Items filtered by date: April 2021

People afflicted with diabetes often develop other complications such as poor circulation and neuropathy (nerve damage). Both of these conditions combined can make a person with diabetes more prone to develop ulcers on their feet, and limit their ability to detect and heal them. Foot ulcers that do not heal may lead to an infection, gangrene, or—in worst case scenarios—amputation. That is why it is important for diabetics to check their feet every morning and evening for any small abrasion or cut. New advancements in detection—such as socks that sense rises in temperature due to inflammation caused by an injury—could possibly be helpful. People with diabetes should always check first with a podiatrist who can advise on proper footwear and socks, and help them manage their diabetic foot conditions.

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 Dr. Steven Sheridan from Ankle & Foot Specialty Clinics. 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 Sandusky, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Diabetic Foot Conditions

Sever’s Disease may be considered by some to be a “growing pain” of sorts for several reasons. First, it occurs in growing children when the Achilles tendon that attaches to the heel repeatedly pulls at the growth plate located there—causing pain and inflammation. Second, growth spurts (when bones grow more rapidly than tendons) can exacerbate the condition. Third, it usually goes away when the child has finished growing and the growth plate has closed. Children with Sever’s Disease can experience pain in one or both heels—particularly upon waking and after physical activity such as running or jumping, or putting pressure on the heel. Parents can try to help ease their child’s heel pain by making them rest, icing the heel, having them do stretching exercises to loosen calf muscles, giving them anti-inflammatory medicine, and stopping them from going barefoot. If pain persists, a podiatrist will be able to offer additional information and pain relief therapies.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Steven Sheridan from Ankle & Foot Specialty Clinics. 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 Sandusky, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Read more about Sever's Disease
Friday, 16 April 2021 00:00

It's Time for Beautiful Feet

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

Monday, 12 April 2021 00:00

What Causes Toenails to Turn Yellow?

Yellow toenails that are not due to aging or nail polish residue can sometimes be a sign of a fungal infection. Fungal nail infections, or onychomycosis, are commonly caused by dermatophytes which eat the keratin in nails. This can make the nail turn yellow or black, or develop white patches or yellow spots. Athletes, or people with diabetes, peripheral vascular disease and poor blood circulation are more likely to develop toenail fungus. You can help prevent toenail fungus by keeping your toenails clean, dry, and trimmed straight across, wearing clean socks and shoes that fit properly, and airing out shoes after use. Toenail fungus is usually treatable with anti-fungal medicine. If you notice any change in the color, texture or thickness of your toenails, contact a podiatrist.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Steven Sheridan of Ankle & Foot Specialty Clinics. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

  • Warped or oddly shaped nails
  • Yellowish nails
  • Loose/separated nail
  • Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
  • Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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

 

Read more about Toenail Fungus

There are two types of pes planus, or flatfoot: flexible flatfoot and rigid flatfoot. For an individual with flexible flatfoot, their arches are normal when they are sitting or on their tiptoes, but collapse when they stand. With rigid flatfoot, the arch of the foot remains flattened despite the foot’s position. Flexible flatfoot in children is normal because arches usually develop between the ages of 7-10. Flexible flatfoot that does not go away as an adult is usually due to heredity and—like childhood flexible flatfoot—can be asymptomatic with no need for treatment. Rigid flatfoot in either children, teens, or adults can be indicative of a structural issue or misalignment due to a congenital disorder or injury and should be examined and treated by a podiatrist.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Steven Sheridan from Ankle & Foot Specialty Clinics. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

  • Pain around the heel or arch area
  • Trouble standing on the tip toe
  • Swelling around the inside of the ankle
  • Flat look to one or both feet
  • Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

Read more about What is Flexible Flat Foot?

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