Diabetic foot care helps prevent and manage foot complications associated with diabetes. Fungal infections, ingrown toenails, and foot ulcers are common issues that occur due to diabetes. Experienced foot and ankle specialists diagnose and treat these conditions, promoting healing and enhancing mobility. Here are a few services provided by foot and ankle specialists:
Foot Ulcer Treatment
Foot ulcer treatment is a key component of diabetic foot care, aiming to lower the risks of serious complications such as amputation. Some individuals with diabetes may suffer from peripheral neuropathy and poor circulation, which reduces sensation in the feet. It also increases the risk of unnoticed injuries, ulcers, and infections. Some individuals develop wounds on the bottom of their feet and fail to notice them because diabetes reduces their ability to feel pain. To identify early signs of nerve damage, vascular issues, and skin breakdown, a specialist conducts a thorough foot examination.
If you have foot ulcers, they clean your wound and perform debridement. Debridement is the process of removing dead or infected tissues to promote the growth of healthy tissues. They then apply a dressing to keep it moist, shield it from bacteria, and encourage faster healing. If a doctor detects infections, they may prescribe antibiotics. Surgery may be recommended in case of severe tissue damage to prevent the spread of infection.
Heel and Ankle Spur Solutions
Bone spurs can develop in various parts of the body, including the ankle joints and the heel. It is mainly caused by inflammation. Loss of motion, swelling, difficulty walking, and stiffness in the toes and ankles are common symptoms of a bone spur. You may develop a heel spur when continuous strain or stress on the foot causes inflammation in the surrounding tissues. This triggers your body to form extra bone as a protective response.
Conditions such as arthritis, chronic ankle sprains, or tight tendons can cause an ankle spur. These conditions wear down cartilage, causing your bones to rub against each other and prompting the growth of new bone. Depending on the severity of the condition, your physician may recommend several treatment options. For mild cases, home remedies, such as ice therapy, stretching, and pain relievers, may be recommended. If the pain persists or the bone limits your ability to walk, your doctor may suggest surgical intervention to remove the bone.
Toenail Fungus Treatment
Toenail fungus treatment helps address fungal infections that affect the nail bed. Fungal nail, or onychomycosis, is a medical condition mainly caused by yeast, mold, or dermatophytes. If your nails are cracked, you are at a higher risk of getting a fungal nail infection since it provides the entry point for fungi to invade your nail bed. You may notice yellow discoloration or a white spot under your nail. Brittleness and thickening are other symptoms you may experience. If left untreated, the nail may separate from its bed, causing pain and emitting a foul odor. Antifungal creams and oral medications are some of the treatments that your specialist can prescribe.
Foot and Ankle Orthotics
Orthotics are medically prescribed shoe inserts designed to support your foot’s structure and alignment. Your specialist conducts a physical exam, gait analysis, and imaging studies to understand your unique foot mechanics. Orthotics are commonly prescribed for conditions such as arthritis, flat feet, heel pain, ankle pain, and diabetic foot problems. If you experience chronic heel pain due to plantar fasciitis, your foot and ankle doctor will prescribe custom orthotic inserts that cushion the heel and support the arch. This helps reduce pressure on the inflamed tissues.
Learn More About Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetic foot care experts will help you treat ulcers and other common foot issues. Experienced foot and ankle specialists have the knowledge required to help your feet remain in good health. Contact a reliable foot and ankle specialist to learn more about their services.
