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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.

Off-Loading for Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Off-loading is a key part of treating diabetic foot ulcers because it reduces pressure on the injured area, allowing the skin to heal. Diabetics may lose feeling in their feet resulting from nerve damage. This can lead to repeated pressure on one spot without them noticing pain. Such constant pressure can delay healing and increase the risk of infection. Off-loading works by shifting weight away from the ulcer with medical devices. These may include special boots, braces, or custom-made shoes that spread pressure more evenly across the foot. A podiatrist can evaluate the ulcer, check blood flow, and assess how pressure affects walking. Early care is important to prevent more serious complications and protect long-term foot health. If you have foot ulcers as a result of diabetes, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and ongoing 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 Loren Hansen, DPM from Ankle & Foot Medical Center. 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 Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Exercises Can Keep Feet Healthy

Exercises can play an important role in improving foot health. Regular movement helps strengthen the muscles that support the arches and stabilize the toes and ankles. Strong muscles help absorb shock during walking and sports. Flexibility exercises also improve range of motion, or how freely a joint can move without pain or stiffness. Stretching the big toe and Achilles tendon, a thick band of tissue that connects the calf to the heel, may reduce strain and lower injury risk. Simple strength exercises like toe curls or spreading the toes can improve balance and coordination. These benefits may help prevent common problems like plantar fasciitis, tendon irritation, and joint discomfort. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, study walking patterns, and recommend exercises or supportive devices to protect the feet during activity. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Loren Hansen, DPM from Ankle & Foot Medical Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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

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Poor Circulation and Its Impact on Foot Health

Poor circulation refers to reduced blood flow to certain areas of the body, often affecting the feet and legs. It can be caused by diabetes, peripheral artery disease, and varicose veins, which interfere with healthy blood movement. Symptoms include muscle cramps, pain, and cold hands or feet, along with slow healing of minor wounds. Risk factors include smoking, inactivity, obesity, and aging. Without proper care, circulation problems can increase the risk of serious foot complications. A podiatrist can assess blood flow, identify early warning signs, and recommend treatment to improve circulation and protect foot health. If you have symptoms of poor circulation in your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment remedies.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Loren Hansen, DPM of Ankle & Foot Medical Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

  • Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness 
  • Numbness or cramping in the legs
  • Skin discoloration
  • Slower nail & hair growth
  • Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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

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Types and Benefits of Orthotics

Orthotics are specially designed devices placed inside footwear to support, align, and improve the function of the feet and lower limbs. Off-the-shelf orthotics are prefabricated inserts that provide general support and cushioning for common foot issues. Functional foot orthoses are designed to correct abnormal movement patterns and improve biomechanics while walking or running. Custom molded total contact insoles are individually crafted to match the exact shape of the foot, offering precise support and pressure distribution. These devices can help treat plantar fasciitis, flat feet, heel pain, and overuse injuries. Benefits include improved comfort, better posture, reduced pain, and enhanced mobility. A podiatrist can assess foot structure and gait to recommend the most suitable orthotic option. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can discuss the benefits of custom-made orthotics with you. 

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Loren Hansen, DPM from Ankle & Foot Medical Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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

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