Diabetic Foot Care and Wound Care - Podiatrist in Valley Stream and Lake Success, NY

12.00 Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE

Diabetic Foot Care and Wound Care - Podiatrist, Valley Stream and Lake Success, NY

Caprioli_Relative_of_Diabetic_Patient_.wmv Watch on Posterous

Son in-law of Patient discusses Diabetic Foot Care and Wound Care by Long Island Podiatry Group.   

http://centralpodiatry.com

Why diabetics must come in for a comprehensive foot exam to avoid the complications of diabetes.

Early Detection Can Minimize Diabetic Foot Problems

If your feet constantly feel cold and you're experiencing reduced sensation or recurrent, persistent infections that are slow to heal, it could be an early indicator of diabetes. More than 16 million people in the U.S. have the disorder and almost half are unaware of their condition* . While there are other factors and signs of diabetes, including (but not limited to) unusual thirst, fatigue, irritability or frequent urination, experts say it's imperative that diabetic patients seek help for chronic foot conditions to avoid long-term complications.

"The three major foot problems found in persons with diabetes work in unfortunate unison, magnifying and escalating the impact of each other," says Dr. Caprioli a podiatric surgeon in Valley Stream, NY. "Neuropathy, the diminished sensation of the nerves in the foot, make patients unaware of pain, the primary warning sign of an ulceration or infection. Poor circulation or ischemia, coupled with a compromised immune system increases the risk of infection and the severity of the problem. The delivery of oxygen and other nutrients to the affected area is restricted," he said.

Treatment option for these diabetes-related foot conditions are enhanced by early detection of the problems. For instance, a regular and thorough inspection of the feet, best conducted by both the patient at home and by a professional in a podiatric surgeon's office, greatly improves the chances of identifying a problem before it becomes severe. Local wound care, dressings and antibiotics can help accelerate the healing process. To relieve pressure on the affected area, your foot and ankle specialist may recommend wearing shoes (even several different pairs during the course of the day). Healing sandals or custom orthoses may be required to protect the foot as it heals. In severe cases, the use of crutches, wheelchair, braces or casts is prescribed to remove pressure and aid proper healing.

When such foot deformities as hammertoes, bunions or metatarsal disorders threaten the diabetic patient's health and mobility, corrective surgery may be required. These deformities will worsen over time without intervention, as will conditions related to nerve, infection and circulatory problems. Podiatric surgery is usually an out-patient procedure performed under local anesthesia.

Maintaining foot health is critical to the overall health and well being of diabetic patients. Each year, more than 50,000 diabetics must have a foot or leg amputated due to diabetic complications*, Dr. Caprioli stresses that many of these amputations may have been prevented with early detection and prompt treatment of conditions.

Drs Caprioli and his associates, Drs. Bilotti, Cozzolino and Haight, are members of the American College Of Foot And Ankle Surgeons, as well as Diabetic Educators. Their office is located at 375 N. Central Ave, Valley Stream, NY. You may contact them at 516-825-4070, or at the Vascular Institute, Long Island Jewish medical Center, 4th Floor, Oncology Building, 718-470-8787

 

(*according to studies by the American Diabetes Association)

 

 

Visit our website: http://centralpodiatry.com

Diabetic Foot Problems - Podiatrist in Southport and Shallotte, NC

Bryan_Satterwhite_Diabetic_Foot_Care.wmv Watch on Posterous

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE

Diabetic Foot Problems - Podiatrist in Southport and Shallotte, NC

Dr. Bryan Satterwhite of Atlantic Foot Specialists discusses why diabetics must come in for a comprehensive foot exam to avoid the complications of diabetes.

 http://www.atlanticfootspecialists.com

 According to the American Diabetes Association, about 15.7 million people (5.9 percent of the United States population) have diabetes. Nervous system damage (also called neuropathy) affects about 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes and is a major complication that may cause diabetics to lose feeling in their feet or hands.

Foot problems are a big risk in diabetics. Diabetics must constantly monitor their feet or face severe consequences, including amputation.

With a diabetic foot, a wound as small as a blister from wearing a shoe that's too tight can cause a lot of damage. Diabetes decreases blood flow, so injuries are slow to heal. When your wound is not healing, it's at risk for infection. As a diabetic, your infections spread quickly. If you have diabetes, you should inspect your feet every day. Look for puncture wounds, bruises, pressure areas, redness, warmth, blisters, ulcers, scratches, cuts and nail problems. Get someone to help you, or use a mirror.

Here's some basic advice for taking care of your feet:

• Always keep your feet warm.
• Don't get your feet wet in snow or rain.
• Don't put your feet on radiators or in front of the fireplace.
• Don't smoke or sit cross-legged. Both decrease blood supply to your feet.
• Don't soak your feet.
• Don't use antiseptic solutions, drugstore medications, heating pads or sharp instruments on your feet.
• Trim your toenails straight across. Avoid cutting the corners. Use a nail file or emery board. If you find an ingrown toenail, contact our office.
• Use quality lotion to keep the skin of your feet soft and moist, but don't put any lotion between your toes.
• Wash your feet every day with mild soap and warm water.
• Wear loose socks to bed.
• Wear warm socks and shoes in winter.
• When drying your feet, pat each foot with a towel and be careful between your toes.
• Buy shoes that are comfortable without a "breaking in" period. Check how your shoe fits in width, length, back, bottom of heel, and sole. Avoid pointed-toe styles and high heels. Try to get shoes made with leather upper material and deep toe boxes. Wear new shoes for only two hours or less at a time. Don't wear the same pair every day. Inspect the inside of each shoe before putting it on. Don't lace your shoes too tightly or loosely.
• Choose socks and stockings carefully. Wear clean, dry socks every day. Avoid socks with holes or wrinkles. Thin cotton socks are more absorbent for summer wear. Square-toes socks will not squeeze your toes. Avoid stockings with elastic tops.

When your feet become numb, they are at risk for becoming deformed. One way this happens is through ulcers. Open sores may become infected. Another way is the bone condition Charcot (pronounced "sharko") foot. This is one of the most serious foot problems you can face. It warps the shape of your foot when your bones fracture and disintegrate, and yet you continue to walk on it because it doesn't hurt. Diabetic foot ulcers and early phases of Charcot fractures can be treated with a total contact cast.

The shape of your foot molds the cast. It lets your ulcer heal by distributing weight and relieving pressure. If you have Charcot foot, the cast controls your foot's movement and supports its contours if you don't put any weight on it. To use a total contact cast, you need good blood flow in your foot. The cast is changed every week or two until your foot heals. A custom-walking boot is another way to treat your Charcot foot. It supports the foot until all the swelling goes down, which can take as long as a year. You should keep from putting your weight on the Charcot foot. Surgery is considered if your deformity is too severe for a brace or shoe.

 

Visit our website: http://www.atlanticfootspecialists.com

 

Diabetic Foot Care - Chiropodist, Podiatrist - Mississauga, Oakville and Brampton, ON

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE

Diabetic Foot Care -  Chiropodist, Podiatrist  - Mississauga, Oakville and Brampton, ON

Bill_Dedes_Diabetic_Foot.wmv Watch on Posterous

Chiropodist Bill Dedes discusses why it is essential that diabetics come in for a comprehensive foot exam to help avoid the complication of diabetes.

A large portion of our population have diabetes. Poor blood flow and peripheral nerve damage (also called neuropathy) affects about 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes and is a major complication that may cause diabetics to lose feeling in their feet or hands.

Foot problems are a big risk in diabetics. Diabetics must constantly monitor their feet or face severe consequences, including amputation.

With a diabetic foot, a wound as small as a blister from wearing a shoe that's too tight can cause a lot of damage. Diabetes decreases blood flow, so injuries are slow to heal. When your wound is not healing, it's at risk for infection. As a diabetic, your infections spread quickly. If you have diabetes, you should inspect your feet every day. Look for puncture wounds, bruises, pressure areas, redness, warmth, blisters, ulcers, scratches, cuts and nail problems. Get someone to help you, or use a mirror.

Visit our website: http://www.mississaugafootcare.ca

Ingrown Toenails - Chiropodist in Sudbury, Elliot Lake and North Bay, ON

DeSimoneIngrownToenails.wmv Watch on Posterous

DeSimone Foot and Ankle Centre, Inc.

http://www.desimonefootcentre.com

Ingrown toenails, also known as onychocryptosis, is usually caused by trimming toenails too short, particularly on the sides of the big toes. They may also be caused by shoe pressure (from shoes that are too tight or short), injury, fungus infection, heredity, or poor foot structure. Ingrown toenails occur when the corners or sides of the toenail dig into the skin, often causing infection. A common ailment, ingrown toenails can be painful. Ingrown toenails start out hard, swollen, and tender. Left untreated, they may become sore, red, and infected and the skin may start to grow over the ingrown toenail.

In most cases, treating ingrown toenails is simple: soak the foot in warm, soapy water several times each day. Avoid wearing tight shoes or socks. Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed if an infection is present. Note: Please consult your physician before taking any medications. In severe cases, if an acute infection occurs, surgical removal of part of the ingrown toenail may be needed. Known as partial nail plate avulsion, the procedure involves injecting the toe with an anesthetic and cutting out the ingrown part of the toenail.

Ingrown toenails can be prevented by:

•Trimming toenails straight across with no rounded corners.
•Ensuring that shoes and socks are not too tight.
•Keeping feet clean at all times.

Visit our website: http://www.desimonefootcentre.com