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A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore that develops on the foot due to poor circulation. It can be missed because of reduced sensation associated with diabetes. These ulcers often form from pressure, minor injuries, or irritation that goes unnoticed. Risk factors include high blood sugar levels, nerve damage, poor footwear, and limited blood flow. Antibiotics are not typically used for uninfected ulcers, as they are intended to treat bacterial infections rather than promote healing. Proper wound care, pressure relief, and monitoring are essential for recovery. A podiatrist can assess the ulcer, provide specialized treatment, and help prevent complications. Early care can protect foot health and reduce risks. If you have diabetes and have developed a foot wound or ulcer, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management solutions.

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. Stephen Petrofsky from Florida. 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 contact our office located in Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Cracked heels occur when the skin on the heel becomes dry  and thick, and splits due to pressure and reduced moisture. Common causes include prolonged standing, wearing open back shoes, and lack of proper hydration of the skin. A frequent reason is athlete’s foot, a fungal infection that weakens the skin barrier, leading to peeling and increased risk of fissures. Symptoms include rough texture, flaking, itching, discomfort, and painful cracks that may worsen over time. Risk factors include dry environments, obesity, poor foot hygiene, and wearing unsupportive footwear. A podiatrist can safely remove thickened skin, treat infections, and recommend effective moisturizers and footwear. If you have developed cracked heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately treat this condition, which may include prescribed medication.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Stephen Petrofsky from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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

A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone that develops from repetitive force rather than a single injury. It commonly occurs in the feet and ankles due to repeated stress from activities such as walking and running. Causes include sudden increases in running speed or distance, and inadequate recovery time. Symptoms often involve localized pain, swelling, and tenderness that worsens with activity and improves with rest. Risk factors include wearing improper footwear, low bone density, and high-impact sports. A podiatrist can diagnose stress fractures through examination and imaging, provide immobilization strategies, and recommend footwear or orthotics to support healing. Early treatment is essential to prevent worsening injury. If you have symptoms of a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and offer effective treatment solutions.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. Stephen Petrofsky from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Sever's disease affects children and teens, causing pain in the heel due to inflammation of the growth plate where the Achilles tendon attaches. It often develops during periods of rapid growth or increased physical activity, placing repeated stress on the heel. Symptoms include heel pain that worsens with running, jumping, or prolonged standing. Swelling and tenderness at the back of the heel are other symptoms. Risk factors include participation in sports, tight calf muscles, flat feet, and improper footwear that does not provide adequate support. Without proper care, discomfort may limit activity and affect mobility. A podiatrist can help by assessing foot mechanics, recommending supportive footwear or orthotics, and providing treatment to relieve pain. If your active child has heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer appropriate relief solutions.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Stephen Petrofsky from Florida. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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