The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

Your feet work hard for you, so it’s important to take the very best care of them that you possibly can. For people with diabetes, this is especially important. About one in four people with diabetes develop diabetic foot ulcers, a very serious complication of the disease. A diabetic foot ulcer can range in appearance froma round, red hole in the foot to an area of thick, callused skin that has dried blood underneath. In some cases, severe ulcers expose tendons and bones. Even more horrifying are the results of diabetic foot ulcers, which can include infections so serious they lead to amputation. Obviously, you will want to catch this condition before it progresses to that severe  degree, so it’s important to know the foot ulcer symptoms that serve as early warning signs.

What is a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?

Diabetic foot ulcers are open sores or wounds that appear on the feet of people with diabetes. These ulcers can occur on the feet of people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and usually form on  the bottom of the foot. They can sometimes go unnoticed, because about 60 percent of people with diabetes suffer from a degree of neuropathy, damage to the nerves that leads to a decrease in sensitivity in the foot. A person who has diabetic neuropathy may not notice a foot wound until that wound becomes infected, and this infection can lead to hospitalization. In fact, diabetic foot ulcers are the most common reason for people with diabetes to wind up in the hospital.

What Causes Diabetic Foot Ulcers?

The underlying cause of diabetic foot ulcers is elevated blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels remain high consistently, the arteries and nerves can become damaged, leading to foot ulcers. Poor circulation is a major factor, because when blood can’t reach injured tissue on the foot, the wound is unlikely to receive the oxygen and nutrients necessary for healing. Trauma and injury can cause wounds that develop into ulcers, as can wearing tight shoes or inadequately caring for your feet. If you have neuropathy, you are in particular danger of ulcers, as even a tiny cut, blister, or callous can develop into an infected wound. While infected feet can be treated with antibiotics, the foot may have to be amputated if too much bone has been damaged by the ulcer.

How to Prevent Diabetic Foot Ulcers

To prevent diabetic foot ulcers, first control your blood sugar. Then, take good care of your feet. Keep them clean and dry. Inspect your feet daily, looking for cuts, sores, redness, and swelling, and being careful to look at every part of the feet, even between the toes. Wear shoes that fit well and don’t go barefoot or wear tight shoes and socks. Maintain good circulation by  staying active, doing gentle activities like walking or swimming.

Early Warning Signs of Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Catching diabetic foot ulcers in the early stages is the best way to keep them from progressing to an unmanageable condition. To do this, examine your feet every day, paying special attention to anything unusual, and seeking medical attention if you notice something strange. Look for signs and symptoms that include:

• Redness and swelling: If you have a wound with redness and swelling around it, or skin that feels warm to the touch, you could be developing an ulcer.
• Drainage: If you notice fluid or pus on your foot, sock, or shoe, seek medical attention.
• Changes to the skin or toenails: look for cuts, blisters, callouses, and sores, because these can develop into ulcers.
• Pain: Pain that occurs when you’re walking or when you put your feet up can indicate a developing ulcer.
• Odors: A foot infection mayhave a foul, pungent smell.
• Discoloration: Diabetic foot ulcers may  have black or brown tissue called eschar that forms around a wound because of poor circulation.
• Athletes foot: If you have a fungal infection that causes dry, cracked skin, it should be treated promptly to prevent foot ulcers.
• Chills and fever: Your body may develop a fever to fight a foot infection, as it would for any other type of infection.

Diabetes-Related Foot Ulcers Treatment

Diabetic foot ulcer treatment ranges from wound cleaning to amputation, depending on the severity of the wound. Your doctor may drain fluid or pus away from the ulcer, or cut away dead or infected tissue, in a process called debridement. You may need special bandages and ointments the protect the wound and absorb extra fluid, and you may be prescribed a wheelchair or crutches, so that you can stay off the affected foot. Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed, either in oral or IV form, to heal the infection. For severe cases, your doctor may recommend hospitalization or even amputation of the afflicted foot. That’s why it’s important to see a specialist as quickly as possible if you suspect you have a foot ulcer.

Treatment for Diabetic Foot Ulcers and a Host of Other Foot Issues

If you are concerned that you may be developing a diabetic foot ulcer, it is important to schedule an appointment as early as possible, so that your foot can be properly treated by an experienced medical professional. At Southern Delaware Foot and Ankle, our physicians have been trained to provide comprehensive medical and surgical treatment of the foot and ankle, and we have earned a reputation for providing expert quality care. Established in 2000, we are committed to providing the highest quality of care for conditions affecting the lower extremity, in a compassionate, professional environment with a safe and comfortable atmosphere. Schedule an appointment by calling one of our four convenient locations: Seaford Shipley Street, 302-715-4194, Seaford Riverside, 302-629-6162, Millsboro Dupont Hwy, 302-934-7100, or Millsboro John J. Williams Hwy, 302-945-1221. You can also reach out to us through our website with any questions, and let Southern Delaware Foot & Ankle help you put your best foot forward. 

What is Hammertoe Deformity?

Hammertoes are a common problem that doesn’t usually resolve on its own. What is hammer toe? It's a common deformity, in which the toe bends at one of it’s joints, most commonly at the middle joint, causing a hammer-like look. Eventually, the muscles and tendons tighten and contract, causing your toes to remain in that curled up shape. Fortunately, you can keep hammertoes from getting worse with medical support.

What Causes a Hammertoe Deformity?

Your toes are fairly adaptable, designed to provide stability across uneven terrain, but what causes hammertoe? This condition occurs because of weaknesses in your toe joints, in which the tissues, ligaments, tendons, and muscles are unable to work together properly. This typically happens because of poor choices in footwear; shoes that don’t fit properly, have a narrow toe box, or high heels can cause toes to become misshapen, as the result of being forced into an unnatural position. Some cases of hammertoe, however, are the result of arthritis, which can cause stiffness and inflexibility in the toe joint. Damage to the tendons and muscles resulting from trauma or injury, like stubbing your toe repeatedly, can also cause this deformity. While hammer toe is not always painful, it typically gets more uncomfortable as time goes by, and can eventually be debilitating.

Can You Treat Hammertoe Without Surgery?

Hammer toe treatment begins with non-surgical tactics, like wearing better-fitting or wider shoes, to give your toes more room when you are walking or running. Your doctor might recommend custom orthotics to provide the right balance of support and cushioning. However, hammertoe correction is not likely to be complete without more extreme measures, especially if the condition has progressed to a more severe stage.

Is Hammertoe Correction Invasive?

In order to completely fix hammer toe, you may need to undergo surgery. While there are minimally invasive measures available, surgery is the most effective way to improve the foot’s appearance, alleviate pain and discomfort, and restore the function of the toe joint. One common type of surgery for hammertoe correction is arthroplasty or fusion of one joint.  Other procedures may be needed depending on your specific condition – these may include release of the joint behind the toe (MPJ) or a tendon transfer, which involves moving the tendon that controls the toe joint to a different location.  Depending on many patient specific factors, you may be a candidate for a less invasive procedure which could be performed in the office.  . The treatment that’s right for you will depend on the severity of your condition, and the recommendation of your doctor.

Stop Hammertoes in Their Tracks

If your hammer toe is in the early stages, there are several steps you can take to stop the progression of this condition before it becomes painful and interferes with the function of your foot. Addressing the problem quickly is the best way to stop its progression, and your doctor can help you find the best ways to do this. First, you will need to ditch the footwear that is causing such distress to your toes. Take a break from tight shoes and high heels, and then try some further treatment options to help your feet and toes heal and become stronger. Potentially beneficial options include:

• Taping or padding your toes to provide support.
• Using custom orthotics and inserts to offer your feet balance and cushioning.
• Engaging in physical therapy to help improve the function of your feet and toes.
• Considering minimally invasive surgical options that can release severe hammertoes.

Hammertoe Correction from a Practice Known For Exceptional Care

Of course, the first step in finding relief from hammertoes is finding a doctor with the expertise and skill to provide you with the right options for improving your condition. If you are looking for experienced doctors who know how to fix hammer toe, along with a host of other issues of the foot and ankle, contact Southern Delaware Foot & Ankle. Established in 2000, we are committed to providing the highest quality of care for conditions affecting the lower extremity, in a compassionate, professional environment with a safe and comfortable atmosphere.  Our physicians have been trained to provide comprehensive medical and surgical treatment of the foot and ankle, and we have earned a reputation for providing expert quality care. Schedule an appointment by calling one of our four convenient locations: Seaford Shipley Street, 302-715-4194, Seaford Riverside, 302-629-6162, Millsboro Dupont Hwy, 302-934-7100, or Millsboro John J. Williams Hwy, 302-945-1221. You can also reach out to us through our website with any questions, and let Southern Delaware Foot & Ankle help you put your best foot forward. 

Why Does My Heel Hurt?

If you consider all of the stress we put on our heels, it is not really surprising that heel pain is common. In fact, heel pain affects over two million Americans every year. Even if you don’t stand on your feet every day, every mile you walk puts 60 tons of stress on each foot. Repetitive stress takes a toll on the heel, and this can result in pain.

Why You Should Not Ignore Heel Pain

Though heel pain is common, it should not be ignored. Continuing to be active, even when your heel hurts, will only make the pain worse. Too much activity on an already injured heel can lead to a chronic condition. Fortunately, there are treatments available to alleviate heel pain and get you back to doing all the things you want to do.

Symptoms

All heel pain is not the same. The location of pain can vary - It can occur on the back or bottom of the heel.   The severity of pain can also vary – dull or sharp.   There are conditions that will cause pain behind the heel, and conditions that cause pain in the heel bone itself. Let’s take a look at some of the top heel pain causes, as well as effective heel pain treatment.

7 Most Common Types of Heel Pain

1. Plantar Fasciitis is the most common heel issue. This occurs when the muscles and tendons in the arch of the foot become inflamed, causing pain on the bottom of the heel, or in the middle of the foot. The pain can be intense, and is typically worse after a prolonged period of sitting or lying down. This is why many people with plantar fasciitis report pain that is worse in the morning, when they first wake up. Plantar fasciitis primarily affects active adults between 40 and 70, pregnant women, people who are overweight, and those with structural issues like high arches or flat feet. Applying an ice pack, resting the foot, and taking an anti-inflammatory medication can help, but it these methods are not effective, a corticosteroid can be injected directly into the damaged ligament, to provide relief. Stretching exercises and footwear that provides appropriate support can help prevent further episodes of plantar fasciitis.
2. Sometimes, the heel bone, or calcaneus, is affected. Heel pain could be caused by bone spurs.. Heel spurs are common, especially among athletes who do a lot of running and jumping, and many people with this kind of bone spur don’t experience pain. However, if you have bone spurs that are painful, anti-inflammatory medication and specialized footwear can help. If this treatment doesn’t help, and the pain is acute, there are surgical procedures available to treat bone spurs.
3. Stress fractures are another cause of heel pain. These injuries occur slowly, over time, unlike a broken bone, which is the result of a specific event. Because of this, stress fractures often go undiagnosed as the pain gradually increases, which is frustrating. There is not much that can be done for stress fractures; they’re treated with rest.
4. Tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) is pain caused by a nerve being compressed. This nerve entrapment can happen all of a sudden or gradually, over a long period of time. TTS is a serious problem, and requires medical attention. It’s typically treated using rest and physical therapy, though your doctor may recommend other treatments, based on your prognosis.
5. Achilles tendonitis is a common sporting complaint. This is damage to the tendon that connects calf muscles to the heel bone, and is generally the result of over-stretching, overuse, or an accident. When the Achilles tendon is pushed beyond its normal range, it can develop multiple microscopic tears, causing pain and limited range of motion. There are many non-invasive treatments for Achilles tendonitis, as well as surgical options for extreme cases, so it’s important to see a doctor for this condition.
6. Heel bursitis occurs when the bursa, the fluid-filled sac cushioning the heel, becomes inflamed. This inflammation can cause pain that feels like a marble in the heel of your shoe, and is caused by repeated irritation from landing on the heels too hard, or from pressure placed by footwear. The pain can travel up the Achilles tendon, and tends to get worse as the day progresses. Treatments can be similar to plantar fasciitis.
7. Sever’s disease is the most common cause of pain in child and adolescent athletes. Typically affecting girls between 8 and 13 years old, and boys from 10 to 15, it’s triggered by microtraumas to the heel plate that happen during a growth spurt. Because the heel bone grows faster than the ligaments in the legs, its easy for the muscles and tendons to become overstretched and tight, leading to heel injury. Icing, physical therapy, and rest are the best treatments for this issue.

If you are experiencing pain in your heel, do not delay in seeking heel pain treatment from an experienced professional. At Southern Delaware Foot and Ankle, our physicians have been trained to provide comprehensive medical and surgical treatment of the foot and ankle, and we have earned a reputation for providing expert quality care. Established in 2000, we are committed to providing the highest quality of care for conditions affecting the lower extremity, in a compassionate, professional environment with a safe and comfortable atmosphere. Schedule an appointment by calling one of our four convenient locations: Seaford Shipley Street, 302-715-4194, Seaford Riverside, 302-629-6162, Millsboro Dupont Hwy, 302-934-7100, or Millsboro John J. Williams Hwy, 302-945-1221. You can also reach out to us through our website with any questions, and let Southern Delaware Foot & Ankle help you put your best foot forward.