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Though diabetes begins with the pancreas not producing enough insulin, thus raising your blood sugar levels, it is a systemic condition that can affect every part of your body. The feet are no exception, and a variety of lower limb problems are very common among people with diabetes.
One of the primary foot-related concerns for patients with diabetes is diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). These are poorly healing open wounds on the feet that are at high risk of becoming infected due to a weakened immune system, another common complication of diabetes. Nerve damage in the feet caused by high blood sugar levels interferes with pain signaling between the peripheral nerves in the feet and the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). When this signaling is disrupted, it can be difficult to detect foot injuries, such as cuts and scrapes, when they occur. These injuries are then left unnoticed and untreated until they have significantly worsened. Poor circulation, another complication of diabetes, means that not enough nutrients reach the feet. Without them, the wounds on the feet heal slowly and poorly, or not at all. These wounds can then become infected, leading to tissue death.
The best way to prevent DFUs and their consequences is to carefully monitor the health of your feet through daily foot inspections. Using a mirror to help you see your feet fully, look for any cuts, scrapes, sores, bruising, swelling, discoloration, rashes, hair loss, deformities, or nail changes. Take note of any foul odors, pain, warmth, and strange sensations such as numbness, tingling, burning, or pins and needles. If you notice a problem, seek the care of a chiropodist as soon as possible. Early treatment is key to avoiding potential complications.
DFUs are not the only foot problem diabetics are more likely to encounter. Diabetes can also increase your risk of corns and calluses, cracked skin, bunions, hammertoes, Charcot foot, nail disorders, and various infections. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a doctor who can help you monitor your foot health, treat any existing conditions, and prevent future ones.
A flat foot is a foot that has no visible arch in the middle of the sole of the foot while standing. There are two types of flat feet. A flexible flat foot has a visible arch when the foot is not bearing weight, but the arch disappears when the person stands or puts any weight on the foot. A rigid flat foot has no visible arch regardless of whether or not the foot is bearing any weight. Flat feet can also be present from birth or can develop over time, as the ligaments that hold up the arch of the foot weaken. When flat feet are acquired, they are referred to as fallen arches.
In many cases, flat feet do not cause any pain or other symptoms. This is especially true for those who were born with flat feet. In the instances where flat feet are not asymptomatic, they may cause pain in the heel, arch, ankle, or along the outside of the foot, as well as shin pain, foot aches or fatigue, and lower back, hip, or knee pain. People who have flat feet are also more likely to have an abnormal gait or walking pattern that may affect their daily activities.
Flat feet can be diagnosed through a physical examination. An imaging study, such as an X-ray, may be used to determine the severity of the condition. Treatments for flat feet include footwear and activity modifications, wearing orthotics, taking medications to relieve pain, and physical therapy. If you have flat feet that are causing you pain or discomfort, please consult with a chiropodist.
Morton’s neuroma is a foot condition in which the nerve tissue between the third and fourth toes thickens. This thickening is typically the result of compression and irritation of the nerve. The nerve becomes larger and causes pain. Left untreated, this could lead to permanent nerve damage.
The symptoms of a Morton’s neuroma include pain and tingling, burning, or numbness in the affected foot. A Morton’s neuroma can produce a unique sensation similar to something being stuck in the ball of the foot or in your shoe. Morton’s neuroma symptoms often have a gradual onset. Initially, they may occur only while doing specific activities or while wearing shoes with a narrow toe area. However, over time the symptoms worsen and can last for several days or weeks. Without treatment, the symptoms can become increasingly severe and the nerve can become permanently damaged.
People who often wear high-heeled shoes or shoes with narrow toe boxes and those with certain foot deformities, such as bunions, hammertoes, and flat feet are at an increased risk of developing Morton’s neuroma. Involvement in activities that put repetitive stress on the ball of the foot, such as running or tennis, can also irritate the nerve and lead to Morton’s neuroma.
This condition is diagnosed through a physical examination. An imaging study, such as an ultrasound, may also be used to confirm the diagnosis and to rule out any other potential causes for your symptoms. Treatment for Morton’s neuroma varies depending on the severity of the neuroma. Padding the affected foot, wearing orthotics, or choosing wider and more comfortable shoes may be suggested to relieve pressure on the affected nerve. Icing the area and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications can help relieve pain. In very severe cases, surgery may also be an option. To learn more about Morton’s neuroma, please consult with a chiropodist.
Plantar warts are fleshy growths on the sole of the foot that are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). When this virus enters the feet through a small crack in the skin, it forms foot warts. These warts may occur individually or in clusters. They’re usually small, rough, grainy patches of skin that disrupt the skin’s natural lines. Unlike calluses, plantar warts have a blood supply, which is visible as tiny, black dots in the center of the wart.
Plantar warts are typically asymptomatic and can go away on their own within a period of several months to several years. However, sometimes warts grow in areas that bear weight. The pressure of standing and walking causes the wart to grow inwards, potentially leading to discomfort or pain. There are various treatment options available. If opting for medical treatment, warts can be removed with chemicals, cryotherapy, laser therapy, or minor surgery. Each type of treatment has its own benefits and drawbacks, which should be discussed with your chiropodist. Wearing comfortable shoes and socks, taking over-the-counter pain medications, and wearing patches to take pressure off of the warts can help if you choose to wait for them to go away on their own.
Plantar warts are highly contagious and can spread from person to person through direct contact or through contact with an infected surface, but they can often be prevented with good foot hygiene practices. The virus that causes plantar warts can be contracted from walking barefoot in public areas, like swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers. Wear flip-flops or shoes to protect your feet when frequenting these areas. Avoid sharing personal items, like towels, shoes, and socks, with others. For more information about prevention and treatment, please consult with a chiropodist.
Good foot care is proactive, rather than reactive. While a chiropodist can diagnose, treat, and help you manage a variety of foot and ankle conditions, preventing foot problems and keeping the feet healthy is something that you can do at home as well. Having and following an established daily foot care routine can be very beneficial.
Maintaining good foot hygiene helps prevent a variety of foot problems, including infections like athlete’s foot and fungal toenails. It is important to wash your feet every day using lukewarm water and mild soap. Wash the entire foot, from heel to toe. Then dry the foot thoroughly, taking extra care to dry in between the toes. Moisturizing the heels and soles of the feet after washing them can help keep the skin soft, hydrated, and free of cracks.
Stretching and strengthening the feet can maintain or improve their mobility. There are many easy foot exercises that you can do to keep your feet strong and flexible, such as toe scrunches and heel raises. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help keep your weight under control, relieving excess pressure and strain on the feet.
Finally, wearing the right shoes is one of the easiest ways to care for the feet. Many people wear shoes that are too tight or narrow, shoes that don’t support the feet adequately, and shoes that are made of materials that trap moisture on the foot. Opt for comfortable, properly-fitted shoes that support and protect your feet.
For more information about daily foot care practices for good foot health, please consult with a chiropodist.
The toes are hard at work every time you stand, walk, run, hop, skip, or jump. They help to push the foot off the ground and to keep you balanced. When a toe is in pain it can negatively impact your normal daily activities. Among the numerous causes for toe pain, the chief one is trauma, such as stubbing a toe or dropping something heavy on it. This often causes severe bruising and affects your ability to bear weight. Other common causes of toe pain are bunions, hammertoes, nerve damage, and toenail problems. In addition, toe pain can be caused by gout (a type of arthritis), rheumatoid arthritis, sprains, or warts. Further causes include toenail infections, ingrown toenails, and athlete’s foot infections. Treatment by a chiropodist varies according to the underlying cause of the pain. In case of a broken or severely bruised toe, the remedy is usually to brace or splint the toe. Certain medications can be prescribed to relieve pain and injections may be administered. X-rays and imaging tests may be performed to determine the cause and severity of the toe pain. Custom orthotics may also be prescribed and fitted to counteract toe deformities or other problems. If your toe pain continues or worsens, it is suggested that you visit a chiropodist for an exam, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment options.
When getting ready for a trip to the pool, the beach, or the boardwalk during the summer months, you may slip on a pair of flip-flops. While wearing these shoes for short periods of time is typically not a problem, wearing flip-flops all day, every day, all summer long is not great for your feet. Frequent flip-flop wear is associated with a host of foot and ankle problems.
Flip-flops are usually flimsy, providing no arch support to the feet. This can make foot pain more likely, particularly in the arches and heels. Your ankles, legs, hips, and even back can also be affected. Flip-flops also provide no protection from the elements or from injury. Cracked heels, direct impacts to the feet, and viral, fungal, and bacterial infections may be more likely to occur if you wear flip-flops often.
Perhaps one of the biggest problems with flip-flops is how difficult they are to keep on your feet. As you walk with flip-flops on, several changes are taking place. Your gait, or walking pattern, shifts to shorter strides, and your toes grip the edges of the flip-flops to keep them on your feet. Over time, these changes can cause toe and foot deformities, such as hammertoes and bunions. You’re also more likely to slip and fall as your shoes flop on your feet and catch on things on the ground below.
To learn more about the dangers of flip-flops, and for help finding alternative summer shoe options, please consult with a chiropodist.
Ankle fractures occur when one or more of the bones that make up the ankle are broken. This typically occurs following a sudden injury, such as stepping off a curb and severely twisting your ankle or suffering a strong impact while playing a sport.
Symptoms of an ankle fracture can include pain at the site of the break, swelling, bruising, blistering, difficulty walking and bearing weight on the affected ankle, and ankle deformity. In the case of an open fracture, the broken bone pokes through the skin, increasing the likelihood of infection and further complications.
Ankle fractures require prompt medical treatment. They can be diagnosed through physical examination and imaging studies, such as X-rays or bone scans. Treatment varies depending on the severity of the injury and may include resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected ankle, immobilization of the ankle, and taking pain medications. Surgery may be necessary in more severe cases. If you have injured your ankle, please seek the care of a chiropodist.
Though diabetes begins with the pancreas not producing enough insulin, thus raising your blood sugar levels, it is a systemic condition that can affect every part of your body. The feet are no exception, and a variety of lower limb problems are very common among people with diabetes.
One of the primary foot-related concerns for patients with diabetes is diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). These are poorly healing open wounds on the feet that are at high risk of becoming infected due to a weakened immune system, another common complication of diabetes. Nerve damage in the feet caused by high blood sugar levels interferes with pain signaling between the peripheral nerves in the feet and the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). When this signaling is disrupted, it can be difficult to detect foot injuries, such as cuts and scrapes, when they occur. These injuries are then left unnoticed and untreated until they have significantly worsened. Poor circulation, another complication of diabetes, means that not enough nutrients reach the feet. Without them, the wounds on the feet heal slowly and poorly, or not at all. These wounds can then become infected, leading to tissue death.
The best way to prevent DFUs and their consequences is to carefully monitor the health of your feet through daily foot inspections. Using a mirror to help you see your feet fully, look for any cuts, scrapes, sores, bruising, swelling, discoloration, rashes, hair loss, deformities, or nail changes. Take note of any foul odors, pain, warmth, and strange sensations such as numbness, tingling, burning, or pins and needles. If you notice a problem, seek the care of a chiropodist as soon as possible. Early treatment is key to avoiding potential complications.
DFUs are not the only foot problem diabetics are more likely to encounter. Diabetes can also increase your risk of corns and calluses, cracked skin, bunions, hammertoes, Charcot foot, nail disorders, and various infections. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a doctor who can help you monitor your foot health, treat any existing conditions, and prevent future ones.
If you’re suffering from foot pain, it’s important to note the locations and quality of your foot pain. Pain can affect any part of the foot, including the top, bottom, side, heel, or toes. The pain may be sharp, stabbing, dull, achy, burning, or stinging, and can come on suddenly or develop gradually over time.
Pain in the top, bottom, or side of the foot can have many causes. In addition to the type of pain and its location, it’s also important to note when the pain started, what you were doing at the time, and what aggravates the pain. For example, pain in the top of the foot that worsens with physical activity or weight-bearing, that has gradually gotten worse over time, and is accompanied by swelling and tenderness could be indicative of a stress fracture.
Pain in the heel is a frequent concern, especially among patients who participate in sports, run, or wear high heels. Plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heels to the toes, can cause stabbing heel pain. The pain is usually at its worst upon taking your first few steps in the morning or after a long rest and can radiate to the arch of the foot. Plantar fasciitis is also often associated with heel spurs, bony outgrowths on the heel bones that can be painful if they poke into the surrounding tissues.
Foot pain can be caused by not only injuries but also problems with the biomechanics of the feet and underlying health problems, like diabetes or peripheral neuropathy. If you’re experiencing foot pain, please seek the care of a chiropodist near you.
Heel pain can range in severity from mild and annoying to severe and debilitating. Usually caused by an injury, heel pain can become chronic if it's left untreated. There are many different types of injuries that can bring about heel pain. When describing your pain, it is important to note the location and type of pain, as well as when the pain started and what activities make it better or worse.
Perhaps the most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, a condition in which the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed due to repetitive overuse or trauma. This condition causes stabbing pain in the bottom of the heel. The pain is usually at its worst when you take your first few steps after a period of rest, like when you first get up in the morning. Plantar fasciitis is also sometimes accompanied by bone spurs, calcium deposits on the heel bone that can cause sharp pain that gradually evolves into a dull ache. Other possible causes of heel pain include Achilles tendonitis, heel fractures, bursitis, tarsal tunnel syndrome, and Sever’s disease.
Although treatment for heel pain depends on the underlying cause, most treatments involve resting, icing, and elevating the affected foot. Your chiropodist will also typically suggest that you wear more comfortable, supportive shoes or orthotics to help your heel heal. Over-the-counter pain medications are usually sufficient to manage heel pain. For more information about heel pain, please consult with a chiropodist.
Good foot care is proactive, rather than reactive. While a chiropodist can diagnose, treat, and help you manage a variety of foot and ankle conditions, preventing foot problems and keeping the feet healthy is something that you can do at home as well. Having and following an established daily foot care routine can be very beneficial.
Maintaining good foot hygiene helps prevent a variety of foot problems, including infections like athlete’s foot and fungal toenails. It is important to wash your feet every day using lukewarm water and mild soap. Wash the entire foot, from heel to toe. Then dry the foot thoroughly, taking extra care to dry in between the toes. Moisturizing the heels and soles of the feet after washing them can help keep the skin soft, hydrated, and free of cracks.
Stretching and strengthening the feet can maintain or improve their mobility. There are many easy foot exercises that you can do to keep your feet strong and flexible, such as toe scrunches and heel raises. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help keep your weight under control, relieving excess pressure and strain on the feet.
Finally, wearing the right shoes is one of the easiest ways to care for the feet. Many people wear shoes that are too tight or narrow, shoes that don’t support the feet adequately, and shoes that are made of materials that trap moisture on the foot. Opt for comfortable, properly-fitted shoes that support and protect your feet.
For more information about daily foot care practices for good foot health, please consult with a chiropodist.
Corns are hardened lumps of skin that are caused by excess friction. When wearing shoes or socks that don’t fit properly, the skin can become irritated from the shoes rubbing against them, or from squished toes rubbing against each other. This can lead to the development of a corn. Corns are usually benign, but they can sometimes cause discomfort or even pain. In those cases, seeking the care of a chiropodist is suggested.
There are three types of corns. Hard corns are commonly found on the tops of toes. They are characterized by a hard core surrounded by dry, irritated skin. Soft corns are typically found between the toes. They are soft due to continuous exposure to sweat. Seed corns are tiny and typically found on the soles of the feet. They usually do not cause any symptoms. Generally speaking, corns can be uncomfortable or painful when excess pressure is applied to them while standing, walking, or wearing poorly-fitted shoes or socks.
The best way to prevent corns is to wear shoes and socks that fit properly. Pain from a corn can be relieved by using over-the-counter corn pads, soaking your feet in lukewarm water, exfoliating and moisturizing the skin of the feet, and wearing comfortable shoes and socks. If these measures don’t help, then you may want to consult with a chiropodist for more treatment options.
Poor circulation in the lower limbs is typically caused by atherosclerosis, the narrowing and hardening of arteries due to a buildup of plaque. However, there are other causes, such as blood clots, varicose veins, diabetes, obesity, and Raynaud’s disease. When there is inadequate blood flow to the lower limbs, their tissues do not receive enough oxygen and nutrients to stay healthy. This can produce symptoms such as muscle cramps, fatigue, weakness, coldness, numbness and tingling, hair loss, and discoloration. Additionally, any wounds that form on the feet and ankles may heal slowly and poorly due to an insufficient blood supply.
Poor circulation in the lower limbs can seriously affect your quality of life. Its symptoms can make it difficult to walk, stand, and get around in day-to-day life. Furthermore, if left untreated, poor circulation can greatly increase one’s risk of having a cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke.
In some cases, people with poor circulation do not experience any symptoms and may be unaware that they even have this problem. Because of this, it is important to get regular screenings. This is especially true if you are at risk of having poor circulation. People with an increased risk include adults over the age of 60 and those with a personal or family history of cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes.
To learn more about poor circulation in the lower limbs, get screenings, and find the right treatments for you, please consult with a chiropodist.
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