Diabetes, which is a disease caused by a blood sugar imbalance, can cause problems in parts of the body, most commonly the feet, ankles, and lower legs. The problem is reduced circulation, which keeps the blood from reaching these areas. This can damage the nerves (neuropathy) and can result in numbness, tingling, pain and other discomfort. It can also slow the healing process if you have sores or cuts on the foot or ankle, which may turn into ulcers and become infected. You can prevent more serious problems by taking time each day to wash and thoroughly dry your feet, avoid going barefoot, wearing shoes that fit properly, and checking for sores and cuts. If you notice cracked skin, blisters and sores that will not heal, it is a good idea to consult a podiatrist and set up a regular plan for treatment.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Centers of Charlotte County . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are poorly healing wounds that can form on the feet of people who have diabetes. These wounds require treatment, as they are at an increased risk of infection, which can have serious consequences. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a type of treatment in which a person is placed in a special room or small chamber to breathe almost pure oxygen. This treatment has shown to be promising in treating a variety of conditions, including poorly healing DFUs. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help encourage the formation of new blood vessels around the wound and supply the area with more oxygen and nutrients, something these wounds are typically missing due to the effects of diabetes. This can help the body generate new, healthy tissues. To learn more about HBOT and other treatments for diabetic foot ulcers, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Centers of Charlotte County . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

If your toes start to itch and tiny blisters begin to form between them, you probably have come in contact with tinea fungus, more commonly known as athlete’s foot. It thrives in warm, moist and airless conditions, such as those found in locker rooms, public showers and swimming pools. It is a good idea to avoid sharing towels, wear foot coverings in places where the fungus is likely to grow, keep from scratching the infected area, and wear absorbent socks. Although this fungus can spread easily to other parts of your body as well as to other people, it is not serious in and of itself. Many topical antifungal creams and sprays are available to treat athlete’s foot. However, if you start to feel pain, or if your foot becomes hot and red, it could be an indication of a more serious problem. Similarly, if you are diabetic or suffer from a weakened immune system, it is probably wise to consult a podiatrist to see if other treatment options are available to you. 

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Centers of Charlotte County .  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

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

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

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

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

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

You probably have an ingrown toenail (onychocryptosis) if the edge of your toenail grows into the skin of your toe. The area around the nail will likely be red and painful because it is irritated. If it progresses to infection, the skin might bulge around the nail and pus, or a clear fluid can be present. It stands to reason that the longer this condition is left untreated, the more likely it is to become infected. Ingrown toenails may be caused by wearing shoes that crowd the toenails, improper cutting of toenails, injury to the toenail, or toenails that are unusually curved. If you suspect you have an ingrown toenail or any other foot discomfort, you should visit a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Centers of Charlotte County . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Cuboid syndrome is a foot condition that affects the cuboid bone, which is one of seven tarsal bones that are located in the middle of the foot. Additionally, it can be referred to as cuboid subluxation, and it may develop after a joint or ligament injury. Patients with cuboid syndrome can experience limping, swelling, and tenderness in the affected foot. While research has indicated that trauma to the foot is the most common cause of cuboid syndrome, some patients have overpronation or underpronation, which can lead to an increase in the risk of injury. This condition may also happen gradually, as the foot can endure stress a day at a time. Relief may come from resting the foot as often as possible, and it can help to wear proper shoes. If you have pain in your foot, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can perform proper testing for cuboid syndrome and offer correct treatment options.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with one of our podiatrists  from Foot & Ankle Centers of Charlotte County . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

If standing or walking for long periods causes a pain on the outside of your ankle, you may have sinus tarsi syndrome. The sinus tarsi is a kind of tunnel between two other foot bones that contains ligaments, muscle, nerves, blood vessels and fat. When it gets pinched, it causes pain in front of and below the pointy bone on the outside of your ankle, which is actually the end of the fibula. Swelling and pain when rotating your foot outward are also symptoms. Sinus tarsi syndrome is common in people who have previously sprained an ankle. Non-operative treatments include stopping the activity that is causing the pain, wearing more comfortable shoes and an ankle brace, taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, and getting corticosteroid injections. An X-ray or digital imaging test from a podiatrist is suggested for a full examination and diagnosis of your foot and ankle. 

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists  from Foot & Ankle Centers of Charlotte County . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the deeper layers of the skin. It can affect any part of the body, but is most frequently seen in the feet. Cellulitis can be contracted by bacteria entering a wound, cut, scrape, or other small openings in the skin. Symptoms of this condition include red, swollen, warm, tender, and painful skin, changes in the texture of the skin (pitting) and blisters. A fever and chills can also accompany this infection. Cellulitis is treated with antibiotics and resting and elevating the affected foot to reduce swelling. Left untreated, cellulitis can cause grave complications. If you notice signs of infection in your feet, please seek the care of a podiatrist as soon as possible.

Foot Pain

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

Causes

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

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

Diagnosis

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

Treatment

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

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

If your ankle suddenly rolls inward, causing great pain and swelling, you may have more than a sprain. If the outer ligament is torn during an injury, it sometimes lops off a small piece of bone at the end of the fibula (the outer leg bone). Though this injury is known as a fibular avulsion fracture, it is often thought of as a moderate-to-severe ankle sprain and will not likely need surgery. Rest, ice, elevation and anti-inflammatory medication can help ease the pain. The ability to bear weight is extremely limited, and a boot or brace may also be needed to immobilize the foot. The injury is most common in older women because of osteoporosis that weakens the bones and young men whose ligaments may be much stronger than their bones. If you experience such an injury, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist as soon as possible for X-rays, diagnosis and treatment options.

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Centers of Charlotte County . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Muscle strains
• Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
• Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

• Bruising
• Inflammation/ Swelling
• Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.