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Pressure ulcers are skin wounds caused by prolonged pressure, commonly forming on the feet in those individuals with restricted mobility or circulation problems. These ulcers progress through four stages. Stage 1 appears as red or discolored skin that does not blanch when pressed. Stage 2 involves partial skin loss with a shallow open sore or blister. Stage 3 is marked by deeper tissue loss, possibly exposing fat. Stage 4 is the most severe, showing extensive damage to muscle, bone, or tendons. Early detection is critical at any stage. Reducing pressure with offloading devices, keeping the wound clean, and managing underlying conditions like diabetes are essential parts of care. Avoiding further irritation and maintaining overall skin health can prevent progression. If you observe skin changes or suspect an ulcer may be developing on your foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment.
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 Summerlin Foot & Ankle. 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 office located in Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
An ankle fracture is a break in one or more bones that form the ankle joint. The ankle consists of the tibia, fibula, and talus. These bones come together to form a stable joint that allows the foot to move up, down, and side to side. Ligaments surrounding the joint help maintain its stability. An ankle fracture can range from a small crack to a complete break that may shift the bones out of place. Common causes include sudden twisting movements, falls, sports injuries, or car accidents. The injury may cause swelling, bruising, pain, and difficulty bearing weight. If you believe you have fractured your ankle, it is strongly suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat broken ankles.
Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Summerlin Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.
When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.
Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle
If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Practicing foot yoga stretches each day can improve flexibility, circulation, and overall foot comfort. Seated ankle rotations where you gently circle the foot clockwise and counterclockwise can help loosen tight joints and increase mobility. Moving through downward facing dog with soft knee bends, where heels reach toward the floor and knees bend slightly, allows a gradual stretch through the calves, heels, and arches while supporting the whole body. Garland pose, a deep squat with feet flat and elbows pressing into the inner knees, opens the hips and stretches the soles of the feet, encouraging strength and balance. Additionally, the bound angle pose with a gentle foot massage, where the soles of the feet touch and hands massage them, combines relaxation with stimulation of pressure points, promoting circulation and releasing tension. These simple stretches can be done at home and offer lasting benefits for both active individuals and those who spend long hours on their feet. If your feet have become stiff, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide appropriate treatment options.
Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from Summerlin Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Stretching the Feet
Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.
It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Rheumatoid arthritis that affects the ankles can result in persistent pain, swelling, and joint stiffness that interferes with daily movement. Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation in the synovium, a membrane that lines the ankle joints, which leads to excess fluid buildup and joint instability. As the arthritis advances, people may experience difficulty walking, numbness from nerve compression, and visible changes in ankle structure. A podiatrist can assess the severity of joint damage to determine a treatment approach. In many cases, steroid injections may be recommended to relieve inflammation. Also, bracing can help stabilize the ankle and reduce pressure on the affected joints. If symptoms continue despite conservative measures, surgery may be necessary. Ankle fusion, known as arthrodesis, involves joining the bones of the ankle to reduce pain caused by joint movement. For more advanced joint deterioration, a podiatrist may recommend total ankle replacement to restore function. If you have ankle pain that may be caused by rheumatoid arthritis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.
Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Summerlin Foot & Ankle. 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:
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 office located in Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.