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Tuesday, 09 May 2023 00:00
Foot Wound Care
One of the most serious types of wounds on the feet is a foot ulcer. Ulcers can be common among diabetic patients and prompt medical attention is often sought to help prevent an infection. Treatment can begin with removing dead tissue, which is referred to as debridement. This is followed by dressing the wound using sterile gauze pads and antibiotic cream if the wound is infected. Many people who are diabetic can develop neuropathy, the inability to feel existing cuts on the feet. If left unnoticed, a foot ulcer can easily develop and may require more extensive forms of treatment. These types of wounds often take several weeks or months to heal and the dressing may need to be changed daily. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can treat existing wounds and help you manage this condition.
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 David A. Scalzo, DPM, PC and Associates. 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 offices located in Duryea and Bangor, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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Tuesday, 09 May 2023 00:00
Wound Care
Diabetics must be wary of all wounds, regardless of depth or size. Diabetes, a chronic disease in which the body cannot properly use glucose the way it normally would, causes various complications that make wounds difficult to heal. Nerve damage or neuropathy will cause diabetics to have trouble feeling the pain of a blister or cut until the condition has significantly worsened or become infected. A diabetic’s weakened immune system can make even the most minor of wounds easily susceptible to infection. Diabetics are also more prone to developing narrow, clogged arteries, and are therefore more likely to develop wounds.
Wounds should be taken care of immediately after discovery, as even the smallest of wounds can become infected if enough bacteria build up within the wound. To remove dirt, wounds should be first rinsed under running water only. Soap, hydrogen peroxide, or iodine can irritate the injury and should be avoided. To prevent infection, apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover it with a bandage. The bandage should be changed daily. The skin around the wound may be cleaned with soap.
To prevent further exacerbation, see a doctor—especially if you have diabetes. Minor skin conditions can become larger problems if not properly inspected. As the wound heals, make sure to avoid applying pressure to the affected area.
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Tuesday, 02 May 2023 00:00
Development of Children's Feet
Babies’ feet look like smaller versions of adult feet, however, that is where the similarities end. When babies are born, bones will gradually replace the cartilage as they begin to use their feet while crawling and walking. The foot shape and structure will start to form during the first six months and the foot size will increase by three times before their first birthday. Several joints and 26 bones will form to comprise the adult foot and this process is generally completed by the age of 18. It is beneficial for the child to walk barefoot while indoors as this can help to strengthen the entire foot. When it is time for the first pair of shoes to be purchased, a good choice is shoes that are flexible and supportive. Many parents notice their children are bow-legged or lean toward walking on their tip toes. This is normal and walking will gradually strengthen the feet to be able to stand normally. If you would like additional information about how your child’s feet develop, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.
The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of David A. Scalzo, DPM, PC and Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
- Make sure their shoes fit properly
- Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
- Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
- Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
- Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
- Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
- Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
- Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Duryea and Bangor, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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Tuesday, 02 May 2023 00:00
How to Care for Your Child's Feet
It is never normal for a child to experience pain in his or her feet. Foot pain that lasts more than a few days and limits a child’s ability to walk should be examined by a podiatrist. Many adult foot ailments originate in childhood and may be present at birth. Common foot issues that are experienced by children are pediatric flat foot, Sever’s disease, ingrown toenails, and plantar warts.
A child’s foot grows rapidly during the first year, allowing it to reach almost half of their adult foot size. Consequently, foot specialists consider the first year to be the most crucial point in the foot development process. There are ways you can help ensure that your child’s foot develops properly. One way is to carefully look at your baby’s feet. If you notice any deformities, you should immediately seek professional care. You should also loosely cover your child’s foot, since tight coverings may prevent movement and inhibit normal development. Another tip is to change the baby’s positioning throughout the day. If your baby lies down in one spot for too long, it may put an excess amount of strain on the feet and legs.
It is best that you try not to force a child to start walking. Children will begin to walk when they are both physically and emotionally capable to do so. You should also avoid comparing your child’s walking progress with other children because the age range for independent walking may range. When your child’s feet begin to develop, you may need to change both their shoe and sock size every few months to allow room for their feet to grow.
Kids are sometimes prone to splinters, cuts, and severe injuries because they tend to walk around barefoot. This also makes them more susceptible to developing plantar warts which is a condition caused by a virus that invades the sole of the foot through breaks in the skin. These ailments can be avoided by making sure your child wears shoes in unsanitary environments. You should also wash any minor cuts or scrapes on your child’s feet. It is a myth that exposure to fresh air will heal injuries; fresh air will only expose your child’s cuts to germs.
As a parent, you should ensure that your child’s feet are developing properly and are being properly maintained. Consequently, it is important that you perform routine inspections on his or her feet to detect any injuries or deformities in their early stages. Early detection and treatment will help to ensure that your child does not develop any serious foot conditions.
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Friday, 28 April 2023 00:00
Arthritis Can Cause Pain in the Feet and Ankles
If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.
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Tuesday, 18 April 2023 00:00
The Many Facets of the Foot
There are many moving parts each foot is made of. There are 26 bones along with several joints, tendons, and muscles that work together that enable the body to walk, run, and balance. Approximately one-quarter of all the bones that are in the body are located in the feet. Each toe has three joints, and the big toe has two joints. The calcaneus is considered to be the largest bone in the foot, and it forms the heel bone. The muscles provide the ability to move the feet, and each group of muscles provides a different function. The largest ligament in the foot is known as the plantar fascia, and it connects the heel to the toes. The Achilles tendon has the ability to provide mobility to the foot, and if an injury happens to this tendon, walking is often impaired. If you would like additional information about various components of the foot, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can give you interesting and useful knowledge.
If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from David A. Scalzo, DPM, PC and Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Biomechanics in Podiatry
Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.
A History of Biomechanics
- Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
- In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.
Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.
Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Duryea and Bangor, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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Tuesday, 18 April 2023 00:00
Biomechanics in Podiatry
Podiatry is a branch of medicine that deals with the study, diagnosis, and treatment of foot and ankle conditions. There are various subdivisions in podiatry; biomechanics is one of them. Biomechanics is the way in which the bones, muscles, and joints of the feet and lower limb interact with each other.
Our feet play crucial roles in the way we move, and it is rare to have feet that are completely symmetrical. Common biomechanical issues include high or low arches or uneven leg heights. Excessive pronation often leads to fallen arches, or flat feet, and is a common cause of running injuries. People whose feet are over-pronated tend to have flexible and unstable feet. Pain is usually experienced during walking and running.
At times, people may be able to adapt to these abnormalities without any difficulties, but in other cases, these issues can cause a great deal of pain. This pain occurs because the joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons are put under an excess amount of stress during movement. Common symptoms of biomechanical problems stemming from the feet include hip pain, knee pain, leg cramps, ankle pain, lower back pain, weak ankles, tripping, heel pain, Achilles pain, and shin splints.
Many biomechanical issues can be treated with orthotics. Orthotics are shoe insoles that are used to help control the way the foot operates. They can provide relief from foot pain, heel pain, and knee pain. Depending on your specific case, you may need to purchase over-the-counter orthotics or custom orthotics to fit your feet. Your podiatrist will be able to prescribe the perfect orthotic for your feet to help you walk around with ease.
Gait is defined as the way we move our bodies from one point to another. This is usually done by either walking or running. Gait analysis is a method used to assess the way we walk or run to highlight biomechanical abnormalities. Gait analyses are a great way to take a detailed look at how you walk and how your foot moves while you walk. An examination of the feet will help your podiatrist understand why you are suffering pain in other parts of your body.
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Tuesday, 11 April 2023 00:00
Foot Care Tips for Seniors
Healthy feet allow seniors to stay independent longer. Foot care is essential to reaching this goal and keeping senior feet comfortable and healthy. Since the feet take one through a lifetime of mobility, it stands to reason that aging feet need extra attention. Over time, feet become flatter and wider. The fatty padding on the foot naturally wears down, and the bones and joints are exposed to more wear and tear. Simple foot problems, like blisters, can interfere with mobility and balance in older adults. More serious foot conditions, like ingrown toenails, sprains, or fractures, can increase the risk of falling and result in various health conditions. Simple foot care tips to help keep feet as healthy as possible include washing, drying, and moisturizing the feet daily, trimming nails straight across, and examining the feet for abnormalities, such as sores. Wearing properly fitted shoes that are sturdy and low-heeled is recommended. If you are an older person or taking care of one, it is suggested that you include a podiatrist among the doctors you visit to monitor any problems brewing and continue caring for the feet.
Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from David A. Scalzo, DPM, PC and Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
The Elderly and Their Feet
As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.
Common Conditions
- Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
- Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
- Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
- Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
- Shoes that don’t fit properly
- Pressure sores
- Loss of circulation in legs & feet
- Edema & swelling of feet and ankles
Susceptible Infections
Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Duryea and Bangor, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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Tuesday, 11 April 2023 00:00
Elderly Foot Care
As you grow older, you will start to notice more problems with your feet due to wear and tear. This may also happen because the skin will start to become thin and lose elasticity. Some signs of aging feet are regular aches and pains, bunion development, and clawed toes.
Fortunately, there are ways you can improve comfort, relieve pain, and maintain mobility in your feet. One of the best ways to deal with aging feet is to exercise. If you keep active, your muscles will become toned which will then strengthen the arches in the foot and stimulate blood circulation.
It is important that you practice proper foot care to protect your aging feet. You should wash your feet in warm water on an everyday basis. Afterward, the feet need to be dried well and it is important to dry between the toes. Your toenails should be trimmed and kept under control; nails that are poorly cut may become ingrown. At the end of each day, performing an inspection of your feet will allow you to detect any ailments in their early stages.
As you grow older, it becomes more important that you wear comfortable shoes. Your shoes should be secure, and they should provide decent arch support. If you are looking to buy a new pair of shoes, it is best to look for a pair that are made from a breathable material. It is also helpful to have shoes that have a bit of extra room at the top of the shoe, especially if you suffer from swollen feet.
The most common foot problems that elderly people will encounter are bunions, calluses, corns, hammertoes, heel pain, and foot problems related to diabetes. Some other issues include arch pain, tarsal tunnel syndrome, Achilles tendonitis, and Morton’s neuroma
An annual foot examination is a great way for you to ensure that you do not have any serious health problems with your feet. You should talk to a podiatrist about the available treatment options for whichever foot issue you are dealing with.
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Tuesday, 04 April 2023 00:00
Laser Treatment for Nail Fungus
Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, causes the nails to thicken, separate, and discolor. It is an affliction that is difficult to remove and stop from recurring. It is also contagious and can spread to other body parts and people directly exposed to it. Laser treatment uses concentrated light to help kill fungus and prevent its growth. This treatment started in the 1980s, and newer types of laser treatment have been introduced since then. Those who may benefit most from laser treatment for nail fungus include children, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions or problems with medication intolerances. The cost and number of sessions vary, as does insurance coverage. If you have a stubborn case of toenail fungus, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist to discuss laser treatment as an option.
Laser treatment can be an effective way to get rid of toenail fungus. If you have any questions about laser treatment, consult with one of our podiatrists from David A. Scalzo, DPM, PC and Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment for fungal nails.
What Are Toenail Fungal Infections?
Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nail, is a relatively common and non-serious condition. Around 10 percent of U.S. citizens are afflicted with fungal nails. Common forms of fungus that infect the nail include dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.
Symptoms of Toenail Fungal Infections Include:
- Nail thickening
- Brittleness of the nail
- Discoloration of the nail
Diagnosis for Fungal Nails
Fungal infections are diagnosed by fungal culture and microscopy. This will rule out any other conditions such as nail trauma, psoriasis, lichen planus, and onychogryphosis.
What Is Laser Treatment?
Laser treatment is a non-invasive, safe, quick, and painless procedure that uses the heat from a laser to kill fungus in the nail. Each infected nail is targeted with a laser for several minutes. The treatment is usually utilized several different times over a select period. During this time, a podiatrist will keep an eye on the infection.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Duryea and Bangor, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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