August 2023

Proper wound care for the feet is a crucial aspect of maintaining overall health and mobility. Whether managing minor cuts, blisters, or more substantial injuries, tending to foot wounds can help to prevent complications and expedite healing. Wound care can begin by cleaning the affected area gently with mild soap and lukewarm water, and patting it dry without rubbing. This can be followed by applying an appropriate antiseptic, which can help to prevent infections. Covering the wound with a sterile bandage or dressing can safeguard it from dirt and friction. It is beneficial to regularly change the dressing and monitor the wound's progress, keeping an eye out for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or pus. If the wound does not show signs of improvement or healing, seeking medical attention is essential to ensure a seamless recovery process for your feet. If you have a foot wound, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can effectively treat wounds on the feet.

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 Foothill Podiatry Clinic. 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 Grass Valley, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Neuropathy, a complex, and often perplexing condition can cast a shadow over the quality of one’s life. This ailment stems from damage to the peripheral nerves, which can result in a range of uncomfortable sensations, including numbness, tingling, and pain. Symptoms are often noticed in the feet, possibly causing difficulty in walking. Various underlying factors contribute to neuropathy's onset. Diabetes, a common cause, can expose nerves to prolonged high blood sugar levels, triggering damage. Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to nutritional deficiencies, impacting nerve health. Autoimmune diseases, infections such as Lyme disease, and certain medications can also contribute to developing neuropathy.  Additionally, genetics play a role in predisposition to neuropathy. Understanding these triggers is essential for effective management and treatment. By addressing the root causes, individuals can take strides toward alleviating symptoms and improving their overall well-being. If your feet begin to tingle or become numb, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and offer you the correct treatment techniques for neuropathy.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foothill Podiatry Clinic. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Grass Valley, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cuboid syndrome is a painful foot condition that can significantly disrupt mobility and daily activities. It occurs when the cuboid bone becomes displaced. The exact cause of cuboid syndrome is often attributed to sudden or excessive forces applied to the foot during activities such as running, jumping, or rolling the ankle. Athletes and individuals who engage in high-impact sports or activities are at a higher risk for this condition due to the repetitive stress placed on the foot. Additionally, people who have flat feet or those who wear poorly fitting shoes may also be prone to developing cuboid syndrome. Recognizing and addressing these risk factors is crucial in preventing the occurrence of cuboid syndrome and maintaining optimal foot health. Seeking professional care promptly is essential for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment to ensure a swift recovery. If you have pain in the outer part of your foot, it is strongly suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat cuboid syndrome.

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 Foothill Podiatry Clinic. 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 office located in Grass Valley, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a form of arthritis and is caused by an overabundance of urates in the system. The urates can form needle-like crystals in the joints, commonly in the big toe. Sudden bouts of extreme pain, swelling, redness, and stiffness develop almost out of nowhere and can last a week or more. They can start at any time and are often experienced at night. Besides genetics and certain lifestyle choices, one of the main causes of gout is eating foods and drinking beverages rich in purines. These can be found in red meat, organ and game meats, and even turkey. The types of seafood that are rich in purines are herring, scallops, mussels, codfish, tuna, and trout. In addition, sugary drinks and foods that are high in fructose contain large amounts of purines. While alcoholic beverages are not high in purines, they can inhibit the kidneys from eliminating uric acid, which furthers the buildup of urates. Gravy and meat sauces, as well as yeast and yeast extracts, are also high in purines. For more information on ways to reduce uric acid and cut back on the effects of gout, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who is trained to deal with this condition.  

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Foothill Podiatry Clinic. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Grass Valley, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.