Foot wounds can occur due to various injuries and should be addressed promptly to avoid complications. Cuts on the feet, toes, or ankles can sometimes affect underlying structures such as tendons, blood vessels, or nerves. In certain cases, a foot wound may need to be left open to heal if there is a risk of infection, although this can result in a larger scar. Proper wound care, including keeping the area clean and covered, is essential to support healing. Signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage, should be addressed immediately, as infections can lead to more serious complications if untreated. A podiatrist plays a vital role in treating foot wounds by assessing the injury, providing antiseptic cleaning, and determining the most effective treatment to promote healing and prevent further damage. If you have sustained a foot wound, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate 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 Darlyne Cange, DPM from Cange Podiatry, DPM, PA. 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 offices located in Glen Burnieand Ellicott City, MD. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Sudden ankle pain without a clear injury can be caused by several underlying conditions. Gout is one of the most common causes, characterized by sudden, intense pain, often in the joint of the big toe, but it can also affect the ankle. This condition occurs when uric acid builds up in the body, forming crystals that cause inflammation and pain. Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, can also lead to sudden ankle pain, as the joint becomes inflamed and worn down over time. Achilles tendinitis is another potential cause, resulting in pain and swelling in the tendon at the back of the ankle. This condition is often triggered by overuse or strain, even without a specific injury. Flat feet can also contribute to sudden ankle pain by placing additional stress on the joints, leading to discomfort and inflammation. If your ankle hurts without an obvious reason, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can determine what the reason is, and offer appropriate treatment solutions.
Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Darlyne Cange, DPM from Cange Podiatry, DPM, PA. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.
Causes
The most common causes of ankle pain include:
Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
Ankle sprains
Broken ankles
Achilles tendonitis
Achilles tendon rupture
Stress fractures
Bursitis
Tarsal tunnel syndrome
Plantar fasciitis
Symptoms
Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.
Diagnosis
Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Glen Burnieand Ellicott City, MD. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Falls prevention in the workplace is essential to ensure employee safety and reduce the risk of injuries. Various factors contribute to workplace falls, including medications that can cause dizziness or drowsiness, impairing balance, and coordination. Poor vision is another significant cause, as employees may not see hazards or obstacles clearly, increasing the likelihood of tripping. The physical environment also plays a vital role, and poorly designed workspaces with clutter, uneven floors, or inadequate lighting can create dangerous conditions. Slippery surfaces, particularly in kitchens, bathrooms, or areas prone to spills, are another common cause of falls. Furthermore, climbing stools or ladders to reach high places poses risks if not used properly. To prevent falls, workplaces should maintain clean and clutter-free areas, provide proper lighting, ensure employees have appropriate footwear, and train them on safe practices when using ladders or climbing stools. Falling can seriously impact the feet. If you have fallen and have sustained a foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions.
Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Darlyne Cange, DPM from Cange Podiatry, DPM, PA. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.
Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.
How to Prevent Falls
Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:
Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
Utilizing a walker or cane
Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness
Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Glen Burnieand Ellicott City, MD. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
A podiatrist specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing conditions related to the feet, ankles, and lower extremities. Podiatrists are trained to address foot problems, including bunions, heel pain, ingrown toenails, and plantar fasciitis. They also treat more serious conditions such as fractures, infections, and deformities that affect mobility. Podiatrists play an important role in managing chronic diseases that impact foot health, such as diabetes, which can lead to complications like neuropathy and poor circulation. There are various types of podiatrists based on their areas of expertise. Some specialize in surgery, performing procedures to correct deformities or injuries, while others focus on sports medicine, pediatric care, or diabetic foot care. Regardless of their specialty, podiatrists are essential in maintaining foot health and ensuring proper mobility for people of all ages. If you have foot pain or developed a foot condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat various foot conditions.
If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact Darlyne Cange, DPM from Cange Podiatry, DPM, PA. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Podiatrist?
A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.
What Do Podiatrists Do?
On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:
Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
Use innovative methods to treat conditions
Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
Correct walking patterns and balance
Provide individual consultations to patients
It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Glen Burnieand Ellicott City, MD. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
