Puncture wounds on the feet are caused by injuries to the feet from pointed objects. Such wounds are usually caused by stepping on a sharp object, such as a nail or piece of glass. Penetration is usually deeper if it is on a weight-bearing area of the foot. An infection can quickly develop from such a wound and must be tended to in a timely manner. If you have sustained a puncture wound, the first thing to do is wash your hands and examine the wound to see how deep it is. If the object grazed the skin and it was not rusty or dirty, the scratch should be gently cleaned with soap and water. A minor wound can then be covered with a bandage and checked frequently. If it is deeper, the object is still in the foot, or dirt from the pointed object has entered the wound, it is important to seek treatment immediately. It is suggested that if you have sustained such an injury, you make an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible to have the wound checked, tetanus shots updated, and treatment given.

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 Andrew Katz, DPM from Allcare Foothealth Center. Our doctor 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 contact our office located in Palmdale, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Many people welcome the warmer weather for the opportunity to go shoeless and feel the earth beneath their feet. However, if an individual walks barefoot for prolonged periods of time, or if they are in hazardous environments, their feet can endure injury and infections. People who walk barefoot can get blisters or burns from hot cement and injuries from stepping on nails or other sharp objects. Additionally, athlete’s foot may develop from exposure to a fungus that is found in warm and wet environments. Locker rooms or public showers can fall into this category. Athlete’s foot is an infection of the feet that results in red, cracked skin, which can often blister. Patients who have diabetes or poor circulation are slower to heal, and the loss of sensation in their feet can make it difficult to feel pain, possibly increasing the risk of infections. Wearing flip-flops or water shoes around pool areas or at the beach can offer protection to the feet. If you have endured an injury or infection, such as athlete’s foot, from walking barefoot, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an evaluation, treatment, and prevention measures.

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 Andrew Katz, DPM from Allcare Foothealth Center.  Our doctor 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 office located in Palmdale, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A broken foot is painful. It generally happens suddenly from falling and is considered a common type of injury. Bruising, severe pain, and swelling often accompany a broken foot, and the range of motion can be limited. Walking is difficult, if not impossible, and prompt medical attention is typically sought for relief. Dropping a heavy object on the foot is also a common cause of a broken foot, and the severity of the break may depend on the angle the object was dropped from. People who frequently participate in sporting activities may endure a broken foot, and soccer players may be prone to incurring this type of fracture from kicking the ball. A diagnosis consisting of having an X-ray taken can be performed, followed by beginning the correct treatment. Most people who have broken footwear have a cast or protective boot until it has healed, which can take several weeks. If you have broken your foot, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can correctly diagnose and treat this condition.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Andrew Katz, DPM from Allcare Foothealth Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

The absence of an arch in the feet is known as having flat feet. It may also be referred to as fallen arches, and adults may retain this condition from infancy. The majority of babies are born with flat feet, and the arch will fully develop during the teenage years. Having an abnormal foot structure may cause the arch to not develop, and may be a painful condition in adults. There may be existing medical conditions in adults that can cause flat feet. These can include weakened tendons, ligament injuries, or rheumatoid arthritis. Flat feet may cause patients to have pain, or a general achiness. Performing specific stretches for flat feet may help to reduce existing discomfort. Additionally, some patients may find relief when custom made orthotics are worn, or may opt for surgery if the pain compromises daily activity. If you have flat feet, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you treatment and relief methods that are correct for you.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Andrew Katz, DPM from Allcare Foothealth Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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