Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Five Ways to Ruin Your Feet

Published by Melanie Lefkowitz

We'd like re-introduce you to some folks you may not have seen for while. And you many not like what you see.

Fashion friend: Meet your feet. You know, the ones that have been wrapped up in socks and boots all winter. The ones you have neglected, ignored and abused. How have you been hurting them? Let us count the ways, and offer some help:

1. The wrong shoes
Cheap shoes, uncomfortable shoes, or shoes that don't fit won't just give you aching feet– they could create serious medical problems that last a lifetime. So choose your shoes carefully – the wrong footwear can leads to stress fractures, plantar fasciitis (swelling of the tissue at the bottom of your feet), or hammer toes or bunions.

Some ground rules: the heel should be firm and the shoe shouldn't bend or twist. "Look at your foot, look at your shoe. If they don't resemble each other, you shouldn't be walking around in them," says Dr. Johanna Youner, a New York City-based podiatrist.

Bad news for ladies who love their Louboutins: Five-inch heels may be okay for a party or a date, but they're certainly not for every day. "Stilettos are gorgeous and everybody loves the way they look in them, but to wear them to walk around is not the best way to go," Dr. Youner says.

2. Perils of the pedicure
A pedicure may be relaxing - and a great way to get winter feet looking presentable again -- but an ingrown toenail will certainly stress you out. Germs picked up during a pedicure can lead to an ingrown toenail or an infection.

If that happens, don't go back to the salon, says Dr. Youner – see a podiatrist before it gets worse. A good rule of thumb is to choose a salon where the foot-soaking tub is either disposable or removable, says Dr. Youner, because a lot of infections may originate in the plumbing.

It can't hurt to bring your own tools, either – and even if they're yours, clean them before you head out. And when in doubt, apply some Bacitracin to your feet when you get home.

3. Yoga mat yuck
Forgetting your own mat when you go to yoga may cost more than a $1 mat rental fee – yoga mats are notorious for spreading plantar warts.

Sweat creates the humid atmosphere in which warts flourish, and that combined with a shared mat can add up to plantar warts or athlete's foot.

"I would be reticent to take my own socks off in a yoga studio, not because I'm accusing anyone of being dirty, just because it's very human to transmit warts," says Dr. Youner. So bring your own mat, or pick up a pair of yoga socks – Gaiam's No-Slip Yoga Socks are a popular choice – and lose yourself in your practice.

4. Beware of moisture
Foot scourges like athlete's foot and plantar warts thrive in water – so you should do your best to keep your feet protected and dry. If you take a shower after your workout at the gym, try to remember to bring flip flops with you.

But even if you don't, don't despair: You can wipe your feet down with a little alcohol to make sure all is clear, says Dr. Youner.

When you're wearing shoes, make sure your feet stay dry, she urges. "The best protective thing is just to put some cornstarch in your closed shoes," says Dr. Yourner. "It protects you from all sorts of things that can break down your skin." This is especially important with boots.

5. Running a risk
Yes, exercise is good for you; but repetitive actions can hurt your feet, especially if you're not wearing the best footwear. Dancing – particularly in ballet toe shoes is particularly hazardous for your feet, so dance with care.

Running, too, which causes the foot to be repeatedly pushed into the heel and toe, can cause bleeding under the nail. If that happens, the toe won't grow back normally – ever.

This is a common problem podiatrists see around marathons, says Dr. Yourner. If this (or any of the above foot problems) does happen, she urges, see a podiatrist as soon as possible. "Don't let your injury get to the point where the nail falls off," she warns.

Please call the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center office anytime @702-878-2455 between Monday – Friday and we would be happy to set up an appointment for you. Please visit our website @ www.FallCenter.com The Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center has Diagnostic imaging: Digital X-Rays, Ultrasound or Advanced Imaging will be used to aid in the diagnosis.

Dr. Anthony Ricciardi at the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center has completed training in endoscopic/minimally invasive surgery for chronic heel pain and nerve pain, foot and ankle joint replacement for restoring pain free motion, arthroscopic surgery, bunion surgery, fracture repair, flat foot correction, external fixation for complex deformities and extensive experience in peripheral nerve surgery including diabetic peripheral neuropathy and reconstructive surgery of previously failed foot surgical procedures. In addition to his surgical training Dr. Ricciardi focuses on sports medicine of the foot and ankle through regenerative techniques using the patient’s own blood/platelets for healing chronic foot and ankle problems (pain) as a result of repetitive sport injuries. This cutting edge technology enables patients to continue training with little or no down time. Dr. Ricciardi continues to be active in teaching and training other podiatric surgeons on innovative surgical techniques in foot surgery. Dr. Ricciardi is Board Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and Fellow of the Association of Extremity Nerve Surgeons. Dr. Ricciardi’s vision is to bring each patient the most current state of the Art Technology and personalized treatment options to meet their Foot and Ankle needs (from conservative care to surgical options). Dr. Ricciardi believes in quality service and puts his patients first!

Monday, March 7, 2011

What Are Your Feet Saying About You?

March Into Spring with Healthy Feet

Listen carefully, your feet may be trying to tell you something. When our feet hurt, or develop problems, it’s their way of sending us a message about our lifestyle choices. According to a recent survey conducted by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), even though the majority of women stated that they suffered from some type of foot ailment, only twenty-six percent (26%) of women ages 18-49 have ever visited a podiatrist. "It’s important to pay close attention to our feet, as they are constantly working to give us clues about our health."

Heed this advice if you experience any of the following foot problems:
http://www.apma.org/What-Are-Your-Feet-Saying-About-You

Thursday, March 3, 2011

When is Foot Surgery Necessary?

Forefoot Surgery

Published by APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association, Inc)

When is Foot Surgery Necessary?

Many foot problems do not respond to “conservative” management. Your podiatric physician can determine when surgical intervention may be helpful. Often when pain or deformity persists, surgery may be appropriate to alleviate discomfort or to restore the function of your foot.
Bunions
A common deformity of the foot, a bunion is an enlargement of the bone and tissue around the joint of the big toe. Heredity frequently plays a role in the occurrence of bunions, as it does in other foot conditions. When symptomatic, the area may become red, swollen, and inflamed, making shoe gear and walking uncomfortable and difficult. If conservative care fails to reduce these symptoms, surgical intervention may be warranted. Your podiatric physician will determine the type of surgical procedure best suited for your deformity, based on a variety of information which may include X-rays and gait examination.

Tailor’s Bunion is shown above -- red area on the left. The red area to the right is an example of a bunion.

Hammertoes
A hammertoe deformity is a contracture of the toe(s), frequently caused by an imbalance in the tendon or joints of the toes. Due to the “buckling” effect of the toe(s), hammertoes may become painful secondary to footwear irritation and pressure. Corn and callus formation may occur as a hammertoe becomes more rigid over time, making it difficult to wear shoes. Your podiatric physician may suggest correction of this deformity through a surgical procedure to realign the toe(s).

Hammertoe

Neuroma
An irritation of a nerve may produce a neuroma, which is a benign enlargement of a nerve segment, commonly found between the third and fourth toes. Several factors may contribute to the formation of a neuroma.
Trauma, arthritis, high-heeled shoes, or an abnormal bone structure are just some of the conditions that may cause a neuroma. Symptoms such as burning or tingling in the ball of the foot or in the adjacent toes and even numbness are commonly seen with this condition. Other symptoms include swelling between the toes and pain in the ball of the foot when weight is placed on it.
Those suffering from the condition often find relief by stopping their walk, taking off their shoe, and rubbing the affected area. At times, the patient will describe the pain as similar to having a stone in his or her shoe.
Your podiatric physician will suggest a treatment plan. If conservative treatment does not relieve the symptoms, then your podiatric physician will decide, on the basis of your symptoms, whether surgical treatment is appropriate.

A neuroma is shown above--inflamed yellow area in the middle left region.

Bunionette (Tailor’s Bunion)
A protuberance of bone at the outside of the foot behind the fifth (small) toe, the bunionette or “small bunion” is caused by a variety of conditions including heredity, faulty biomechanics (the way one walks) or trauma, to name a few. Pain is often associated with this deformity, making shoes very uncomfortable and at times even walking becomes difficult. If severe and conservative treatments fail to improve the symptoms of this condition, surgical repair may be suggested. Your podiatric physician will develop a surgical plan specific to the condition present.
Bone spurs
A bone spur is an overgrowth of bone as a result of pressure, trauma, or reactive stress of a ligament or tendon. This growth can cause pain and even restrict motion of a joint, depending on its location and size. Spurs may also be located under the toenail plate, causing nail deformity and pain. Surgical treatment and procedure is based on the size, location, and symptoms of the bone spur. Your podiatric physician will determine the surgical method best suited for your condition.

Preoperative Testing and Care

As with anyone facing any surgical procedure, those undergoing foot and ankle surgery require specific tests or examinations before surgery to improve a successful surgical outcome. Prior to surgery, the podiatric physician will review your medical history and medical conditions. Specific diseases, illnesses, allergies, and current medications need to be evaluated. Other tests that help evaluate your health status may be ordered by the podiatric physician, such as blood studies, urinalysis, EKG, X-rays, a blood flow study (to better evaluate the circulatory status of the foot/legs), and a biomechanical examination. A consultation with another medical specialist may be advised by a podiatric physician, depending on your test results or a specific medical condition.

Postoperative Care

The type of foot surgery performed determines the length and kind of aftercare required to assure that your recovery from surgery is rapid and uneventful. The basics of all postoperative care involve to some degree each of the following: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Bandages, splints, surgical shoes, casts, crutches, or canes may be necessary to improve and ensure a safe recovery after foot surgery. A satisfactory recovery can be hastened by carefully following instructions from your podiatric physician.

Your Feet Aren’t Supposed to Hurt

Remember that foot pain is not normal. Healthy, pain-free feet are a key to your independence. At the first sign of pain, or any noticeable changes in your feet, seek professional podiatric medical care. Your feet must last a lifetime, and most Americans log an amazing 75,000 miles on their feet by the time they reach age 50. Regular foot care can make sure your feet are up to the task. With proper detection, intervention, and care, most foot and ankle problems can be lessened or prevented. Remember that the advice provided in this pamphlet should not be used as a substitute for a consultation or evaluation by a podiatric physician.

Monday, February 28, 2011

"Knock Your Socks Off" Campaign for Diabetes

APMA Urges Americans To "Knock Your Socks Off" At Every Doctor's Visit

Preventative Foot Screenings Could Reduce
Diabetic Foot Amputations 45 to 85 Percent

Published by APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association, Inc)

Bethesda, MD – Did you know diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic foot amputations each year? The feet often show the first signs of more severe medical conditions, such as diabetes, but they often are overlooked by primary health care physicians. The American Podiatric Medical Association’s “Knock Your Socks Off” campaign encourages patients to ask their primary healthcare physician to examine their feet as part of their regular check-up.

“All too often, people have symptoms of diabetes, such as numbness in the feet, and don’t even know it,” says APMA President Dr. Lloyd Smith. “Early detection is paramount and something as simple as taking your shoes and socks off for a foot screening could assist in diagnosis of diabetes earlier.”

Close to 5.2 million people in the U.S. have diabetes and don’t even know it, according to the American Diabetes Association. With foot disease as the most common complication of diabetes leading to hospitalization, the American Podiatric Medical Association suggests looking for these foot-related diabetes warning signs:

· Redness

· Numbness

· Swelling

· Cold to the touch due to a lack of blood circulation

· Inflammation

Out of the 13 million people diagnosed with diabetes in the U.S., 60 to 70 percent have mild to severe forms of diabetic nerve damage, which often includes impaired sensation or pain in the feet and hands. For this very reason, the American Podiatric Medical Association has selected the “Knock Your Socks Off” campaign to raise awareness about the importance of having feet, like any other part of the body, checked regularly

If you’re Diabetic, please call for a FREE Diabetic Foot Screening with the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center @ 702-878-2455 and mention this ad (this does not include treatment or X-Rays)

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Foot and Ankle Injuries

Published by the American Podiatric Medical Association, Inc

Immediate Treatment:

Foot and ankle emergencies happen every day. Broken bones, dislocations, sprains, contusions, infections, and other serious injuries can occur at any time. Early attention is vitally important. Whenever you sustain a foot or ankle injury, you should seek immediate treatment from a podiatric physician.

This advice is universal, even though there are lots of myths about foot and ankle injuries. Some of them follow:

Myths:

· "It can't be broken, because I can move it." False; this widespread idea has kept many fractures from receiving proper treatment. The truth is that often you can walk with certain kinds of fractures. Some common examples: Breaks in the smaller, outer bone of the lower leg, small chip fractures of either the foot or ankle bones, and the often neglected fracture of the toe.

· "If you break a toe, immediate care isn't necessary." False; a toe fracture needs prompt attention. If X-rays reveal it to be a simple, displaced fracture, care by your podiatric physician usually can produce rapid relief. However, X-rays might identify a displaced or angulated break. In such cases, prompt realignment of the fracture by your podiatric physician will help prevent improper or incomplete healing. Often, fractures do not show up in the initial X-ray. It may be necessary to X-ray the foot a second time, seven to ten days later. Many patients develop post-fracture deformity of a toe, which in turn results in a deformed toe with a painful corn. A good general rule is: Seek prompt treatment for injury to foot bones. .

· "If you have a foot or ankle injury, soak it in hot water immediately." False; don’t use heat or hot water on an area suspect for fracture, sprain, or dislocation. Heat promotes blood flow, causing greater swelling. More swelling means greater pressure on the nerves, which causes more pain. An ice bag wrapped in a towel has a contracting effect on blood vessels, produces a numbing sensation, and prevents swelling and pain. Your podiatric physician may make additional recommendations upon examination.

· "Applying an elastic bandage to a severely sprained ankle is adequate treatment." False; ankle sprains often mean torn or severely overstretched ligaments, and they should receive immediate care. X-ray examination, immobilization by casting or splinting, and physiotherapy to ensure a normal recovery all may be indicated. Surgery may even be necessary.

· "The terms 'fracture,' 'break,' and 'crack' are all different." False; all of those words are proper in describing a broken bone.

Before Seeing the Podiatrist:

If an injury or accident does occur, the steps you can take to help yourself until you can reach your podiatric physician are easy to remember if you can recall the word “rice.”

· Rest. Restrict your activity and get off your foot/ankle.

· Ice. Gently place a plastic bag of ice wrapped in a towel on the injured area in a 20-minute-on, 40-minute-off cycle.

· Compression. Lightly wrap an Ace bandage around the area, taking care not to pull it too tight.

· Elevation. To reduce swelling and pain, sit in a position that allows you to elevate the foot/ankle higher than your waist.

· For bleeding cuts, cleanse well, apply pressure with gauze or a towel, and cover with a clean dressing. See your podiatrist as soon as possible. It’s best not to use any medication on the cut before you see the doctor.

· Leave blisters unopened if they are not painful or in a weight-bearing area of the foot. A compression bandage placed over a blister can provide relief.

· Foreign materials in the skin—such as slivers, splinters, and sand—can be removed carefully, but a deep foreign object, such as broken glass or a needle, must be removed professionally.

· Treatment for an abrasion is similar to that of a burn, since raw skin is exposed to the air and can easily become infected. It is important to remove all foreign particles with thorough cleaning. Sterile bandages should be applied, along with an antibiotic cream or ointment.

Prevention:

· Wear the correct shoes for your particular activity.

· Wear hiking shoes or boots in rough terrain.

· Don't continue to wear any sports shoe if it is worn unevenly.

· The toe box in “steel-toe” shoes should be deep enough to accommodate your toes comfortably.

· Always wear hard-top shoes when operating a lawn mower or other grass-cutting equipment.

· Don’t walk barefoot on paved streets or sidewalks.

· Watch out for slippery floors at home and at work. Clean up obviously dangerous spills immediately.

· If you get up during the night, turn on a light. Many fractured toes and other foot injuries occur while attempting to find one’s way in the dark.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Heel Pain in the Morning..........

Do you experience or often suffer heel pain when you take the first few steps in the morning? Wondering what causes or how to get rid of morning heel pain? The first step towards treating morning heel pain is to identify the underlying cause of heel pain. Heel pain could be caused due to a variety of reasons. Though it could be caused due to a heel injury, but at times, certain medical conditions could also be responsible for causing heel pain in the morning. Go through this article to learn more information on heel pain posted by Smita Pandit. If you have been experiencing morning heel pain on taking the first steps in the morning, consult our podiatry doctors soon at Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center. A timely treatment will surely help in alleviating the symptoms of early morning heel pain.

For article information on Heel Pain in the Morning click here:

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/heel-pain-in-the-morning.html

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Give Your Feet Some Love………

Not only on Valentine’s Day, but every day! Checkout APMA’s Footwear Fashion Calendar for smart shoe choices year round.

http://www.apma.org/footwear-calendar

Thursday, February 3, 2011

A Pain in the Bunion.......

A Pain in the Bunion……….

A bunion is a bony enlargement of the big toe joint (medically called the first metatarsophalangeal joint). A bunion forces the big toe to angle toward the other toes. This can be a source of significant discomfort and pain. The abnormal position of the big toe caused by a bunion is termed hallux valgus or hallux abducto valgus (HAV).

Bunions form slowly over the years because of stress or injury to the foot. They are frequently from wearing shoes that are too tight. Poorly fitting shoes can alter foot motion and put pressure on the foot and toes.

Bunions can also be due to inherited foot deformities or neuromuscular conditions such as cerebral palsy that can affect foot motion and positioning. Arthritis may also destroy the cartilage layer in the toe joint and promote bunion formation.

Some people are more prone to develop bunions than others. While bunions themselves are not inherited, foot anatomy and mechanics are inherited traits that can be passed along to children, so some families are more afflicted by bunions than others.

Wearing high heels and poorly-fitting shoes can increase the pressure on the toe joint and encourage development of bunions. The current footwear fashion featuring high stiletto heels and long pointed toes are a blueprint for bunions.

Surgery is the only way to remove a bunion, but in many cases, bunions can be managed without surgery. Pain-relieving medications, physical therapy, taping and padding with felt or other materials, exercises, night splints, and changing shoe types can all help control the pain associated with bunions and prevent them from getting worse. Sometimes shoe inserts (orthotics) can help stop progression of a bunion.

If these conservative measures do not provide relief, your doctor may recommend surgical treatment. Bunionectomy is the term used for surgical removal of a bunion. There are many different surgical procedures employed for bunion relief. The thickened tissue from the big toe joint may be simply removed. Other procedures may involve straightening the toe by removing a wedge-shaped portion of the bone (called an osteotomy). Sometimes the bones of the toe joint may be fused. As with any surgery, bunionectomy has its risks. Up to 10% of people undergoing bunion surgery have complications, including infection, nerve damage, persistent pain, or recurrence of the bunion.

Please call the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center office anytime
@702-878-2455 between Monday – Friday between 9:00-1:00/2:00-5:00 and we would be happy to set up an appointment for you. Please visit our website @ www.FallCenter.com

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Diabetic Wound Care

What is a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?

A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that occurs in approximately 15 percent of patients with diabetes, and is commonly located on the bottom of the foot. Of those who develop a foot ulcer, six percent will be hospitalized due to infection or other ulcer-related complication.

Diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower extremity amputations in the United States, and approximately 14 to 24 percent of patients with diabetes who develop a foot ulcer have an amputation. Research, however, has shown that the development of a foot ulcer is preventable.

Who Can Get a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?

Anyone who has diabetes can develop a foot ulcer. Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanics and older men are more likely to develop ulcers. People who use insulin are at a higher risk of developing a foot ulcer, as are patients with diabetes-related kidney, eye, and heart disease. Being overweight and using alcohol and tobacco also play a role in the development of foot ulcers.

How do Diabetic Foot Ulcers Form?

Ulcers form due to a combination of factors, such as lack of feeling in the foot, poor circulation, foot deformities, irritation (such as friction or pressure), and trauma, as well as duration of diabetes. Patients who have diabetes for many years can develop neuropathy, a reduced or complete lack of ability to feel pain in the feet due to nerve damage caused by elevated blood glucose levels over time. The nerve damage often can occur without pain and one may not even be aware of the problem. Your podiatric physician can test feet for neuropathy with a simple and painless tool called a monofilament.

Vascular disease can complicate a foot ulcer, reducing the body’s ability to heal and increasing the risk for an infection. Elevations in blood glucose can reduce the body’s ability to fight off a potential infection and also retard healing.

What is the Value of Treating a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?

Once an ulcer is noticed, seek podiatric medical care immediately. Foot ulcers in patients with diabetes should be treated for several reasons such as, reducing the risk of infection and amputation, improving function and quality of life, and reducing health care costs.

How Should a Diabetic Foot Ulcer be Treated?

The primary goal in the treatment of foot ulcers is to obtain healing as soon as possible. The faster the healing, the less chance for an infection.

There are several key factors in the appropriate treatment of a diabetic foot ulcer:

· Prevention of infection.

· Taking the pressure off the area, called “off-loading.”

· Removing dead skin and tissue, called “debridement.”

· Applying medication or dressings to the ulcer.

· Managing blood glucose and other health problems.

Not all ulcers are infected; however if your podiatric physician diagnoses an infection, a treatment program of antibiotics, wound care, and possibly hospitalization will be necessary.

There are several important factors to keep an ulcer from becoming infected:

· Keep blood glucose levels under tight control.

· Keep the ulcer clean and bandaged.

· Cleanse the wound daily, using a wound dressing or bandage.

· Do not walk barefoot.

For optimum healing, ulcers, especially those on the bottom of the foot, must be “off-loaded.” Patients may be asked to wear special footgear, or a brace, specialized castings, or use a wheelchair or crutches. These devices will reduce the pressure and irritation to the ulcer area and help to speed the healing process.

The science of wound care has advanced significantly over the past ten years. The old thought of “let the air get at it” is now known to be harmful to healing. We know that wounds and ulcers heal faster, with a lower risk of infection, if they are kept covered and moist. The use of full strength betadine, peroxide, whirlpools and soaking are not recommended, as this could lead to further complications.

Appropriate wound management includes the use of dressings and topically-applied medications. These range from normal saline to advanced products, such as growth factors, ulcer dressings, and skin substitutes that have been shown to be highly effective in healing foot ulcers.

For a wound to heal there must be adequate circulation to the ulcerated area. Your podiatrist can determine circulation levels with noninvasive tests.

Controlling Blood Glucose

Tightly controlling blood glucose is of the utmost importance during the treatment of a diabetic foot ulcer. Working closely with a medical doctor or endocrinologist to accomplish this will enhance healing and reduce the risk of complications.

Surgical Options

A majority of non-infected foot ulcers are treated without surgery; however, when this fails, surgical management may be appropriate. Examples of surgical care to remove pressure on the affected area include shaving or excision of bone(s) and the correction of various deformities, such as hammertoes, bunions, or bony “bumps.”

Healing Factors

Healing time depends on a variety of factors, such as wound size and location, pressure on the wound from walking or standing, swelling, circulation, blood glucose levels, wound care, and what is being applied to the wound. Healing may occur within weeks or require several months.

How Can a Foot Ulcer be Prevented?

The best way to treat a diabetic foot ulcer is to prevent its development in the first place. Recommended guidelines include seeing a podiatrist on a regular basis. He or she can determine if you are at high risk for developing a foot ulcer and implement strategies for prevention.

You are at high risk if you:

· have neuropathy,

· have poor circulation,

· have a foot deformity (i.e. bunion, hammer toe),

· wear inappropriate shoes,

· Have uncontrolled blood sugar.

Reducing additional risk factors, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, high cholesterol, and elevated blood glucose are important in the prevention and treatment of a diabetic foot ulcer. Wearing the appropriate shoes and socks will go a long way in reducing risks. Your podiatric physician can provide guidance in selecting the proper shoes.

Learning how to check your feet is crucial in noticing a potential problem as early as possible. Inspect your feet every day—especially between the toes and the sole—for cuts, bruises, cracks, blisters, redness, ulcers, and any sign of abnormality. Each time you visit a health care provider, remove your shoes and socks so your feet can be examined. Any problems that are discovered should be reported to your podiatrist as soon as possible; no matter how “simple” it may seem to you.

The key to successful wound healing is regular podiatric medical care to ensure the following “gold standard” of care:

· lowering blood sugar

· appropriate debridement of wounds

· treating any infection

· reducing friction and pressure

· restoring adequate blood flow

The old saying, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” was never as true as it is when preventing a diabetic foot ulcer.