Pressure ulcers on the feet and ankles, also known as pressure sores or bedsores, are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue resulting from prolonged pressure. These ulcers are common in individuals with limited mobility, and can often affect the feet. Intrinsic factors, such as poor nutrition, age, and medical conditions like diabetes, affect the body's ability to heal and withstand pressure. Extrinsic factors involve external forces like friction and prolonged pressure from staying in one position. Symptoms include redness, pain, and open sores, which can progress to deep wounds exposing muscle and bone. Pressure ulcers occur due to reduced blood flow to the affected area, leading to tissue damage. Prevention includes regularly changing positions, using supportive devices, maintaining good nutrition, and keeping the skin clean and dry. Treatment involves relieving pressure, cleaning wounds, and using dressings or medications to promote healing. Advanced cases might require surgical intervention. If you are suffering from a pressure ulcer on your feet or ankles, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible for care.

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. Tupper from Coshocton Foot Health 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 Coshocton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout, a painful form of arthritis that often affects the big toe, can be prevented through lifestyle and dietary changes. Maintaining a healthy weight also reduces the pain of gout by decreasing the stress on joints. Eating a balanced diet that limits purine-rich foods, such as red meat, shellfish, and sugary beverages, helps lower uric acid levels. Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water aids in flushing out excess uric acid from the body. Regular physical activity not only supports weight management but also improves overall joint health. Limiting alcohol consumption, especially beer, can help prevent gout flare-ups. Additionally, managing medical conditions like hypertension and diabetes effectively reduces the risk. For those with a history of gout, regular check-ups and prescribed medications can help maintain lower uric acid levels. Gout in the big toe can cause severe pain and discomfort. If you are experiencing gout attacks, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you manage this condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Tupper from Coshocton Foot Health Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition resulting from damage to the peripheral nerves, which connect the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. It often occurs due to diabetes, infections, injuries, or exposure to toxins. Diagnosis involves a thorough medical history review, physical examination, and tests like nerve conduction studies, electromyography, or EMGs, and blood tests to determine underlying causes. Symptoms can include numbness, tingling, burning sensations, and pain, usually starting in the hands and feet. Muscle weakness and sensitivity to touch are also common. These symptoms can lead to complications like balance problems, foot ulcers, and infections due to unnoticed injuries. Treatment focuses on managing the underlying cause, relieving symptoms, and preventing complications. This may include medications, gentle exercises, and lifestyle changes such as improving diet and controlling blood sugar levels. If you have peripheral neuropathy, it is suggested that you visit  a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and management.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Dr. Tupper from Coshocton Foot Health Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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