Debridement plays a vital role in the management of chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers. It involves the removal of necrotic tissue, foreign debris, bacterial growth, calluses, and non-responsive cells from the wound area, promoting the transition from a non-healing to a healing environment. Various methods are employed for debridement, including surgery, chemical approaches, natural enzyme methods, and biochemical processes. In the case of diabetic foot ulcers, callus buildup, a consequence of repeated pressure or friction, can exacerbate ulcer formation by creating areas of high plantar pressure. Hence, debridement of calluses is not only relevant for treatment but also in preventing these ulcers. If you have foot wounds, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an examination and discussion of appropriate treatment, which may include debridement.

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 one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors 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 contact our offices located in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pregnancy is a transformative journey, both physically and emotionally. While many anticipate changes in their bodies, some may not be aware of the potential foot conditions that can arise during this time. One common issue is edema, or swelling of the feet and ankles, which results from increased blood volume and the pressure on leg veins. This can cause discomfort, but it is often temporary. Another condition linked to pregnancy is flat feet. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect the ligaments in the feet, leading to a decrease in arch height. This can contribute to foot pain and discomfort. Additionally, weight gain can place added stress on the feet, often causing pain and fatigue. The expanding uterus may also shift the center of gravity, altering the gait and potentially causing problems like plantar fasciitis. Pregnancy can bring about various foot challenges, but with proper care, many of these issues can be managed or prevented. If you have developed any type of foot conditions during your pregnancy, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can monitor any foot pain or discomfort you may be experiencing.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Most people have never heard of an os trigonum and do not know if they have one or not. That is because the os trigonum is an extra bone in the foot that is present in only 20% of the population. In most cases, this extra bone goes unnoticed. An os trigonum typically forms during childhood and, in most cases, fuses with the talus bone. But if it remains separate, complications can arise with overuse or trauma. The result is termed os trigonum syndrome. Activities requiring frequent ankle flexion, like ballet dancing or running, can contribute to its development. Also, an ankle injury that forces the foot into excessive plantar flexion, in which the toes are pointed downward, can lead to what is termed a nutcracker injury. It is caused when an os trigonum is compressed between the ankle and heel bones. Symptoms include pain at the back of the ankle, worsened during activities such as excessive toe pointing or in the push off phase while walking. Tenderness upon touching the affected area, swelling due to soft tissue inflammation, and the presence of a palpable lump near the Achilles tendon are characteristic signs of os trigonum syndrome. If you are experiencing pain in the back of the heel, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and suggest appropriate treatment.  

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

While it is common knowledge that mobility declines as an individual ages, not enough attention is paid to the role of the feet in the aging process and movement. The foot is a flexible system that can adjust and help one move better depending on what is being done. With a better understanding of how the feet work in older individuals, proper treatments and exercises can be dispensed to improve movement and the maintenance of activity. If you are elderly and have mobility issues, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can access your feet and gait to allow for an individualized plan to help you with mobility.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.