Pressure ulcers are skin wounds caused by prolonged pressure, commonly forming on the feet in those individuals with restricted mobility or circulation problems. These ulcers progress through four stages. Stage 1 appears as red or discolored skin that does not blanch when pressed. Stage 2 involves partial skin loss with a shallow open sore or blister. Stage 3 is marked by deeper tissue loss, possibly exposing fat. Stage 4 is the most severe, showing extensive damage to muscle, bone, or tendons. Early detection is critical at any stage. Reducing pressure with offloading devices, keeping the wound clean, and managing underlying conditions like diabetes are essential parts of care. Avoiding further irritation and maintaining overall skin health can prevent progression. If you observe skin changes or suspect an ulcer may be developing on your foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment.

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 Boca Raton Podiatry . 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 office located in Boca Raton, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Toenail fungus appears in various forms, each with distinct characteristics. Subungual onychomycosis is the most common type and affects the nail bed underneath the nail. It often causes thickening, discoloration, and crumbling of the nail. White superficial onychomycosis causes white patches on the surface of the nail and may cause the nail to become soft and powdery. Candida onychomycosis is caused by yeast and typically affects fingernails but can also appear on toenails, especially in individuals with a compromised immune system or frequent exposure to moisture. This form can cause swelling, pain, and a yellow or white discoloration of the nail. Each type of fungal infection may appear similar at first glance, but identifying the specific form helps determine the most effective treatment and approach to care. If you have toenail fungus, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine which type it is, and offer treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Boca Raton Podiatry . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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

Finding the proper shoe size is important for comfort and foot health. A simple way to measure at home begins by placing your foot flat on a piece of paper while standing. Carefully trace around the outline of your foot to capture its natural shape. Use a ruler to measure from the heel to the longest toe to determine the length. Then measure across the widest part of your foot to find the width. These measurements can help guide your shoe selection, but having your feet professionally measured at a store often provides more accurate results. Feet can change in size over time, so it is helpful to check measurements regularly. Wearing the right size helps prevent discomfort and supports healthy movement throughout the day. If you have developed foot pain from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips, and provide more guidance on how to obtain your right shoe size.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from Boca Raton Podiatry . Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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

Pain in the big toe joint, or first metatarsophalangeal joint, may result from a variety of conditions that affect the bones and soft tissue structures of the forefoot. This joint links the long bone of the foot to the base of the big toe and bears significant stress during walking and running. Common causes of pain in the big toe joint include bunions, arthritis, gout, metatarsalgia, and turf toe. A bunion can result when the top of the big toe shifts toward the second toe, causing the bottom of the toe to shift away from the foot. Arthritis, including osteoarthritis and inflammatory types, can damage the joint cartilage, leading to stiffness and pain. Gout, another form of arthritis, may produce sudden swelling due to uric acid crystal deposits in the big toe joint. Turf toe, common in athletes and dancers, may occur from forced upward bending of the toe. A podiatrist can evaluate the underlying cause of your big toe joint pain and may recommend surgery when other methods are not effective. If you have pain in the joint of your big toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Boca Raton Podiatry . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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