November 2020

People with diabetes are prone to developing diabetic foot ulcers, sores on the feet that can heal very slowly or may never heal at all. About 5% of people with diabetes develop chronic foot ulcers, which can cause complications such as infection and amputation. Preventing diabetic foot ulcers is of the utmost importance. If you have diabetes, it is necessary to know how to manage your condition. You should be aware of the medications that you take and their dosages, eat a balanced diet, take any prescribed supplements, see your doctor regularly, and monitor your foot health. A podiatrist can teach you how to perform daily foot checks to identify any cuts, scrapes, sores, or wounds on your feet early. The earlier these things are detected, the better they respond to treatment. A podiatrist can also teach you how to care for foot wounds at home. For more information about diabetic foot wounds, please speak with a podiatrist. 

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 Dr. Thomas Madden from Advanced Foot Care 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 feel free to contact our office located in Killeen, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete’s foot refers to a fungal infection of the skin on the feet. While the infection is common among athletes, you don’t have to be one to get it. Athlete’s foot is contagious and spreads through direct contact between the fungus and your skin. You can pick up this infection from walking barefoot in public spaces, particularly in warm, moist environments such as locker rooms and swimming pools, or from sharing personal items such as towels and socks. Athlete’s foot has several noticeable symptoms, including an itching, stinging, or burning sensation between the toes or on the soles, and dry, cracking, peeling, or raw skin on the feet. Often this infection can spread to the toenails, causing them to become discolored, thick, and crumbly. If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for treatment. 

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Thomas Madden from Advanced Foot Care Center.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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

The medical term for excessively sweaty feet is plantar hyperhidrosis. Sweating usually occurs as a cooling mechanism in response to physical activity or stress, but hyperhidrosis occurs when sweating isn't necessary. This sweating is excessive, which can understandably be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Common treatments for plantar hyperhidrosis can include antiperspirant prescriptions, botox injections, iontophoresis, and other medications. If you are struggling with excessively sweaty feet, it is recommended that you consult with a podiatrist for the treatment that is best for you.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Dr. Thomas Madden of Advanced Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

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

Corns are small calluses that usually develop on the top of the toes due to friction, usually from the shoes or other toes rubbing against the skin. Though they are small, corns can be painful. Treatment for corns focuses on reducing your pain and discomfort, as well as addressing the underlying cause for the corn’s development. A podiatrist may recommend that you apply a pad around the corn area to keep pressure off of it. Wearing larger, more comfortable shoes with a wider toe box may also help. If more conservative treatment measures fail, surgery may be an option. If you suffer from corns, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for treatment. 

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Thomas Madden of Advanced Foot Care Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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