Wounds on the feet can be a common occurrence for much of the population, and they can be a serious concern among the elderly. This can be a result of diminished blood flow in the feet and immediate medical attention may help to avoid potential problems. Effective wound prevention can include moisturizing the feet and drinking plenty of fresh water daily. Additionally, it may help to take a multivitamin that is designed to protect the skin. The skin color may turn when a wound is present, and a clean environment is needed for successful wound healing. This is followed by using a non-adherent dressing and placing a cushioned bandage over the wound. A pressure ulcer is a common type of wound that elderly people may develop. This often happens as a result of pressure that occurs over a bone. If you would like more information about types of foot wounds and how to treat them, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist.

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. Castillo from Bronx Foot Care. 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 offices located in Bronx, NY Yonkers, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Arthritis has long been considered an ailment of the elderly, but a variety of other people are actually experiencing some form of arthritis, even children. Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints that produces pain, swelling, and muscle stiffness that often affect the toes, feet, and ankles. Among the causes are the deterioration of cartilage that then endangers the bones, an attack of the autoimmune system, smoking, previous injury, over-exercising or repetitive stress, serious infections, and heredity. There are many types of arthritis, including rheumatoid, psoriatic, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, gout, ankylosing spondylitis, lupus and juvenile. The most easily recognizable symptoms of arthritis include pain and swelling in the joints, redness, difficulty in walking or moving the joints, stiffness in the morning, and tenderness to the touch. Many treatments are available that allow you to live with this condition. If you think you or your child may have arthritis, it is a good idea to contact a podiatrist for a complete examination and diagnosis, as well as possible treatment plans.  

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Castillo from Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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

Although plantar fasciitis (an inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament on the sole of the foot) is often the root of heel pain, it can come from a variety of other conditions as well. For instance, compression of the medial calcaneal nerve, which travels down the inner part of the ankle, can create a tingling or numb sensation in the heel as well as pain. In older adults, fat pads in the heel can wear down (fat pad atrophy) and cause pain. Systemic inflammatory conditions such as certain types of arthritis, Reiter syndrome, ankylosing spondylitis, and a common type of lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus) may sometimes be associated with heel pain. Sometimes tiny nodules, or plantar fibroma, develop on the plantar fascia which can cause pain in the arch near the heel. To have the cause of your heel pain properly diagnosed and treated, make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Castillo of Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

Diabetes may increase your risk of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which is a narrowing of the arteries due to prolonged elevated blood glucose levels. PAD may lead to poor circulation. Symptoms of PAD in your lower extremities may include brittle toenails, cold or numb feet, a loss of hair on the feet or legs, a bluish tinge to the skin on the legs, cracked or dry skin on the feet, leg pain that subsides with rest (intermittent claudication), and more. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is suggested that you get examined and evaluated by a podiatrist. A podiatrist will be able to test the blood flow in your feet by performing a non-invasive and pain-free ankle-brachial pressure index test—also known as an ABPI, or ABI, test. If your podiatrist makes a diagnosis of PAD, they can manage your symptoms and help prevent more serious complications from developing with a variety of therapies.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Dr. Castillo of Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness 
• Numbness or cramping in the legs
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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