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Items filtered by date: December 2022
Thursday, 29 December 2022 00:00
Do You Suffer From Painful Feet?
Painful deformities, such as hammertoes, can be treated. Stop living with foot pain, and have beautiful feet again!
Tuesday, 27 December 2022 00:00
Wound Care
Diabetics must be wary of all wounds, regardless of depth or size. Diabetes, a chronic disease in which the body cannot properly use glucose the way it normally would, causes various complications that make wounds difficult to heal. Nerve damage or neuropathy will cause diabetics to have trouble feeling the pain of a blister or cut until the condition has significantly worsened or become infected. A diabetic’s weakened immune system can make even the most minor of wounds easily susceptible to infection. Diabetics are also more prone to developing narrow, clogged arteries, and are therefore more likely to develop wounds.
Wounds should be taken care of immediately after discovery, as even the smallest of wounds can become infected if enough bacteria build up within the wound. To remove dirt, wounds should be first rinsed under running water only. Soap, hydrogen peroxide, or iodine can irritate the injury and should be avoided. To prevent infection, apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover it with a bandage. The bandage should be changed daily. The skin around the wound may be cleaned with soap.
To prevent further exacerbation, see a doctor—especially if you have diabetes. Minor skin conditions can become larger problems if not properly inspected. As the wound heals, make sure to avoid applying pressure to the affected area.
Tuesday, 27 December 2022 00:00
Podiatric Care Is Needed for Diabetic Foot Wounds
Wounds on the feet can happen for various reasons. Toe injuries, wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or having diabetes may all contribute to having foot wounds. Diabetic patients can develop neuropathy, and they especially need to be careful of wounds that develop on the feet. This is the inability to feel cuts and scrapes on the feet, and an infection can easily occur. This can lead to getting a foot ulcer, and it is important that immediate medical treatment is sought. A podiatrist will remove dead skin that has formed, which is known as debridement. This is followed by dressing the wound, and antibiotics are often prescribed. Many times, the patient will wear special footwear which may include a boot or custom made orthotics. Diabetes occurs as a result of elevated blood sugar levels, and may be controlled by the foods that are eaten. This may help to reduce the recurrence of wounds on the feet, and regular visits with a podiatrist are strongly suggested. If you have a wound on your foot, please consult with this type of doctor who can treat existing foot wounds, and help you to manage diabetes.
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 Chuc Dang, DPM from California . 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 feel free to contact our office located in Westminster, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Tuesday, 20 December 2022 00:00
Sports Related Foot And Ankle Injuries
Foot and ankle injuries are common among people who participate in sports. Several factors contribute to this. They include failing to stretch or warm up properly, not wearing the proper type of shoe and not taping or providing other types of support for the ankle or foot. The most common foot and ankle injuries suffered by people involved in sports are plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains and Achilles tendon damage or ruptures. If not treated properly, they can lead to permanent disability.
Treating these injuries is relatively simple if they are identified and addressed early. Many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains associated with injury as just soreness or tired muscles. Their first response is usually to try to work through it. This can lead to serious problems. Many minor injuries are made far more serious when athletes continue to put strain and pressure on them. That attitude can change a mild strain into a serious strain and a minor tear into a rupture. Athletes should have unusual aches and pains evaluated by a skilled medical professional.
Plantar fasciitis is a painful injury. It is inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue running from the heel to the base of the toes. If left untreated, it can lead to a degenerative disease called plantar fasciosis. There are several effective treatments for this ailment. Doctors often prescribe rest, massages, stretching, night splints, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, corticosteroids or surgery, usually in that order. The most effective treatment for plantar fasciitis is orthotics, which offers foot support. Surgery is occasionally used as a last resort, but it comes with the risk of nerve damage and infection and often does not stop the pain.
The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body. It connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Running, jumping and walking all impact this tendon. Two common injuries to the Achilles tendon are tendonitis and a rupture of the tendon. Tendonitis is inflammation in the tendon often caused by an increase in the amount of stress placed on it. Non-surgical treatments include rest, ice or anti-inflammatory medication. A rupture (tear) of the Achilles tendon can be treated by placing the lower leg in a cast for several weeks or with surgery. Many physicians feel surgery is the better option because it lowers the risk of re-ruptures. Both methods require 4 to 6 months of rehabilitation.
Ankle sprains are the most common sports related foot and ankle injury. A sprain occurs when the ligament holding the ankle bones and joint stretches beyond its normal range. It can be treated non-surgically with a combination of rest, ice wrapped around the joint for 30 minutes immediately after injury, compression by a bandage and elevating the ankle above the heart for 48 hours. This combination is referred to as RICE. Severe ankle sprains in which the ligaments are torn may require reconstructive surgery followed by rehabilitation.
Tuesday, 20 December 2022 00:00
Types and Causes of Sports Related Injuries
There are two main categories of sports related injuries consisting of an acute foot, ankle, or toe injury that happens suddenly, while a chronic injury develops over time. Examples of acute sports injuries include twisting an ankle, taking a blow to the toe, foot or ankle, and breaking a bone. Most chronic injuries are caused by overuse of a joint or a particular area of the body, such as stress fractures or plantar fasciitis. Among the most common risk factors for incurring a sports related injury are using the wrong type of equipment, overtraining, and wearing shoes that do not give the proper protection for your feet. Other risk factors include having endured a previous injury, and running or jumping on hard surfaces. Additionally, failing to properly warm up and cool down after running or playing may lead to incurring an injury. Treatment for an acute injury generally requires immediate medical attention, and depending on the severity of the injury, a longer healing time may be necessary. For chronic injuries, the first recommendation is to cease the activity that caused the condition. In either case, if you have sustained an injury to the toes, feet, or ankles, it is a good idea to contact a podiatrist for a complete examination and treatment options.
Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Chuc Dang, DPM of California . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries
Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Plantar Fasciosis
- Achilles Tendinitis
- Achilles Tendon Rupture
- Ankle Sprains
Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Westminster, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Tuesday, 13 December 2022 00:00
How to Care for Your Child's Feet
It is never normal for a child to experience pain in his or her feet. Foot pain that lasts more than a few days and limits a child’s ability to walk should be examined by a podiatrist. Many adult foot ailments originate in childhood and may be present at birth. Common foot issues that are experienced by children are pediatric flat foot, Sever’s disease, ingrown toenails, and plantar warts.
A child’s foot grows rapidly during the first year, allowing it to reach almost half of their adult foot size. Consequently, foot specialists consider the first year to be the most crucial point in the foot development process. There are ways you can help ensure that your child’s foot develops properly. One way is to carefully look at your baby’s feet. If you notice any deformities, you should immediately seek professional care. You should also loosely cover your child’s foot, since tight coverings may prevent movement and inhibit normal development. Another tip is to change the baby’s positioning throughout the day. If your baby lies down in one spot for too long, it may put an excess amount of strain on the feet and legs.
It is best that you try not to force a child to start walking. Children will begin to walk when they are both physically and emotionally capable to do so. You should also avoid comparing your child’s walking progress with other children because the age range for independent walking may range. When your child’s feet begin to develop, you may need to change both their shoe and sock size every few months to allow room for their feet to grow.
Kids are sometimes prone to splinters, cuts, and severe injuries because they tend to walk around barefoot. This also makes them more susceptible to developing plantar warts which is a condition caused by a virus that invades the sole of the foot through breaks in the skin. These ailments can be avoided by making sure your child wears shoes in unsanitary environments. You should also wash any minor cuts or scrapes on your child’s feet. It is a myth that exposure to fresh air will heal injuries; fresh air will only expose your child’s cuts to germs.
As a parent, you should ensure that your child’s feet are developing properly and are being properly maintained. Consequently, it is important that you perform routine inspections on his or her feet to detect any injuries or deformities in their early stages. Early detection and treatment will help to ensure that your child does not develop any serious foot conditions.
Tuesday, 13 December 2022 00:00
Choosing the Right Shoes for Your Child
Keeping children in shoes can be challenging because their feet grow so rapidly. Here are some tips for finding the right shoes for your child. Check their shoes regularly for worn areas, seams that are stretched, and toes that are worn out. These may be signs that their shoes need to be replaced. Have the child’s foot measured each time they try on shoes so that both the length and the width are taken into account. There should be about half an inch between the end of the shoe and the toes. Avoid buying shoes that are too big for the child as this can cause falls. The heel of the shoe should fit snugly, but not too tightly. For best results, avoid the idea of breaking in the shoes at home, and instead, make sure the shoe fits well at the store. Discourage your child from wearing shoes with higher heels, as this may affect the development of healthy feet and legs. Instead, go for shoes with flatter, textured soles that can keep them from slipping and falling. For more information on the best shoes for your child, please consult a podiatrist.
The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Chuc Dang, DPM of California . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
- Make sure their shoes fit properly
- Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
- Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
- Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
- Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
- Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
- Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
- Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Westminster, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Tuesday, 06 December 2022 00:00
Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus is a frustrating problem that affects many people. It can be persistent and hard to get rid of. As many different types of fungi are present throughout the environment, it is very easy to contract toenail fungus.
The feet are especially susceptible to toenail fungus because shoes and socks create the ideal dark and moist environment that fungal infections thrive in. While fungal infections of the nail plate are quite common, if left untreated they can spread beyond the toenail and into the skin and other parts of the body.
Signs of toenail fungus include a thickened nail that has become yellow or brown in color, a foul smell, and debris beneath the nail. The toe may become painful due to the pressure of a thicker nail or the buildup of debris.
Treatment for toenail fungus is most effective during the early stages of an infection. If there is an accumulation of debris beneath the nail plate, an ingrown nail or a more serious infection can occur. While each treatment varies between patients, your podiatrist may prescribe you oral medications, topical liquids and creams, or laser therapy. To determine the best treatment process for you, be sure to visit your podiatrist at the first signs of toenail fungus.
Tuesday, 06 December 2022 00:00
Common Signs of Toenail Fungus
The most common type of nail disorder is known as onychomycosis, which is the medical term for toenail fungus. It can be an unsightly foot condition, and many people may choose to wear shoes that have a closed toe to conceal the toenails. The noticeable symptoms that most patients experience consist of yellowed toenails which have become thick, and in severe cases, may fall off. There may also be black or white spots at the bottom of the nail, which may spread to the entire surface. Toenail fungus is considered to be contagious, and is often found in warm and moist environments. These can include public swimming pools, shower room floors, and locker rooms. It is strongly advised that appropriate shoes such as flip flops or water shoes be worn while in these types of areas, which may help to stop the spread of toenail fungus. Additionally, it is beneficial to wear shoes and socks that are made of breathable materials, and use disinfectants and antifungal powder inside the shoes to help the feet feel better. If you see the beginning signs of toenails fungus, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer you the correct treatment methods.
For more information about treatment, contact Chuc Dang, DPM of California . Our doctor 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 Westminster, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.