Items filtered by date: August 2020

Monday, 31 August 2020 00:00

Staying a Step Ahead of Diabetic Foot Problems

Though it is a metabolic disorder, diabetes can have serious implications for your foot health. Diabetes can cause the feet to be less sensitive and slow to heal from damage, which can result in complications such as diabetic foot ulcers. Fortunately, there are precautions that you can take to get ahead of many diabetic foot problems. If you have diabetes, it is recommended that you perform daily foot checks to see if you have any cuts, sores, or blisters so that you can treat them immediately and avoid infections. Keep your feet clean by washing them daily and drying them thoroughly, then apply a thin layer of lotion to the tops and bottoms of the feet, avoiding the areas between your toes where the extra moisture can help fungus thrive. Regularly trim your toenails straight across to avoid ingrown nails, and wear comfortable shoes instead of going barefoot. If you have a history of diabetes-related foot problems, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you take care of your feet.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Jack A. Sasiene, DPM from Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Texas City and Lake Jackson, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Taking Action to Prevent Falls

Falls, and the resulting injuries and complications that they can bring about, are a major cause of pain and disability among people aged 65 and over. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), behavioral changes and changes to your living environment are the most effective things that you can do to prevent falls. Embracing a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, exercise, and no smoking encourages healthy aging, which can indirectly reduce the risk of falling. Rearranging the home environment to remove fall hazards such as slippery rugs, and installing good lighting and handrails, can also help prevent falls. Having regular checkups and promptly seeing specialists when needed is important for overall health as well. Foot and ankle pain often contributes to falls, so if you are experiencing foot and ankle issues, it is recommended that you see a podiatrist.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Jack A. Sasiene, DPM from Texas. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
Utilizing a walker or cane
Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Texas City and Lake Jackson, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Possible Symptoms of an Ingrown Toenail

An ingrown toenail is defined as the outside edges of the nail growing into the surrounding skin, instead of over the skin. The big toe is generally affected the most, but it can occur in any of the toes. If it is not promptly treated it may become infected, which can be accompanied by pus drainage, redness, and often swelling. Common causes of this ailment can include genetics and wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Patients have found mild relief when the affected foot is soaked in warm water, and this is generally helpful in softening the skin. This can be followed by inserting a small piece of cotton between the nail and skin, which can be beneficial in lifting the nail off of the skin. If you are afflicted with an ingrown toenail, it is strongly recommended that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you the best treatment options.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Jack A. Sasiene, DPM of Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

Bacterial infections
Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

Stretching Techniques for Plantar Fasciitis Pain

Plantar fasciitis is a condition that can cause intense heel pain. Having weak foot muscles, extra pressure put on the feet from obesity, and ill-fitting footwear are all factors that can play a role in the development of plantar fasciitis. To help ease the pain of plantar fasciitis there are a few exercises that you can practice. One of the stretches can be performed by holding the heel in one hand and bending the toes upward, then downward and holding that position. This stretch is specifically for stretching your plantar fascia. Another helpful stretch involves having your leg stretched straight out in front of you and wrapping an elastic band around the soles of your feet. You then want to curl your toes downward, then ease the toes back up. For more advice on what stretches can help with plantar fasciitis pain, please consult with a podiatrist.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Jack A. Sasiene, DPM from Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Excessive running
Non-supportive shoes
Overpronation
Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

Signs and Symptoms of Cuboid Syndrome

The pain and discomfort that is located on the outside of the foot may be indicative of a condition that is known as cuboid syndrome. It can occur as a result of a partial dislocation of the cuboid bone, and may happen for a variety of reasons including a sprained ankle, wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or running on uneven surfaces. A common symptom that patients experience from this ailment can consist of pain on the outer edge of the foot, and it is often worse while standing. Mild relief may be found when specific strengthening exercises are performed, and it may help to wear custom-made orthotics. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who will be able to treat this condition effectively.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Jack A. Sasiene, DPM from Texas. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.