An open wound on the foot can be painful. It is defined as a break or cut in the skin, and in most cases, is found on the surface of the skin. More serious wounds affect the deeper tissues of the foot, and this can spread to the tendons, muscles, and nerves. Minor cuts are often treated by cleaning the wound, followed by covering it with a protective bandage. Stitches may be necessary to accelerate the healing process, in addition to possibly using an adhesive glue. For more serious wounds, medical attention is often sought for relief. The wound may become dirty, and this is the term that is used when germs have entered the wound. This can lead to a possible infection, and recovery instructions must be strictly followed to prevent scarring. If you have a wound on your foot, it is urgently suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can provide the best treatment for the type of foot wound you have.

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 Emmanuel Bustos, DPM from New York. 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 York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Os trigonum syndrome refers to pain in the back of the ankle bone (the talus), usually the result of overuse or trauma. The os trigonum is an extra bone that is connected to the talus by a band of fibrous tissue. It is congenital (present at birth) and In most cases, the extra bone fuses with the talus, causing no problems. Os trigonum syndrome is generally kicked off by an injury, such as a sprained ankle. It also may be caused by excessive downward pointing of the foot, and is common to dancers and soccer players. In such cases, the os trigonum gets caught between the ankle and heel bones, in a nutcracker-like effect, which induces pain. This can tear the fibrous tissue surrounding it and result in inflammation. Rest, ice and elevation are the first level of treatment, but injections of cortisone and taking anti-inflammatory medication may also be needed. The pain from os trigonum syndrome is often confused with Achilles tendonitis. Please see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. 

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Emmanuel Bustos, DPM from New York. 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 York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The Achilles tendon connects the heel bone to the calf muscles at the back of the ankle. Pain at this location of the leg and foot can be caused from a partial or complete tear, or rupture of the tendon or tendinitis (also known as tendinosis or tendinopathy). Achilles tendinitis can happen when the tendon becomes inflamed. There can be non-insertional Achilles tendinitis, where the fibers in the middle of the tendon become inflamed or insertional Achilles tendinitis, when the fibers in the lower tendon become inflamed. Achilles tendon pain can result in discomfort, swelling in the heel, stiffness in the legs and heel, and restriction of one’s movement. It can occur from excessive or repetitive stress on the ankles and feet. Those who play sports that involve rapid changes in direction or one who suddenly increases the intensity of their exercise are prone to such injuries. This pain can also come on from wearing inappropriate footwear, running on uneven surfaces, foot abnormalities, older age, or being overweight. If you have Achilles tendon pain, consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnosis and treat it.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Emmanuel Bustos, DPM of New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Many people choose to wear flip-flops because of their simplicity to slide on and off as well as the various colors and styles they can be found in. Despite their ease, research has indicated they can be harmful to the feet if they are frequently worn. The feet can generally ache from wearing flip-flops too much, and this can be a result of the lack of support they are often designed with. Additionally, they can be worn on dirty floors and in public swimming areas, and bacteria can accumulate on these types of shoes. This can possibly lead to getting a skin infection which may become a serious staph infection. Blisters can form on the feet if flip-flops are worn daily, and this may be from how unsteady they fit on the feet. Plantar fasciitis may be an uncomfortable foot condition that can develop from little or no arch support, and may lead to severe heel pain. If you have questions about flip flops and what type of foot conditions they may cause, please consult with a podiatrist who can answer any concerns you may have.

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Emmanuel Bustos, DPM from New York. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

• Ankle problems
• Hip problems
• Lower back problems
• Pain in the balls of the feet
• Problems with foot arches
• Changes in the way you walk

Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?

Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

• Sprained ankles
• Blisters
• Infections
• Cuts and Scrapes

I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?

When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.

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