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When Foot Wounds Refuse to Heal
Some foot wounds close within days, but others linger for weeks or even months, becoming a chronic problem. These slow-healing injuries often develop in people with poor circulation, nerve damage, or conditions like diabetes that impair the body’s repair process. Persistent pressure from walking, wearing tight shoes, or foot deformities can keep the skin from closing properly, while unnoticed infections may worsen the damage. Over time, a chronic wound can extend deeper into tissue, raising the risk of serious complications, including bone infection. Because sensation in the feet may be reduced, pain is not always a reliable warning sign. Regular inspection, professional wound care, and addressing the underlying cause are critical for recovery. If a foot sore does not show signs of improvement within a reasonable time, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for prompt evaluation and treatment.
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 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.
Symptoms and Treatment of High Arch Pain
High arch pain, or pes cavus, occurs when the foot has an unusually high arch. This puts extra stress on the ball and heel of the foot. Common symptoms include pain, instability, and difficulty walking. Other issues include metatarsalgia, calluses, ankle arthritis, and Achilles tendonitis. High arch pain can be caused by neurological disorders, muscle imbalances, or previous injuries. A podiatrist can help by assessing the foot’s structure and offering treatments, such as custom orthotics and specialized footwear. In more severe cases, surgery may be needed to relieve pain and improve foot function. If you are experiencing pain in the arch of the foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.
If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Biomechanics in Podiatry
Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.
A History of Biomechanics
- Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
- In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.
Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.
Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.
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.
Broken Foot Treatment Options
A broken foot can result from trauma such as falls, car accidents, or sports injuries. Stress fractures may also develop from repetitive activity or overuse. Symptoms include immediate pain, swelling, bruising, difficulty walking, and, in some cases, visible deformity. The area may look swollen or misshapen and feel tender or throbbing, especially while bearing weight. A podiatrist can diagnose a fracture through a physical exam, and imaging like X-rays. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the break. Minor fractures may only require immobilization with a boot or cast. More serious breaks might need realignment or surgery, along with screws or plates. Healing time ranges from six to 12 weeks, depending on the location and severity of the break, as well as individual health factors. If you think you may have broken your foot, it is suggested that you make an immediate appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat a foot fracture.
A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. Our doctors 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 O'Fallon, and New Baden, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
How Big Toe Pain Affects Gait
Pain in the big toe can change the way a person walks, especially when caused by a stiff joint at the base of the toe, a condition known as hallux rigidus. This problem develops when the big toe joint wears down over time, making it harder and more painful when it bends. Since this joint helps push the foot off the ground with each step, limited movement often forces people to shift weight to the outside of the foot or avoid rolling through the toes. This change in walking pattern, or gait, can strain other parts of the foot, including the smaller toes, the arch, and the ankle. Over time, this may lead to pain, muscle soreness, or even problems with balance. Some people also notice swelling or a bump on top of the toe joint. A podiatrist can check how the big toe joint moves, look for signs of wear, and offer treatment. Options include medication, shoe support, or surgery, if the joint is badly damaged. If you are experiencing pain in the big toe when you take a step, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.
Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Causes Toe Pain?
Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.
Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
- Trauma
- Sports injury
- Wearing shoes that are too tight
- Arthritis
- Gout
- Corns and calluses
- Hammertoe
- Bunions
- Blisters
- Ingrown toenails
- Sprains
- Fractures (broken bones)
- Dislocations
When to See a Podiatrist
- Severe pain
- Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
- Signs of infection
- Continued swelling
- Pain that prevents walking
Diagnosis
In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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
Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.
If you have any questions please 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.
