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Managing Foot Wounds

Foot wounds can occur due to various injuries and should be addressed promptly to avoid complications. Cuts on the feet, toes, or ankles can sometimes affect underlying structures such as tendons, blood vessels, or nerves. In certain cases, a foot wound may need to be left open to heal if there is a risk of infection, although this can result in a larger scar. Proper wound care, including keeping the area clean and covered, is essential to support healing. Signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage, should be addressed immediately, as infections can lead to more serious complications if untreated. A podiatrist plays a vital role in treating foot wounds by assessing the injury, providing antiseptic cleaning, and determining the most effective treatment to promote healing and prevent further damage. If you have sustained a foot wound, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate 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 Howard Abramsohn, DPM from Ambulatory Foot and Ankle Associates, LLC. Our doctor 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 Mt Laurel Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Sources of Big Toe Pain

Big toe pain can stem from various conditions, including turf toe and sesamoid fractures, both of which are common in athletes. Turf toe is a sprain of the ligaments surrounding the big toe joint. It is typically caused by hyperextension of the toe during activities like running or football. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and limited movement in the big toe. A sesamoid fracture involves a break in the small bones called sesamoids, under the big toe joint. This injury is often caused by repetitive stress, sudden impact, or wearing improper footwear. Symptoms include localized pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight on the foot. Treatment for both conditions may involve rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and wearing a stiff-soled shoe or brace to limit toe joint movement. In severe cases, a podiatrist may recommend custom orthotics, targeted exercises, or surgery to promote healing. If you have toe pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Howard Abramsohn, DPM of Ambulatory Foot and Ankle Associates, LLC. Our doctor 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 Mt Laurel Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Pickleball and Foot and Ankle Injuries

Pickleball, a paddle sport blending elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong is enjoyed by players of all ages. Its quirky name is said to have originated from a founder's dog or a rowing term referring to mixed teams. While the game offers excellent physical activity and sharpens mental focus, picklers must prioritize injury prevention. The fast-paced movements and quick turns in pickleball put stress on the ankles and lower legs, increasing the risk of sprains, strains, and overuse injuries. Without proper preparation, even experienced players can face setbacks. Warmup routines, such as calf stretches, ankle rolls, and light cardio, are important to loosen muscles and improve flexibility. If foot or ankle pain arises after play, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can ensure you stay active and injury-free for future matches.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Howard Abramsohn, DPM from Ambulatory Foot and Ankle Associates, LLC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

  • Achilles Tendonitis
  • Achilles Tendon Rupture
  • Ankle Sprains
  • Broken Foot
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Stress Fractures
  • Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Mt Laurel Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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How to Measure Your Shoe Size for a Proper Fit

Finding the right shoe size is essential for comfort and foot health. To measure your shoe size accurately, begin by standing on a piece of paper with your heel against a wall. Using a pencil, mark the longest part of your foot, usually the tip of your toe. Then, measure the distance from the wall to the mark you made. This measurement will give you the length of your foot. It is also important to measure the width of your foot by placing the tape or ruler around the widest part, typically near the ball of the foot. Ensure that you measure both feet, as one foot may be slightly larger than the other. Once you have these measurements, consult a shoe size chart to determine your correct size. If you have developed foot pain from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and educate you on the importance of wearing shoes that fit properly.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Howard Abramsohn, DPM from Ambulatory Foot and Ankle Associates, LLC. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

  • Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
  • Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
  • Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
  • Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Mt Laurel Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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