Items filtered by date: October 2022

Wounds on the feet are open sores, and they can be particularly problematic for individuals suffering from diabetes. A puncture wound is a specific kind of foot wound that results when a sharp, pointed object essentially punctures or creates a hole in the foot. As a result of the puncture wound, the foot may become swollen or bruised. Additionally, the foot may be painful or bleed. To treat the puncture wound, a medical professional might try to remove the dirt and debris from the punctured area. This step is typically taken to reduce the extent to which an individual is susceptible to an infection. If you believe that you have suffered from a puncture wound, it might be a good idea to contact 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 Harlis Family Foot and 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 Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toenail fungus can be a nuisance. Not only can the development of toenail fungus make the toenails appear brittle and ragged, it can also cause you pain. There are several things that a patient might consider doing to avoid the development of toenail fungus. First, you might try selecting shoes that offer a decent amount of space for the toes. Shoes that have tiny toe boxes can make the toenails rub up against the shoes. Second, you might also try alternating the shoes that you wear from day to day. When an individual wears the same pair of shoes day after day, the shoes can become damp from sweat, which only increases the likelihood that a toenail fungus will take hold. If you are particularly concerned about developing a toenail fungus, contact a podiatrist today. This is a foot specialist who can help you with your concerns.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Harlis Family Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Many people who develop stress fractures often continue to run through the pain that this foot condition can cause. It is a hairline fracture and may be more prevalent among people who have osteoporosis. The foot bones absorb the stress of the body, and this can easily occur if proper warmups and cool-downs are not performed. Symptoms that are generally associated with stress fractures include bruising, swelling, and tenderness in addition to difficulty in completing daily activities. Some factors can contribute to incurring a stress fracture. These can consist of having previous fractures, a lack of vitamin D, or running and jumping on uneven surfaces. An MRI is often needed to properly diagnose a stress fracture and an X-ray may follow. If you feel that you have developed this type of fracture, please consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward the correct treatment techniques, which often begin with resting and elevating the affected foot.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Harlis Family Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

A broken ankle, which is also referred to as a fractured ankle, can occur as a result of a fall, or if an injury has happened. The ankle is divided into three categories, and any one or more of these bones can become fractured. The larger bone in the lower leg is called the tibia, and the fibula refers to the smaller bone in the lower half of the leg.The bone that is located between the heel bone, the tibia and the fibula is known as the talus. A broken ankle is often noticeable and there is generally pain and discomfort that can accompany it. Patients can find it difficult to walk on, and there may be bruising and swelling. Many broken ankles can be treated by wearing a cast or a boot, and this can provide the stability that is needed as the healing process occurs. A protruding ankle bone often indicates a severely broken ankle, and surgery may be necessary that may restore normal functioning. If you have broken your ankle, please speak to a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can effectively diagnose and treat it.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Harlis Family Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.