Items filtered by date: April 2024

For individuals with diabetes, the development of gangrene poses serious health risks and requires prompt treatment to prevent further complications. Gangrene results from necrosis, or death of body tissue in the lower legs and feet. Treatment for gangrene in diabetic patients involves a multifaceted approach aimed at halting tissue necrosis, controlling infection, and promoting wound healing. Surgical debridement is essential to remove any dead tissue and prevent further spread. Antibiotic therapy is used for managing bacterial infections associated with gangrene, often administered intravenously for severe cases. Restoring blood flow to the affected area through bypass surgery or angioplasty can help prevent tissue necrosis and reduce the need for amputation. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy delivers high-pressure oxygen to promote healing and control infection. Reconstructive surgery with skin grafts may be necessary to restore tissue integrity in extensively damaged areas.  In severe cases, amputation may be required to prevent the spread of gangrene and facilitate prosthetic limb fitting. Throughout this treatment journey, podiatrists play a vital role in wound care, offering specialized expertise in diabetic foot care and wound management. If gangrene is a threat, it is suggested that you schedule an immediate appointment with a podiatrist for wound care and a prognosis.

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 Thomas Bobrowski, DPM from InStride Crystal Coast Podiatry. 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 New Bern, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Deciphering between an ankle sprain and a strain is sometimes difficult, as both injuries share common symptoms but necessitate distinct treatment approaches. An ankle sprain occurs when ligaments, resilient bands of tissue that connect bones, endure excessive stretching or tearing. Strains are the result of damage to the muscles or tendons that surround the ankle joint. Fractures typically induce excruciating pain, rendering weight-bearing nearly impossible, while sprains often permit limited mobility despite discomfort. Furthermore, the site of discomfort varies. Fractures elicit localized pain and potential deformity, while sprains cause more diffuse discomfort. Swelling and unusual sensations such as numbness or tingling are more prevalent in fractures, indicating the urgency of proper diagnosis. Consulting a podiatrist for thorough assessment via imaging techniques like X-rays or bone scans is paramount to formulate tailored treatment strategies promptly. Whether you have an ankle sprain, strain, or fracture, timely intervention is critical to avoid long-term complications. In case of any type of ankle injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.  

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Thomas Bobrowski, DPM from InStride Crystal Coast Podiatry. 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 office located in New Bern, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Understanding the causes of foot pain in children is essential for parents. Common factors that may affect your child’s feet include wearing ill-fitting shoes without proper cushioning, which can lead to pain over time. Conditions like Achilles tendonitis, often observed in active children, result from repetitive strain on the Achilles tendon and can lead to swelling and pain. Fractures and injuries can cause acute pain and contribute to the development of bunions. Bursitis and corns or calluses, often caused by wearing poorly fitting shoes, can result in inflammation and thickened skin. Structural issues, such as flat feet, or postural defects may also contribute to childhood foot discomfort. Inflammatory conditions like juvenile arthritis can cause persistent foot pain. For appropriate treatment to address your child's foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can conduct a full exam and offer an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Thomas Bobrowski, DPM of InStride Crystal Coast Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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

Plantar warts, also known as verrucas, can be painful and disruptive. These growths, caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, often appear as rough, grainy lesions on the weight-bearing areas of the foot, such as the ball and heel. Plantar warts develop when HPV infects the outer layer of skin on the foot, typically through cuts, cracks, or breaks in the skin. Certain factors, such as a weakened immune system or previous bouts of plantar warts, can increase susceptibility. Treatment options include prescription strength medications containing salicylic acid, cryotherapy, laser treatments, or surgical removal. Because it can be difficult to eradicate plantar warts on your own, a podiatrist can provide tailored treatment options to alleviate discomfort and minimize the risk of recurrence. If you have plantar warts, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options. 

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Thomas Bobrowski, DPM from InStride Crystal Coast Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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