Items filtered by date: January 2024

Diabetic foot ulcers are difficult wounds to heal because they can be caused by many factors. Podiatrists have different ways to treat these ulcers, including looking at blood flow problems. Neuroischemic ulcers develop from poor blood flow and nerve damage in the feet, making up approximately half of the cases of diabetic foot ulcers. When a patient has a diabetic foot ulcer, a podiatrist looks at their entire health history, asks about their daily habits, and checks how well they can move and complete everyday activities. The foot doctor also needs to know what medications the patient is taking, as some can slow down healing. All this information helps them determine the best way to treat the ulcer. The top goals are to find out what is causing the ulcer, determine how to stop it from getting worse and encourage the patient to follow the treatment plan. If you have diabetes and have developed a foot ulcer, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist as quickly as possible for a thorough assessment, examination, and treatment plan.

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 David A. Edmonds, DPM from Advanced Podiatry Associates. 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 feel free to contact our offices located in Northampton and Allentown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Dry, cracked heels can be an uncomfortable and unsightly woe, with causes rooted in various factors. One common offender is inadequate hydration, as the skin on the heels lacks oil glands, making it prone to dryness. Prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces can exacerbate the problem, leading to calluses and fissures. Additionally, wearing ill-fitting footwear, particularly open-back shoes, may contribute by exposing the heels to friction and pressure. Additionally, climate plays a pivotal role, and dry, arid conditions can rob the skin of moisture, leaving heels parched and prone to cracking. Lack of proper foot care, including infrequent moisturization and neglecting exfoliation, can also result in this common ailment. Underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or thyroid disorders may further exacerbate the issue. If your heels are dry and cracked, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition, which may include taking prescribed medication.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact David A. Edmonds, DPM from Advanced Podiatry Associates. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Northampton and Allentown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Swollen feet can serve as an indicator of underlying health issues, primarily stemming from fluid retention in body tissues. This phenomenon, known as edema, results from disruptions in the intricate processes of the circulatory system that can lead to the accumulation of excess fluid, resulting in swollen feet. Various factors contribute to edema, such as prolonged periods of standing that may impede blood flow, pregnancy-induced physiological changes, and varicose veins. In cases of congestive heart failure, the heart's inability to pump blood efficiently leads to blood stagnation, commonly causing edema in the lower limbs. Lymphedema, a consequence of a malfunctioning lymphatic system, can result from surgical procedures or genetic disorders, leading to fluid accumulation. Thyroid disorders, menstrual hormonal fluctuations, and liver damage, particularly cirrhosis caused by long-term alcohol exposure, are additional contributors to edema. Kidney disorders, such as nephrotic syndrome, can cause inefficient water removal and subsequent edema. For help with swollen feet or ankles, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and diagnosis.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact David A. Edmonds, DPM of Advanced Podiatry Associates. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Northampton and Allentown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is a chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and potential deformities. The feet can be affected, and this condition occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium, which is the lining of the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation triggered by RA can lead to joint damage over time, impacting various joints symmetrically. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, typically most pronounced in the mornings or after periods of inactivity. The affected joints may feel warm to the touch, and over time, individuals with RA may experience reduced joint function and mobility. Beyond joints, RA can affect other organs, leading to fatigue, fever, and weight loss. If you have RA, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can implement effective management strategies so relief can be found. 

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 David A. Edmonds, DPM of Advanced Podiatry Associates. Our doctor 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 Northampton and Allentown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Podiatrists play a vital role in preventing falls among the elderly population in various ways. A couple of important ways they can help is by assessing footwear and prescribing custom foot orthotics. Wearing proper footwear can significantly improve balance and gait, offering better stability and reducing the risk of falls. Since many older adults wear improperly fitting shoes, a podiatrist can recommend appropriate footwear, including shoes with good traction suited to various conditions, and modifying existing shoes for a better fit. Custom foot orthotics are designed to support the feet and enhance feedback to the brain, which improves balance. They can accommodate different foot shapes and deformities, making each step more comfortable and stable, thus reducing the risk of falls. If you are elderly and want to ensure that you are doing all you can to prevent falling, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can evaluate your situation and provide the help you are seeking.

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 David A. Edmonds, DPM from Advanced Podiatry Associates. 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 Northampton and Allentown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.