Items filtered by date: November 2024
Understanding Heel Spurs
Heel spurs are bony protrusions that develop on the underside of the heel bone, or calcaneus, often as a result of repeated stress and strain on the foot. Common causes include plantar fasciitis, excessive running or walking, and wearing improper footwear. Heel spurs can also be associated with obesity and certain medical conditions, such as arthritis. Symptoms of heel spurs typically include sharp pain in the heel, especially when taking the first steps in the morning or after prolonged sitting. The discomfort may lessen with movement but can worsen throughout the day. A podiatrist can diagnose heel spurs through a physical exam and imaging tests like X-rays. Treatment options include rest, stretching exercises, and custom orthotics to alleviate pressure. In more severe cases, corticosteroid injections or surgery may be considered. If you are experiencing heel pain or suspect heel spurs, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.
Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Associates of Victoria. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.
Heels Spurs
Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.
Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.
Pain
The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.
Treatments
There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.
If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Victoria, TX . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.
Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?
Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.
Types of Wound Care Materials for Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Diabetic foot ulcers occur due to a combination of poor circulation and nerve damage, making even minor injuries prone to infection. Wound care materials vary depending on the type and severity, or grade, of the ulcer. For superficial ulcers, Grade 1, foam dressings and hydrocolloid dressings are commonly used, as they maintain a moist environment and promote healing. For deeper Grade 2 ulcers, alginate dressings, which absorb excess wound fluid, are beneficial, along with silver-infused materials to prevent infection. More severe ulcers, Grades 3 or 4, often require advanced wound care, including negative pressure wound therapy to promote tissue regeneration, and bioengineered skin substitutes to cover exposed bone or tendons. Debridement, the removal of dead tissue, is often necessary to prevent further infection. Proper care and regular monitoring are imperative to healing diabetic foot ulcers and avoiding complications like infection or amputation. If you have any type of diabetic foot ulcer, it is strongly suggested that you include a podiatrist on your health care team for proper care.
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 Podiatry Associates of Victoria. 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 feel free to contact our office located in Victoria, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
