A diabetic foot ulcer is an open wound or sore that develops most often on the bottom of the foot due to complications from diabetes. High blood sugar levels can damage nerves and reduce blood flow, making it difficult for wounds to heal and increasing the risk of infection. These ulcers can begin as small cuts or blisters that may go unnoticed because of decreased sensation in the feet. If left untreated, they can worsen and lead to serious complications. Proper care involves keeping the wound clean and covered, avoiding pressure on the affected area, and managing blood sugar levels carefully. Regular visits to a podiatrist are essential. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of this type of doctor who can treat diabetic foot ulcers and help you to 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 Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. 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 O'Fallon, and New Baden, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar warts are common in children and are caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, which thrives in warm, moist environments like public swimming pool areas, locker rooms, and public shower areas. The virus enters the skin through tiny cuts or abrasions on the soles of the feet. Symptoms include small, rough growths on the bottom of the feet, usually on weight-bearing areas like the heels or balls of the feet. These warts may cause pain or tenderness when walking or standing, often feeling like a pebble stuck in the shoe. A podiatrist can help diagnose and treat plantar warts with various methods, including topical treatments and cryotherapy, which involves freezing the wart, for more stubborn cases. It is important to treat warts early to prevent them from spreading. To prevent plantar warts, children should wear protective footwear in public areas and avoid sharing shoes or socks. Keeping feet clean and dry also helps reduce the risk. If your child is dealing with this condition, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment to see a podiatrist.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in O'Fallon, and New Baden, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

For individuals with severe or painful flat feet that do not respond to conservative treatments, surgery can offer significant benefits. Surgical correction aims to restore the natural arch, improve foot alignment, and relieve chronic pain that limits daily activities. By addressing the structural problems directly, surgery can lead to improved gait mechanics and better weight distribution across the foot. This helps reduce stress on the ankles, knees, hips, and lower back, often alleviating associated discomfort in these areas. Surgery also offers the potential for long-term correction, providing greater stability and preventing the progression of deformities. For many patients, successful surgical intervention can mean a return to a more active lifestyle. If you have flat feet that are causing you pain and discomfort, it is suggested that you are under the  care of a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include surgery.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in O'Fallon, and New Baden, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.