Items filtered by date: September 2023

Diabetes affects the body's ability to heal foot wounds due to its impact on metabolizing glucose. High blood sugar levels hinder wound healing by preventing efficient nutrient and oxygen delivery, reducing immune system function, and increasing inflammation. Peripheral neuropathy, common in diabetes, can lead to reduced sensation in the feet, making foot wounds more prevalent. Poor circulation, often linked to diabetes, further impairs healing by reducing blood flow and affecting red blood cell function. Immune system deficiencies in diabetes hinder the body's ability to heal foot wounds and increase the risk of infection. Elevated blood sugar levels also promote bacterial growth, worsening the risk of infection. To aid in foot wound healing, performing regular self-foot checks are crucial in detecting wounds early. Removing dead tissue, keeping dressings fresh, and avoiding pressure on the wound can facilitate healing. If you experience symptoms such as tingling, burning, or persistent pain, or if your foot wound worsens, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can help you manage this serious condition.

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 Nashville Family Foot Care. Our practitioners 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 Nashville, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a type of arthritis that is caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. This condition primarily affects the joints, with the big toe being a common target. The development of gout is closely linked to high levels of uric acid in the blood, a condition known as hyperuricemia. Uric acid is a byproduct of the breakdown of purines found in many foods and beverages. When the body produces too much uric acid or fails to excrete it efficiently, uric acid crystals can form and settle in the joints, leading to inflammation, swelling, and intense pain. Several factors can contribute to the risk of developing gout, including genetics, diet, and lifestyle choices. Additionally, consuming purine-rich foods, excessive alcohol consumption, and certain medical conditions can all elevate uric acid levels and increase the likelihood of gout attacks. Understanding the causes of gout is crucial for managing and preventing gout flare-ups, allowing individuals to enjoy a better quality of life. If you have had one or more gout attacks, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you manage this condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Nashville Family Foot Care. Our practitioners will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

Foot pain is an incredibly common ailment that can affect people of all ages and lifestyles. Understanding the underlying causes can be crucial for finding relief and maintaining healthy, pain-free feet. One of the primary culprits is improper footwear. Wearing shoes that do not fit well or lack adequate support can lead to various foot issues. Overuse and repetitive stress from activities such as running or standing for extended periods of time can strain the foot's muscles and ligaments, causing pain. Additionally, underlying medical conditions including arthritis, diabetes, and plantar fasciitis can contribute to chronic foot discomfort. Poor foot mechanics, such as having flat feet or high arches, may also play a role in having foot pain. Additionally, injuries consisting of sprains or fractures, can result in sudden foot pain. Identifying the specific cause of your foot pain is the first step toward effective treatment and a return to a pain-free, active lifestyle. If you have any type of foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat any foot condition.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Nashville Family Foot Care. Our practitioners 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 office located in Nashville, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel spurs, a common yet often misunderstood foot condition, can bring discomfort in every step we take. These bony growths form on the underside of the heel bone and are a condition involving inflammation of the connective tissue. Causes of heel spurs can include repetitive strain on the foot, poor footwear choices, and biomechanical issues that strain the plantar fascia. Symptoms can range from sharp pain in the heel, especially upon waking or after prolonged periods of rest, to aching discomfort that persists during the day. The path to relief begins with understanding. While heel spurs themselves may not always require treatment, addressing the underlying causes through rest, proper footwear, and stretching can significantly alleviate pain and discomfort. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat heel spurs.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Nashville Family Foot Care. Our practitioners will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Nashville, TN . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.