Charcot foot used to be a rare diabetes complication. It was said to affect less than 1% of people with diabetes. Now experts say it is becoming more common, and there is worry that patients and their care providers do not know about this diabetic complication or its warning signs. Charcot foot is a sudden softening of the foot’s bones, caused by neuropathy or nerve damage from diabetes. It can lead to a host of serious problems, such as joint loss, fractures, and amputation. As the condition worsens, the bottom of the foot can become convex and bulge out. Since many diabetics do not feel pain in their lower extremities, they continue walking on the foot, which can cause further problems. This disorder cannot be reversed, but its dangerous effects can be halted if dealt with early. Symptoms appear suddenly and include warm, red skin, swelling, and pain. Unfortunately, these symptoms can also be a sign of deep vein thrombosis or an infection. If you are diabetic, it is important to include a podiatrist as part of your medical care team. They are educated in foot disorders that other doctors may not be aware of or are trained to treat.
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 one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors 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 Shepherdsvilleand Louisville, KY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
There are five metatarsal bones found in the foot, each connecting the heel/arch to the toes. These long bones play a critical role in helping the foot function. However, the metatarsal bones can suffer from what is known as a stress fracture, a crack in the bone that develops from repeated trauma. The metatarsal bones are the second most common bones in the lower limbs to suffer from stress fractures, the first being the tibia leg bone. Of the five metatarsals, the second and third metatarsal bones are the most commonly afflicted. One common symptom of a metatarsal stress fracture is pain felt in the foot when walking or running. If you are running long distances and are not wearing the right kind of footwear, you might be increasing your risk of developing a stress fracture. Contact a podiatrist today for more information about metatarsal stress fractures.
Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.
Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use. The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.
What Are Stress Fractures?
Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:
Runners
People affected with Osteoporosis
Tennis or basketball players
Gymnasts
High impact workouts
Symptoms
Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Shepherdsvilleand Louisville, KY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a specific kind of autoimmune disorder that primarily impacts the joints and other body systems. Although individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can experience a wide range of different symptoms, foot pain is an important symptom of RA. For example, individuals with RA can experience swelling, pain, and abnormalities in the feet. Not only can this be annoying in and of itself for those with RA, it can also make falling or tripping due to weakened feet more likely. This can be especially problematic for older individuals who are already susceptible to trips and falls. If you are someone that suffers from rheumatoid arthritis and is experiencing foot pain, it is suggested you make an appointment with a podiatrist.
Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.
Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet
Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.
Symptoms
Swelling and pain in the feet
Stiffness in the feet
Pain on the ball or sole of feet
Joint shift and deformation
Diagnosis
Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Shepherdsvilleand Louisville, KY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
