The Diabetic Foot

Diabetic foot is a term used to describe various complications that arise in the feet of individuals with diabetes. Due to prolonged high blood sugar levels, diabetic patients often experience nerve damage, neuropathy, and poor circulation. This can lead to a loss of sensation in the feet, making injuries and infections more likely and harder to detect and heal. Common issues include ulcers, infections, and, in severe cases, gangrene, which can necessitate amputation. To manage and prevent diabetic foot complications, daily foot care is crucial. Inspect your feet daily for cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling. Keep feet clean and moisturized, but avoid applying lotion between the toes to prevent fungal infections. Wear well-fitting shoes and avoid walking barefoot. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you make regular appointments with a podiatrist to monitor your foot health.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Wendy L. Grossman, DPM from New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

  • Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
  • Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
  • Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

Read more about Diabetic Foot Care

Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek professional help and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

Bunions and Other Common Foot Issues

Bunions, along with other common foot issues, can significantly impact daily life. Symptoms of bunions include a bony bump at the base of the big toe, redness, swelling, and pain, which worsens with pressure from shoes. Corns and calluses may also develop due to friction. Treatment options vary based on severity. Mild cases may benefit from changes in footwear, padding, or orthotic inserts to alleviate pressure. Stretching exercises and ice packs can help manage pain and inflammation. In more severe cases, surgical correction may be necessary to realign the toe joint and relieve discomfort. It's important to address foot issues promptly to prevent them from worsening. Visiting a podiatrist ensures an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. Whether it is bunions, corns, or any other foot concern, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to get professional advice and treatment.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Wendy L. Grossman, DPM of New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

  • Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
  • Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
  • Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
  • Orthotics or foot inserts
  • Surgery

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

Read more about What Are Bunions?

How to Identify and Treat a Foot Corn

Corns, those pesky patches of thickened skin, can turn a simple walk into agony. Identifying them is key. Look for hardened areas on toes or feet, often with a cone-like shape pointing inward. They are caused by friction and pressure, typically from wearing ill-fitting shoes or repetitive actions. Treating corns involves gentle methods like soaking the feet in warm water, using a pumice stone to smooth the area, and moisturizing to prevent recurrence. Avoid over-the-counter corn removal products, as they can damage healthy skin. For persistent corns, or if you are unsure about treatment, it is wise to seek advice from a podiatrist. They can provide professional care, assess your foot health, and recommend appropriate courses of action. Do not let corns slow you down. It is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for personalized guidance and relief. 

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Wendy L. Grossman, DPM of New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

  • Well-fitting socks
  • Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
  • Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Read more about Corns: What Are They, and How Do You Get Rid of Them

Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy

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 Wendy L. Grossman, DPM  from New Jersey. 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 Bloomfield, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Neuropathy

Connect With Us