Heel-to-ball measurement is the preferred reference for purchasing heels. A properly-fitting heel has full arch support, eliminating the need to rest most of one’s weight on just one join in the ball of the foot.

Why Heels Are Troubling

Heel slippage occurs when the shoe has more volume than the foot. Consequently, the foot slides forward and the heel repeatedly slips out.

This may result in hammertoes due to the toes gripping as an attempt to stop the slide. Bunions and neuromas are common issues with frequent high heel use. Plantar fasciitis and stress fractures are also common in patients who wear high heels on a consistent basis.

The Solution

While there isn’t a recommended way to wear high heels, there are a few solutions that may help alleviate issues.

Patients should seek out a larger toe box and lower heel. This helps with stability of the arch and lessens the imbalance of weight distribution. Also, patients should consider only wearing high heels for part of their day and avoid pointy toe styles, preferring platform and kitten heels (keeping in mind platform heels often lead to ankle injuries. Yikes!)

As high heels will inevitably continue to be a part of our culture, making a few small changes can assure that patients maintain proper foot and ankle health.

If there is a change to your overall foot health, or if you are in immediate pain due to inflammation or swelling, call your local Upperline Health podiatrist immediately.

Don’t Fear Bunion Surgery

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 14:23:15 GMT

There’s nothing spooky about bunion treatment…

Is your life limited by pain from a bunion; a bump protruding from behind your big toe?

Has it stopped you from enjoying the changing seasons with a nice walk or bike ride due to shoe pain?

Bunions, most commonly found in women, can be embarrassing as well as extremely painful. It occurs when bones in the front part of your foot move out of place. This causes the tip of your big toe to get pulled toward the smaller toes and forces the joint at the base of your big toe to stick out.

Bunion Treatment

The good news is It CAN be fixed! If you take action now, you could be ready to parade your favorite footwear in time for the upcoming holiday season.

Bunions, or hallux valgus in medical terms, are one of the most common successful surgeries your podiatric physician can fix for you. Your Upperline Health team offers the most state-of-the-art approaches to bunion correction; performed by board certified foot and ankle surgeons. We can get you back on your feet and back to the activities you love relatively quickly.

Fearful of bunion surgery? No one should look forward to surgery, but one can look forward to returning to a comfortable active lifestyle. Let our doctors explain to you the options available and how we can get you back to your favorite shoes, activities and enjoy the holiday seasons again.

Do You Have Peripheral Artery Disease?

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 18:01:32 GMT

If you're currently experiencing any type of leg problems, you may have Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). Arterial problems lead to poor circulation, which in turn can cause you to experience a variety of uncomfortable symptoms in one or more of your limbs. These symptoms can be minor, causing you minimal discomfort. These symptoms can also be major, causing the everyday pain that can get in the way of your ability to live a healthy and happy life.

According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, PAD affects 8 to 12 million Americans, with one in every five people over the age of 70 having the disease.

What Is Peripheral Artery Disease?

Peripheral artery disease is a common circulatory condition that causes a reduction in blood flow due to the narrowing of arteries. This reduction in blood flow often leads to one experiencing some level of pain in their legs when walking aka claudication. While less common, it can also cause pain in one's arms when performing certain tasks, like writing. More often than not the pain goes away after stopping the activity and/or resting for 5 to 10 minutes.

When someone is diagnosed with PAD it’s likely caused by their having too many fatty deposits in their arteries aka atherosclerosis. Over time it’s these deposits that make one's arteries more narrow, directly causing a lesser amount of blood to flow through. While atherosclerosis is often associated with problems of the heart, it can also affect all of the arteries in the body. When it affects arteries that supply blood to the arms and/or legs it causes peripheral arterial disease.

Common Symptoms

PAD symptoms tend to vary widely when it comes to how this disease can affect someone. For example, some people will experience no symptoms, some will experience mild to moderate symptoms, and others will experience severe symptoms. Understand that as the disease progresses symptoms will only worsen. These symptoms can eventually get in the way of one's ability to perform their everyday activities, leading to a decline in quality of life.

Pain, cramping in legs when walking
Pain, aching in arms when using arms to perform activities
Leg numbness
Leg weakness
Painful cramping
Sores that won't heal
A change in leg or arm color
Hair loss
Shiny leg skin
Slow growing toenails
Weak pulse in the legs and/or feet
Erectile dysfunction

List of Risk Factors

Should you be screened for PAD? If you're currently experiencing one or more of the symptoms above making an appointment for a professional evaluation as soon as possible lets you know whether or not you're living with this common arterial disease.

Smoking
Being diagnosed with diabetes
Being diagnosed with high blood pressure
Being diagnosed with high cholesterol
Being diagnosed with high levels of homocysteine
Having a body mass index (BMI) over 30
A family history of PAD, heart disease, or stroke
Being of a certain age – 50 for those who have high-risk factors; risks increase after 65 due to aging

Smokers and those living with diabetes are most at risk of being diagnosed with peripheral artery disease as these 2 risk factors greatly reduce blood flow.

Treatment Options

Treatment options are in place to help manage symptoms experienced, as well as to help stop the progression of the disease. Common medical treatment options include taking prescribed medications and/or undergoing certain surgical procedures.

Those diagnosed are first encouraged to make any positive life changes that support an overall healthy body, i.e. stop smoking, exercise regularly, eat a nutritious diet, avoid taking certain cold medications.

List Of Common Medical Treatment Options:

Supervised exercise program
Cholesterol-lowering medications
High blood pressure medications
Blood sugar control medications
Blood clot prevention medications
Symptom relief medications
Angioplasty
Bypass surgery
Thrombolytic therapy

Who Can Treat PAD?

A podiatrist can both diagnose and treat peripheral artery disease. Podiatrists perform a simple test aka ankle-brachial index (ABI) to determine whether or not someone is living with this disease. If a diagnosis is indeed made, then a podiatrist will offer their professional next step advice based on the extent of the disease.

Conclusion

If you happen to be experiencing any of the above symptoms, it's best to make an appointment with a podiatrist to determine whether or not you're currently living with peripheral artery disease. It’s important to understand whether or not your symptoms are a normal part of aging or something more serious that needs to be addressed and treated by a medical professional. Contact your local Upperline Health clinic for more information.

September is PAD (Peripheral Arterial Disease) Month

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 17:28:44 GMT

Peripheral artery disease occurs when narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, causing circulatory problems.

Who is at risk of peripheral arterial disease?

Although not often discussed, PAD is relatively common, affecting more than 6.5 million people over the age of 40 and more than 10 million people in the U.S. It is more common in people who are 65 or older, but can occur at nearly any age.

Smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or triglycerides, diabetes, kidney failure and obesity increase your risk for PAD. Leg pain does not always indicate PAD, but older patients, especially those who are at risk, should always visit their podiatric physician. A simple, noninvasive leg blood pressure exam or ultrasound can diagnose peripheral arterial disease and determine its severity.

PAD increases the risk of heart attack and stroke, so it is vital that it is diagnosed as soon as possible. Outlook depends on a range of factors, but following the lifestyle advice above improves outlook significantly. Some cases of PAD can be managed by lifestyle changes and medication alone.

Peripheral artery disease signs and symptoms include:

Cramp like pain in one or both of your hips, thighs or calf muscles after certain activities, such as walking or climbing stairs
Leg numbness or weakness
Feet or legs may feel cold (one or both)
Sores on your toes, feet or legs that won't heal
A change in the color of your legs
Hair loss or slow hair growth on legs
Slower growth of your toenails
Shiny patches of skin on your legs
Erectile dysfunction in men
Pain when using your arms, such as aching and cramping when doing everyday and repetitive activities

If you experience any of these symptoms of peripheral arterial disease, your podiatric physician is ready and able to help you diagnose and correct this problem quickly.

Top Home Remedies to Treat Toenail Fungus

Fri, 27 Aug 2021 16:02:06 GMT

W hile fungal toenail infections tend to be fairly common in all ages, older adults are more frequently diagnosed. Toenail fungus occurs when fungi are allowed to enter small cracks in the toenails or the surrounding skin. Walking barefoot in high-risk environments, like gyms, pools, and salons is the most common reason for being diagnosed with a toenail fungus infection.

There are certain situations in which you’re more likely to get toenail fungus, such as when you have a toenail injury, athlete's foot, diabetes, a weak immune system, and/or blood circulation problems.

Symptoms of Toen ail Fungus

Common symptoms include toenail discoloration, an increase in toenail thickness, loose toenails, and a weak toenail that starts to fall apart.

Top Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus

There are many home remedies available nowadays for getting rid of toenail fungus, which means you have many choices. When it comes to which ones you should try, it's really a matter of experimenting to see which home remedies may or may not work for you.

So what are some top home remedies for toenail fungus people use to address their fungal infection? See below for some of the more popular home remedies for treating toenail fungus.

Oils . Some oils contain antifungal, anti-bacterial, and/or antiseptic qualities. Tea tree oil, oregano oil, and peppermint oil are popular oils that include one or more of the above qualities. All you have to do is dab some of the oil directly on the toenail 2 or 3 times a day using a clean cotton swab. Note: Some oil combinations can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions, making it necessary to check for any potentially bad oil combinations.
Garlic . Garlic includes strong antifungal properties, making this a top home remedy for treating particular strains of toenail fungus. Chopping up a clove of garlic and applying it directly to the infected nail for 20 to 30 minutes once a day for up to a week can help. Since garlic can create chemical burns on those with sensitive skin, pay close attention when using this home remedy for the first time.
Snakeroot Extract . Snakeroot is a traditional treatment option commonly known for treating toenail fungus in Mexico. The extract is known for its antifungal properties and is directly applied to the infected area. Applications only need to be performed 2 to 3 times per week in order to experience positive results. Since treatment only works for about 3 months, additional extract treatments are often necessary.
Baking Soda . Baking soda works by removing excess moisture from your feet, a common cause of toenail fungus. While this home remedy has been shown to reduce fungal growth, it doesn’t completely get rid of the fungus. Simply make a thick paste of baking soda and water and apply it directly to the infected toenail for about 15 minutes. Rinse and repeat 3 to 4 times a day.
Mentholated Topical Ointment . The active medications contained in mentholated ointments include properties that have shown to be proactive in toenail fungus treatment, i.e. menthol, camphor. Applying the topical ointment to the toenail and infected area once a day is all that's needed to experience an improvement, which tends to take several weeks.

Home Treatments for Toenail Fungus Don't Always Work

How long does it take to know if your home treatment remedy option has worked? It depends on the remedy and the severity of the fungal problem. While it usually takes 2 to 3 months for a toenail fungus infection to go away, it can take up to a year to completely heal. Most people will try at least 1 of the above home antifungal treatments before choosing to seek foot care from a professional.

How a Podiatrist Can Help with Toenail Fungus

How does a podiatrist treat toenail fungus? If you've tried one or more of the above home remedies to treat your case of toenail fungus and haven't experienced any relief, then it's time to make an appointment with a podiatrist. Professional treatment depends on the type of fungus you have, as well as the severity of the infection.

Top Podiatry Treatment Options for Toenail Fungus:

Oral antifungal medications
Topical creams
Debridement to remove parts of the infected toenail
Surgical treatment or removal of the toenail

Bottom Line

When should you see a podiatrist for toenail fungus? The sooner you seek out professional treatment, the faster your fungus can be treated. Contact Upperline Foot and Ankle today for fast, effective toenail fungus treatment.

Athlete’s Foot: How to Avoid It and How to Get Rid of It

Wed, 18 Aug 2021 17:43:50 GMT

Ready to learn about athlete’s foot so you can do your best to avoid being diagnosed with this fungal skin infection? If you happen to be one of the unlucky people who already has a case of athlete’s foot, then learning how to get rid of it is your next step.

Summertime is the time of year when athlete’s foot is likely to be more prevalent due to its ability to thrive in warm and humid environments.

What is Athlete’s Foot?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , athlete’s foot is an infection of the skin and feet that can be caused by a variety of different fungi. While some people will never be diagnosed with this fungal infection, some will be diagnosed occasionally, and others will experience chronic athlete's foot, meaning it goes away and then reappears frequently.

Common signs include deep breaks or slits on the feet, which tend to be more prominent between the toes. Red itchy skin caused by small blisters will begin to appear over time as the infection continues to progress. Know that an infection can turn severe, potentially spreading to and affecting the soles of the feet. Pus and/or a foul odor is often found in advanced cases.

How to Avoid Athlete’s Foot

Can athlete’s foot go away on its own? No, it can’t. This makes it more important than ever to do whatever it takes to avoid getting this fungal infection in the first place. Know that any location where foot traffic and moisture are brought together greatly increases your chances of being diagnosed.

Other factors that increase your chances include being male, wearing tight shoes often, feet that are often wet or damp, and walking barefoot in places that are well known for harboring this common fungus.

Since protecting your feet is the best way for you to avoid contamination, wearing flip-flops or shower shoes in places anywhere the fungus can live is necessary. Also, washing your feet with a quality soap once or twice a day helps prevent the fungus from forming.

See below for a list of some of the more common places you can potentially get athlete’s foot.

The Pool . The moist conditions found in pools and pool areas make for a perfect place for this fungus to thrive. The majority of pool-goers are barefoot and the fact that they're walking around in a moist public place makes it essential for everyone to protect their feet when going to a public pool.

The Gym . A gym’s locker room, shower, and bathroom are 3 gym locations that are more prone to harboring the fungus that causes athlete’s foot. Using sanitary wipes to wipe down multi-touch surface areas helps to minimize your chances of infection.

The Beauty Salon . Giving a pedicure using dirty tubs or instruments that aren't properly cleaned can lead to a diagnosis of athlete’s foot. Pre-screening a salon is your best defense when it comes to avoiding a diagnosis.

At Home . Unknowingly bringing athlete's foot home can lead to other household members getting the infection, making it a good idea to clean all bathroom surfaces often. The infection can spread when sharing towels and even spread to other parts of the body when sleeping due to contaminated bed sheets.

How to Get Rid of Athlete’s Foot

Already have a case of athlete’s foot and want to know how to get rid of it? If you unfortunately already have athlete’s foot then your focus is now on how to get rid of it asap. If your first instinct is to use an over-the-counter solution, know these generic options don’t always work. Although, they're more likely to work if you have a mild case of athlete’s foot vs. a moderate or severe case.

Popular over-the-counter treatment options include creams, sprays, and powders specifically made to combat this common fungal infection. If you choose to use one of these self-help methods be sure to carefully follow the included instructions. Treatments that include the following medications tend to work best - clotrimazole, econazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, naftifine, oxiconazole, sulconazole, terbinafine, and terconazole.

Visit a Podiatrist for Athlete’s Foot Treatment

Got athlete’s foot? When over-the-counter methods don’t work it’s time for you to seek professional podiatry assistance. Our team of podiatrists has the experience necessary to properly treat your case of athlete’s foot, whether it's minor, moderate, or severe. If it takes longer than 2 weeks for your case of athlete’s foot to clear up, then it's definitely time for you to seek the help of a professional podiatrist.

Contact a local Upperline Foot and Ankle clinic today for athlete’s foot treatment.

How do I know if I have a stress fracture in my foot?

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 19:52:27 GMT

What is a Stress Fracture of the Foot?

Stress fractures are a common foot injury that can be painful and quite a nuisance to heal. Stress fractures occur when bone is subjected to long-term, low-grade stress and strain that slowly causes internal damage to its interior.

What Causes Stress Fractures in the Foot?

These stressors can be commonplace activities like stepping off of platforms at work or long-term use of pedals. Even positioning the foot on a cross bar under a desk can put strain on the metatarsal. Poorly supportive shoes can magnify the risk of bone injury, and some people are even at greater risk for a stress fracture because of issues with the quality of their bones.

What Are the Symptoms of a Foot Stress Fracture?

Stress fractures can have multiple symptoms, ranging from a dull ache in the middle of the foot to a sharp pain while standing and walking. Stress fractures can occur in many places along the metatarsal length, and can sometimes occur in several bones at once.

Treatment for Stress Fractures in the Foot

The treatment of metatarsal stress fractures is a little trickier than treating a regular fracture. In most instances, surgery is neither necessary nor helpful. Immobilization in either a walking boot, or less commonly a cast, is needed to reduce stress to the bone and allow it time to heal. A stiff soled shoe can be used for support in a small number of mild cases for relief. Most metatarsal stress fractures take anywhere from one to three months to heal, and sometimes take longer. The bone simply needs time to mend, although in some cases an electronic bone stimulator can be used in cases that refuse to heal.

How Long Does It Take a Foot Stress Fracture to Heal?

The amount of time one must wait can be frustrating for people trying to get active again. It can be even more frustrating for athletes trying to get back to their sports. Fortunately, these stress fractures do eventually heal, and stay healed for the most part.

If you have chronic pain in your foot and suspect a stress fracture, contact a local Upperline Foot and Ankle clinic today. We have top podiatric professionals ready to treat your stress fracture so that you can get back on your feet as quickly as possible.

Avoid Walking Barefoot This Summer: A Warning for those with Diabetic Neuropathy

Wed, 14 Jul 2021 20:07:52 GMT

Think it's safe to walk on that smooth asphalt or hot sand in bare feet? Think again!

As the temperatures begin to finally increase over most of the United States, we would like to remind diabetics (and those with poor sensation in their feet that are not diabetic) that hot asphalt or concrete and bare feet spell disaster.

Diabetic Neuropathy Causes Sensory Loss in the Feet

Diabetic neuropathy /nerve disease can play havoc with how one senses temperature. This sensory loss extends to the feet and even the hands, and makes it difficult to accurately judge the proper temperature of such things as bath water as well as the ground.

The intense summer sun can quickly heat hard surfaces like stone, concrete, asphalt, and even sand. A simple walk across a parking lot to the beach or pool without adequate foot protection can spell disaster in the form of blistering burns across the bottom of a diabetic’s foot. Even worse is the fact that these burns may not be felt at all, and the burnt and damaged tissue can quickly become infected and in some cases gangrenous. Foot amputations can arise from thermal burns on the feet in diabetics.

Avoid Thermal Burns to Diabetic Feet

Luckily this can be avoided. If you are diabetic or have poor foot sensation, think before you race across that hot parking lot barefoot to the pool or beach. Even in the sand, you should feel its sun exposed temperature with your forearm or have a friend feel the sand before taking off your sandals, as this too can be a source of skin burning.

If you have suffered from a burn and you are diabetic, contact a trained podiatrist today. Don’t risk infection or other complications. Get your burn treated today. If you suspect you may have sensory loss due to neuropathy, schedule an appointment with an Upperline foot and ankle specialist and learn how we can help keep you safe.

Stay safe and enjoy your summer!

What Sports Injuries Can a Podiatrist Treat?

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 18:03:38 GMT

Knowing what types of sports-related injuries a podiatrist can treat is a great idea, as you never know when you or a loved one will suffer a sports-related injury. While some podiatrists will choose a subspecialty, like podiatric sports medicine, know that a general podiatrist can also diagnose and treat any sports-related injuries that have to do with the feet, ankles, or related structures of the leg.

Common Sports Injuries

The seven most common sports-related injuries are ankle sprains, shin splints, groin pulls, hamstring strains, ACL knee tears, patellofemoral syndrome (knee injury), and tennis elbow. Since podiatrists treat any type of injury related to the feet, ankle, and/or related structures of the leg, two of the more common types of sports injuries they treat are ankle sprains and shin splints.

Additional sports-related injuries that podiatrists can treat include foot fractures, ankle fractures, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon problems, turf toe, bruising, swelling, and bleeding.

Sports Injuries Podiatrists Can Treat

See below to learn more how a podiatrist treats some of the more common sports injuries that take place in or near one’s feet or ankles.

Foot Sprains, Ankle Sprains, Foot Fractures, Ankle Fractures, Toe Fractures

Diagnosis: Podiatrists diagnose sprains and fractures using MRIs and X-rays.
Non-Surgical Treatment: Common non-surgical treatment options include ultrasound therapy, resetting a minor fracture, wearing a boot or cast, and prescribing over-the-counter or prescription medications.
Surgical Treatment: Common surgical treatment options include using metal plates and screws to fix fractured bones.

Bruising, Swelling, Bleeding

Diagnosis: Podiatrists diagnose bruising, swelling, and bleeding by performing a physical examinations and by using MRIs and X-rays.
Non-Surgical Treatment: Common non-surgical treatment options for bruises include immobilizing the area using a surgical boot, and prescribing crutches, over-the-counter, and/or prescription medications.
Non-Surgical Treatment: Common non-surgical treatment options for swelling include creating a detailed recovery plan for the patient, i.e. wear compression stockings, prop feet above heart level, perform special exercises.
Non-Surgical Treatment: Common non-surgical treatment options for bleeding caused by abrasions or lacerations in the feet and/or ankle include performing a saline flush, Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT), and using stitches to close the wound.
Surgical Treatment: Common surgical treatment options to address bleeding injuries include a deep irrigation flush and deep debridement.

Plantar Fasciitis, Heel Spurs

Diagnosis: Podiatrists diagnose Plantar fasciitis by performing a physical examination and using MRIs and X-rays.
Diagnosis: Podiatrists diagnose heel spurs by using ultrasound technology and X-rays.
Non-Surgical Treatment: Common non-surgical treatment options for Plantar fasciitis include bracing, splinting, cortisone injections, performing specially prescribed exercises, wearing compression bandages, taping the arch, wearing custom-made foot orthotics, and undergoing Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT).
Surgical Treatment: Common surgical treatment options include performing an Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy (EPF).
Non-Surgical Treatment: Common non-surgical treatment options for heel spurs include prescribing anti-inflammatory medications, giving cortisone injections, providing exercise advice, undergoing physical therapy, and making custom orthotics for the patient to wear.
Surgical Treatment: Common surgical treatment options include using an endoscope to perform minimally invasive surgery to shave down the heel spur.

Achilles Tendonitis

Diagnosis: Podiatrists diagnose Achilles tendonitis by performing a physical examination.
Non-Surgical Treatment: Common non-surgical treatment options include ultrasound therapy, physical therapy, cushioned heel cups, cortisone injections, bandages to restrict movement, shockwave therapy, and prescribing orthotics and/or prescription medications.
Surgical Treatment: Common surgical treatment options include open surgery, percutaneous surgery, gastrocnemius recession, and debridement and repair to fix a damaged Achilles tendon.

Podiatrist vs. Other Sports Injury Treatment Options

The benefit of visiting a podiatrist vs. the ER? Even though one's first instinct when experiencing foot or ankle trauma may be to visit their local emergency room, the majority of unexpected foot or ankle injuries can be treated by a podiatrist. Many times a podiatrist can help an emergency patient quicker than an ER. This makes it a great idea to keep a podiatrist's contact information on hand, just in case.

Urgent Care Clinic? Many urgent care clinics don’t offer a podiatric physician to properly address serious foot and ankle injuries. Since many podiatrists offer patients the ability to be seen quickly after experiencing a sports injury, it benefits the patient to go directly to a podiatry office.

Sports Medicine Orthopedist? While sports medicine orthopedists can treat sports-related injuries that have to do with the feet or ankle, they don’t have the extensive knowledge of these body parts that podiatrists do. Instead, this medical professional focuses more on treating injuries related to the musculoskeletal system.

Good to Know

Now that you read the above information, you have a better understanding of the types of sports-related injuries podiatrists can treat. You also now understand that making an appointment with a podiatrist is often the best choice when experiencing an unexpected sports injury that involves the feet, ankles, or related structures of the leg.

If you suffer from chronic pain caused by a sports injury or if you have recently been injured in a sports-related accident, contact Upperline Health today for fast, effective podiatric care.

Should I See a Podiatrist or Sports Medicine Orthopedist for Foot or Ankle Injuries?

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 14:41:10 GMT

Ever wondered – is it better to see a podiatrist or orthopedist? Understanding the difference between podiatry services and sports medicine services is important, as you want to make sure you choose the right medical care professional to treat you or your loved one. The main difference between the 2 specialists? Podiatrists treat injuries, conditions, and symptoms directly affecting one’s feet and/or ankle health. Sports medicine specialists treat one’s entire musculoskeletal system, i.e. shoulders, elbows, hips, hands, wrists, ankles, knees.

According to the American Podiatric Medical Association , healthy feet are fundamental to the quality of our lives.

Sports Medicine Orthopedists

A sports medicine orthopedist focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of those who experience a sports-related injury or injury sustained from another type of physical activity. Sports medicine orthopedists must complete 4 years of undergraduate school, 4 years at an accredited medical school, and complete a 5-year surgical residency in generalized orthopedics to receive certification.

This type of medical professional often treats those who play competitive sports. This means their focus tends to be on providing their patients with treatment options that allow them to return and participate in their chosen sport as quickly as possible, while still keeping safety in mind. They also offer their patients preventative care services, teaching them how to prevent themselves from experiencing possible future injuries.

What Sports Injuries Can Orthopedists Treat?

Choosing to see an orthopedist whose focus is on sports medicine can be beneficial when suffering from the following sports injuries - ruptured ligaments, torn ligaments, fractures, dislocations, sprains, ACL injuries, PCL injuries, tennis elbow, rotator cuff tears, tendon injuries, and overuse injuries.

What Treatment Options Can Orthopedists Provide?

Non-surgical treatments include prescribing medications, physical therapy, and cortisone injections. Surgical treatments include soft tissue repair, tendon repair, bone fusion, internal fixation, arthroscopy, osteotomy, and joint replacement.

Podiatrists

A doctor of podiatric medicine is a medical professional who treats patients who are experiencing problems with their feet, ankles, and/or related structures of the leg. These particular areas of the body require expert care due to the important role these body parts play in a patient's everyday life. Podiatrists must complete 4 years of undergraduate school, 4 years at an accredited podiatric medical school, and 3 to 4 years of surgical residency training to receive certification.

Some podiatrists will choose to specialize in a particular field, with wound care, diabetic care, pediatrics, sports medicine, and surgical treatment being some of the more common fields chosen. All podiatrists have a goal to use the best treatment option available to address their patients’ podiatric problems. During treatment, they tend to focus on pain reduction and speed healing. When it comes to preventive foot and ankle care, podiatrists offer their patients the advice they need to ensure good foot and ankle health.

What Sports Injuries Can Podiatrists Treat?

Sports injuries are some of the more common causes of foot and ankle trauma. Podiatrists are exceptionally qualified to diagnose and treat the following sports-related injuries – foot sprains, ankle sprains, foot fractures, ankle fractures, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendonitis. They can also treat the inflammation that causes foot arthritis, which is often aggravated when participating in certain types of physical activity, i.e. running, tennis, baseball.

Non-sports related injuries podiatrists often treat include bunions, ingrown toenails, calluses, blisters, warts, corns, nail infections, flat feet problems, dry skin, hammertoes, foot ligament pain, and overall muscle pain.

What Treatment Options Can Podiatrist Provide?

Non-surgical treatments include writing prescriptions for non-steroid anti-inflammatory medications, setting fractures, rehabilitative services, providing cortisone injections, offering custom orthotics supports, and addressing skin disease. Surgical treatments include fixing fractured bones, repairing Achilles tendon tears, correcting hammertoe problems, and repairing damage causes by foot or ankle arthritis.

What Are the Benefits of Visiting a Podiatrist?

Some of the many benefits that come with choosing to see a podiatrist include:

They’re foot and ankle care specialists
They can recommend any necessary lifestyle changes to benefit foot and ankle health
They can diagnose and treat sports-related injuries with great accuracy
They offer long-term foot and ankle health services, including beneficial advice

Bottom Line

While there is some overlap between the services each professional provides for their patients, podiatrists specifically focus on treating problems taking place in the feet and/or ankles. Since podiatrists are specialists in treating the feet and ankles, this is the medical professional you should choose when in need of a proper diagnosis and/or treatment when experiencing feet or ankle-related problems. Choosing to use a foot and ankle expert ensures you're getting the absolute best medical treatment.

If you suffer from chronic pain caused by a sports injury, or if you have a new injury that needs to be treated, contact an Upperline Health podiatrist for comprehensive foot and ankle care.

Tennessee Podiatry is Becoming Upperline Health Tennessee

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 18:35:48 GMT

As you may have seen on your billing statements or on our website and social media, Tennessee Podiatry is an Upperline Health company. We will begin transitioning to the Upperline Health brand over the next few months and will be known as Upperline Health Tennessee moving forward. Our in-clinic care will remain the same, and our skilled and compassionate team will continue to offer the same great service.

We look forward to continuing to serve your foot care needs in the future. Please let us know if you have any questions about this new transition.

Welcome Dr. Dowell to the Tennessee Podiatry Dyersburg Clinic

jcrosby@upperlinehealth.com (Marketing Upperline) — Wed, 23 Sep 2020 18:30:16 GMT

Beginning Thursday, November 5, 2020, Dr. David Dowell will begin seeing patients at the Tennessee Podiatry Dyersburg clinic. Dr. Paul Wilson be be moving to the Union City location full time, and the Dyersburg clinic will now be open on Thursdays and Fridays from 08:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. beginning October 5, 2020.

Dr. Dowell is a well-respected podiatrist with 27 years of experience. We are very excited to welcome him to Tennessee Podiatry. All scheduled appointments and new appointments for the Dyersburg location will be transferred to Dr. Dowell.

It is very important that you continue to receive podiatric care. You have the option of continuing your podiatric care with Tennessee Podiatry at the Dyersburg location under the care of Dr. Dowell, transferring your care to the Union City location under the care of Dr. Wilson, or transferring your care to another podiatrist of your choosing.

Your medical records will remain with Tennessee Podiatry, but if you wish to have a copy of your records or wish to have your records sent to another podiatrist, you will need to request a medical record release form from Tennessee Podiatry. Please note that there may be a minimum fee of $25.00 charged for the release of these records.

We are confident that you will continue to receive optimal care in both of our Tennessee locations, and we look forward to continuing to provide you with the highest level of podiatry services.

Thank you,

The Tennessee Podiatry staff

Can a Podiatrist Help My Kids?

jcrosby@upperlinehealth.com (Marketing Upperline) — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 20:32:31 GMT

Pediatric Podiatry Services in Union City, TN and Dyersburg, TN

Podiatrists are often thought of as specialists for adults, but these foot and ankle specialists offer care to all ages, from infants to adolescents.

If your child has been diagnosed with one of the following conditions or has an injury of the foot or ankle, our pediatric podiatrist in Dyersburg, TN or Union City, TN can help.

Common foot and ankle issues in kids:

General Foot Pain
Pediatric Heel Pain
Ingrown Toenails
Plantar Warts
Athlete's Foot
Toenail Fungus
Bunions
Pediatric Flat Foot
Trauma
Growth Plate Injuries

Contact our office today if your child is in need of a foot doctor in West Tennessee. We have clinics in Dyersburg, TN and Union City, TN .

Can a Podiatrist Help Me?

jcrosby@upperlinehealth.com (Marketing Upperline) — Tue, 31 Mar 2020 18:28:18 GMT

Not sure if you should ever see a podiatrist? Review the infographic below and see if you can answer yes to any of the questions. You might be surprised at what a podiatrist an treat.

Becoming a Podiatrist and Daily Foot Health | TN Podiatry

jcrosby@upperlinehealth.com (Marketing Upperline) — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 16:22:27 GMT

What is the educational process of becoming a podiatrist?

The vast majority of podiatrists have a four year degree, primarily in the natural sciences such as biology or chemistry, but this is not a requirement. Some podiatrists obtain an undergraduate degree in an unrelated field. Upon completing the four year degree, podiatry candidates are admitted to podiatric medical school. This is a four year degree and is modeled similarly to allopathic or osteopathic medical schools. Upon completing four years of podiatry school, the next step is residency training, which is approximately 3 years long. The advanced residency training has been standardized of the past 20 years, so that all podiatrists graduate with a surgical subspecialty.

What treatments and services are you able to perform as a podiatrist with a surgical subspecialty degree?

Some podiatrists are restricted to only the foot or certain areas of the foot due to state regulations. Some states allow podiatrists to perform surgery on the ankle or even soft tissue procedures into the leg while others are only able to offer services on the foot.

What type of hands-on training do you receive while in podiatry school?

The clinical phase of podiatry education begins in the third year for podiatry school. Students attend clinics and visit patients in the hospital. They also go through rotations in general surgery, vascular surgery, inpatient hospital medicine and wound care.

What types of ongoing training do practicing podiatrists do to stay up to date?

Many podiatrists attend seminars and conferences that occur across the country to meet the mandated continued educational requirements.

When should someone visit a podiatrists as opposed to continuing at-home treatments?

When an issue becomes so painful or uncomfortable that you can’t ignore it, then they should see a podiatrist. One of the earliest warning signs of an issue is pain. So, pain that continues and is unresolved usually needs to be addressed or evaluated.

What are neurological issues and how can they effect foot health?

Podiatrists perform a complete neurological exam on patients that come in with the neurological-related complaint, such as muscle weakness, numbness, tingling, Paresthesias or difficulty walking.

What are some general day-to-day foot care tips that you'd like to see everyone follow, comparable to brushing our teeth?

Fungal infections are a common issue, so drying your feet completely before putting on shoes or socks is essential to proper daily foot health.

Dr. Paul Wilson Featured on Elevator Podiatrist Podcast Episode 4

jcrosby@upperlinehealth.com (Marketing Upperline) — Mon, 05 Aug 2019 18:48:14 GMT

Becoming a Podiatrist and What to Expect During Your First Visit - Dr. Paul Wilson

Q&A Transcript

Joe Crosby: 00:14 Welcome to the elevator podiatrist, the show where we ask common foot and ankle questions to top podiatrists from around the country. There's no appointment or copay required for this one on one Q&A, only free advice from individuals who have devoted their lives to all things feet, I'm your host Joe Crosby. And today I'm joined by Dr. Paul Wilson podiatrist out of Union City and Dyersburg, Tennessee. What's your favorite foot deformity or condition that you, that you get to treat kind of on a daily basis or you know, maybe a rare one that you'll see, you know, once every few years.

Dr. Paul Wilson: 00:52 What I like most about being a podiatrist is the fact that I can get patients better almost all the time. Usually with very simple interventions. As far as my favorite area of the foot, I really liked the first metatarsal phalangeal joint or the big toe joint. So I think the pathologies are very interesting to study and very interesting to treat. And it's one of the main areas that we do see pathology, in the foot.

Joe Crosby: 01:27 And we had discussed talking about the educational process, you know, what it takes to become a podiatrist. So what, what is that process? What's, what is the educational process of becoming a podiatrist?

Dr. Paul Wilson: 01:39 Well, it's quite extensive as you might imagine, though I have had patients ask me if I went to college, but it's true, the vast majority of podiatrists have a four year degree, usually in the natural sciences such as biology or chemistry and all those as are not that necessarily true. I had a classmate that was a French major actually. So, upon completing the four year degree, candidates are admitted to podiatric medical school, which is four years in duration and is modeled exactly like allopathic or osteopathic medical schools. In fact, uh, the, uh, the podiatry school that I attended is also an osteopathic medical school. And my classmates were also studying to be osteopathic physicians.

Joe Crosby: 02:41 What is osteopathic?

Dr. Paul Wilson: 02:43 A osteopathic is a medical degree that is the DO degree. So physicians that have MD degrees and traditions that have DO degrees and the physicians with the DO degrees are the osteopathic physician. So they have just a little bit different philosophy than the allopathic chow counterparts. Uh, usually I have a more holistic approach rather than a focused approach to a particular body system. Upon completing four years of podiatry school, the graduate enters into residency training, which is now a uniformly three years in length. So there's been a lot of work over the last 20 or so years to standardize the advanced residency training so that they're all very similar and all podiatrists should be regarded as surgical subspecialists that have been to residency training. So in all that is at least 11 years of total education.

Joe Crosby: 03:52 So every podiatrist would be considered a surgeon? Is that what you would say?

Dr. Paul Wilson: 04:00 Any podiatrist that has completed residency training in the past 20 or 25 years should be regarded as a surgical subspecialists. Yes.

Joe Crosby: 04:09 Okay. So with that advanced surgical training, I'm sure there are different subsets of surgery that you can perform. So what additional treatments and services does that allow you to perform? And what would be some of those subsets of surgical specialties?

Dr. Paul Wilson: 04:28 Well, even though that training is standardized across the nation, the actual scope of practice that's imposed by the state is highly variable. So some podiatrists are restricted to only the foot or certain areas of the foot. While other states allow podiatrists to perform surgery on the ankle or even soft tissue procedures into the leg. So not only is there a variability amongst states, there can also be some variability from community to community based on what hospital privileges are granted in that locality. So that's where the variability comes in, so though the residency is pretty much standardized at this point. I have found that podiatrits tend to gravitate towards an area of clinical interest and so forth, rather than a formal specialty within podiatry. For example, many podiatrists prefer to do wound care. Many podiatrists prefer to do biomechanics, some podiatrists prefer to focus on sports medicine. While there's some fellowship training available in those areas, it's not common for doctors to pursue fellowship training and they just more or less pursue their areas of clinical interest.

Joe Crosby: 05:55 And what's kind of your area of interest would you say?

Dr. Paul Wilson: 05:59 I'm very interested in neurological diseases that impact the foot. I'm interested in how altered biomechanics result in foot ulcers, which is very interesting to me. And again, I'm interested in diseases of the big toe joints such as, buneons, which is also known as hallus valgus, or severe arthritis of that area.

Joe Crosby: 06:25 So during your training and in schooling, I'm sure there were some hands on training involved probably near the end. What, what type of hands on training did you get while in school? And how early did you start preferring performing surgical procedures on actual patients?

Dr. Paul Wilson: 06:42 The clinical phase of podiatry education begins in the third year for podiatry School just like the allopathic and osteopathic counterparts. So a lot of that is attending clinics, attending patients in the hospital and then as far as residency training goes, the rotations are pretty diverse. So I had very solid rotations in general surgery, vascular surgery and the inpatient hospital medicine as well as wound care.

Joe Crosby: 07:12 Next would be the continued training. So now you're a practicing podiatrist, what other training do you kind of do on an ongoing basis to kind of stay up to date to, you know, learn new things? You know, stay on top of new trends?

Dr. Paul Wilson: 07:26 Well, it's practically impossible to do it on your own. You have to rely on your colleagues to help with that. So it's actually usually in the form of seminars and conferences that occur across the country and usually have time to go one or to go to two per year, which more than meets the mandated continued educational requirements. But, uh, I found that it's, it's best to, uh, take, take a few days away and focus on updating and refreshing.

Joe Crosby: 08:02 Moving more towards the day to day working with patients, you see a lot of different foot issues from wounds to ingrown toenails to buneons. There's a lot of home remedies out there that, you know, on the Internet that probably worked pretty well for most people. But in what instances would you suggest someone actually come in to see a foot specialist?

Dr. Paul Wilson: 08:21 Well, that's highly variable, I would say Joe, but usually when something gets to the point that you can't ignore it any longer so that there are many signs. Usually people know right away that something is wrong. There's pretty good indicators of things that have gone wrong in the human body. And one of the earliest warning signs that we have is pain. So pain that continues and is unresolved usually needs to be addressed or evaluated.

Joe Crosby: 08:57 So a lot of people have never been to a podiatrist before and they may know, they may know what it is, they may know what a podiatrist does. They know a podiatrist does ingrown toenails or you know, deals with foot wounds. But when a new patient is coming in, what should they expect during their first appointment?

Dr. Paul Wilson: 09:16 Well, I think it be very similar to other doctor's appointments. So normally when you arrive into the office, especially if you're new patients, there's a check in procedure and the dreaded new patient paperwork that is pretty comprehensive. Once the patient is taken back to the room, you are usually first seen by one of our medical assistants that reviews the complaint. And eventually when you see the doctor, the doctor will ask you many questions, not only about what's going on with your foot, but also what's going on within your health in general. Because foot complaints can also be a sign of a disease process elsewhere in the body. It is important to pick up on that right away. So after the doctor takes a history, the doctor will conduct the physical exam, not only of the foot, but also of some other systems including a skin assessment, a vascular assessment and the neurological assessment. There may or may not be x-rays or there may or may not be other diagnostic testing in the office. So once the doctor has taken a history and physical, it's the doctor's responsibility to arrive at the diagnosis and formulate the treatment plan.

Joe Crosby: 10:43 Earlier you mentioned one of your kind of areas of interests was neurological issues as related to the feet. What would be an example of a neurological issue that would relate to the feet and during your assessment, what would you kind of look for?

Dr. Paul Wilson: 10:59 This may be a little bit too technical, but again, I try to evaluate the patient's symptoms, any particular pattern of symptoms, any particular distribution of symptoms. And I try to correlate that with my physical exam. So I do a pretty complete neurological exam on patients that come in with the neurological type complaints, things like muscle weakness, numbness, tingling, Paresthesias, difficulty walking, things like that.

Joe Crosby: 11:36 We all know how important is to brush and floss our teeth every day. That's literally been hammered into our brains since we were kids. But daily foot care hasn't really been ingrained into our daily habits, even though something like three quarters of Americans will experience foot pain or some kind of put issue during our lives. So what are some general day to day foot care tips that you'd like to see everyone follow? You know, comparable to like brushing our teeth?

Dr. Paul Wilson: 12:01 Okay. Well I think that's a great question. I see a lot of Fungal infections in between the toes and so forth. And this is mainly in my opinion due to accumulated moisture or a failure to get the foot completely dry after showers and baths. So if most people, I think when they get out of the shower or the bathtub, they start at their head and start working their way down. And by the time they get down to their feet, they're either just decided they're moving on with their day or they're drying their feet off with something that's already pretty damp. And then the next thing that go on is the shoes and socks, which entrap that moisture. So I would say probably the best thing people, the average person can do for their feet is make sure they're getting their feet completely dry after their bathing routine.

Joe Crosby: 12:55 I want to thank Dr. Wilson for speaking with me today, and I want to thank you for listening to the elevator podiatrist.

Raines Foot Clinic Is Now Tennessee Podiatry

jcrosby@upperlinehealth.com (Marketing Upperline) — Thu, 27 Jun 2019 19:27:27 GMT

Raines Foot Clinic Rebrands Practice Name to Tennessee Podiatry

Raines Foot Clinic has rebranded it's Dyersburg and Union City, TN podiatry clinics as Tennessee Podiatry . Dr. Paul Wilson will continue to serve each location as the resident podiatrist, and we will continue to provide the same great services to the Dyersburg and Union City communities that we have always offered.

What does this mean for our patients? The biggest change will be on your billing statements, which will now be branded and billed under the Tennessee Podiatry brand.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us.

Heel Pain and Flip Flops During The Summer Months

jcrosby@upperlinehealth.com (Marketing Upperline) — Mon, 17 Jun 2019 18:23:35 GMT

Dr. Michael King, medical director of Tennessee Podiatry, speaks about heel pain and flip flops on the "Elevator Podiatrist" podcast.

When Is A Foot And Ankle Surgery Recommended?

jcrosby@upperlinehealth.com (Marketing Upperline) — Fri, 26 Apr 2019 14:30:24 GMT

We’ve all had the experience of walking through a dark room only to stub a toe on the corner of a dresser or chair leg, inducing a level of pain that can only be described as agonizing. The image of a middle school dance also comes to mind where a nervous tween awkwardly steps on their dance partner’s toe, inciting a howl of pain from the unsuspecting partner.

The intense, throbbing pain associated with something as simple as a stubbed toe gives a glimpse at just how sensitive the human foot can be, so imagining the level of pain associated with a foot or ankle fracture, a broken ankle or a non-healing foot ulcer is almost unfathomable to those who have not experienced that level of pain.

What is a foot and ankle specialist?

Foot and ankle specialists, more commonly known as podiatrists, are tasked with helping keep our feet healthy and pain free. They spend years learning the foot inside and out and train extensively on diagnosing and treating any condition related to the foot or ankle.

From removing ingrown toenails to providing comprehensive foot or ankle surgery (and everything in between), a podiatrist is the foot expert to see for any foot or ankle issue.

As mentioned above, many people visit podiatrists to have an ingrown toenail removed or for treatment of nail fungus, but the extent of a podiatrist’s expertise goes far beyond these procedures and expands to life-saving surgical intervention and amputation in the most extreme cases.

Many podiatrists are trained surgeons who can perform surgery on the foot or ankle when other treatment options are unable to fix the issue.

What type of foot and ankle surgery is available?

Whether you’ve been diagnosed with a foot deformity or have lost all or partial function to your foot or ankle, or if you suffer from chronic pain, foot or ankle surgery may be the answer. Podiatrists will provide options to aid in your treatment but will turn to surgical intervention once other options have been exhausted. Most issues of the foot or ankle have a surgical option, but there are several surgeries that are common. These include the following:

Bunion Surgery: Bunions develop on the side of the big toe and cause the big toe to point in the direction of the adjacent toes. If bunions are not treated promptly and are allowed to progress, surgery may be required to correct the issue. Bunion surgery involves removing the lump of bone on the side of the big toe joint and straightening the joint back into place. Removing a bunion and realigning your joint is usually a quick procedure and most people leave the hospital or surgery center the same day as the surgery.
Hammertoe Surgery: Hammertoes are a deformity that cause the toes to bend upward at the joint. Often associated with rheumatoid arthritis, hammertoes can be extremely painful. There are a number of effective surgeries available to correct hammertoes, including:

Joint resection - By cutting the affected tendons and removing a portion of bone, podiatrists are able to straighten the toes. Temporary pins are often placed in the toe to keep it in place.
Tendon transfer - Podiatrists pull a nearby tendon across the top of the toe joint to pull the toe into a straighter position. This method helps with toe appearance and the reduction of pain.
Joint fusion - Podiatric surgeons cut the affected tendons and ligaments and then insert a pin to hold the joint in place to allow the bones to grow together.
Amputation - Used as a last resort when other treatment options or surgeries have failed, podiatric surgeons may recommend removing the affected toe to alleviate pain.

Morton’s Neuroma Surgery: Morton’s neuromas cause pain in the middle of the foot due to a nerve that has thickened from compression and irritation of the nerve. When symptoms are severe and other treatment options have failed, removal of the affected nerve through surgery is commonly used.
Plantar Fasciitis Surgery: In rare cases, plantar fasciitis can cause pain so severe that podiatrists recommend releasing the plantar fascia tendon from the heel bone.

When is foot or ankle surgery recommended?

As with any field of medicine, foot or ankle surgery is usually held as a last resort when other treatment options have failed. There are instances, such as a torn tendon or ligament, when surgery is required, but podiatrists will exhaust non-surgical treatment options before moving to surgery. Certain deformities may also require surgery when bracing and splinting are ineffective, or if the deformity has been left untreated for too long. Fractures are also common injuries that require surgery, especially when the bone breaks into 2 pieces, requiring realignment. Finally, arthritis is a common candidate for surgery because non-surgical options are often ineffective for relieving the pain associated with arthritis.

To find out if foot or ankle surgery is right for you, or if non-surgical methods will suffice, contact Tennessee Podiatry to schedule an appointment. Our podiatrists provide quality foot and ankle care throughout Tennessee and offer both surgical and non-surgical options to meet your needs.

Dr. Paul Wilson Appointed To Serve On National Committees

jcrosby@upperlinehealth.com (Marketing Upperline) — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 15:41:02 GMT

Podiatrist Paul K. Wilson Appointed To Serve On National Committee

Dr. Paul K. Wilson, Dyersburg and Union City, TN podiatrist, has been appointed to the American Board of Podiatric Medicine's (ABPM) Examination Subcommittee and the Subject Matter Subcommittee.

The committees will convene later this year in Chicago and Los Angeles and will be comprised of board certified podiatrists practicing across the country.

Dr. Wilson will contribute with his experience in the areas of diabetic foot complications, neurological diseases that affect the foot and biomechanics of the foot.

“This is an opportunity that I am very proud of,” said Wilson. “Board certification indicates a podiatrist’s commitment to lifelong learning, the desire to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and an interest in maintaining a national standard.”

About Dr. Paul Wilson

Dr. Wilson was board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine in 2017. He completed his undergraduate work at Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri where he obtained a degree in Cell and Molecular Biology. He obtained his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine Degree from Des Moines University in Des Moines, Iowa, in 2008. After earning his doctorate degree, Dr. Wilson completed a three year Podiatric Medicine and Surgery residency at Truman Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

About the American Board of Podiatric Medicine

The American Board of Podiatric Medicine protects the health and welfare of the public through an ongoing process of evaluation and certification of the competence of podiatrists in the specialty of Podiatric Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine. ( abpmed.org )

Dr. Wilson sees patients in Union City and Dyersburg, TN and is on staff at area hospitals.