Items filtered by date: January 2022

When the outer layers of the skin on the feet are damaged and expose deeper tissues, it is known as a foot wound or ulcer. These wounds can occur from issues such as wearing shoes that don’t fit correctly, as well as an injury or trauma to the feet. If these wounds are left untreated, they may become infected which could lead to other issues including amputation. Common indicators of an infection include inflammation, redness, an odor, or thickened tissues. Patients who are at a higher risk for foot wounds (such as diabetics, who may have trouble feeling the wounds) or who notice that their foot wound is not healing, should have the wound looked at by a podiatrist. Upon examination, a podiatrist will likely remove the unhealthy skin and then help determine the best treatment method for the particular wound, including shoe padding, antibiotics, or even surgery.

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. Howard Horowitz from Bowie Foot & Ankle . 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 Bowie, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

About one-fifth of adults in the United States experience cracked heels, studies show. Besides being unsightly, cracked heels that deepen can also become painful and lead to bleeding. Because there are no oil glands on the feet, they often become dried out. In addition, medical conditions such as diabetes, psoriasis and eczema can promote cracked heels. One of the simplest remedies for cracked heels is a petroleum jelly treatment. It helps reduce moisture loss from the skin and keeps it hydrated. Soak your feet in warm water for about 15 minutes, and then use a pumice stone to scrub off the dried skin. Rinse and pat dry thoroughly. Next, apply moisture lotion to the affected area and cover that with petroleum jelly to seal it in. Put on a pair of wool socks overnight and wash your feet again the next morning. If cracked heels continue to give you problems, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can recommend further treatment options.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Howard Horowitz from Bowie Foot & Ankle . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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

The synovial membrane is the protective tissue that surrounds joints such as the ankle. Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease in which the body attacks this tissue causing it to become swollen and filled with fluid. Over time, this fluid can break the ankle joint down, causing it to become misaligned, deformed, and stiff. Other symptoms include ankle pain, fatigue, and fever. If the inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis goes unchecked, it may affect other parts of the body and lead to other diseases. While genetics can make you more predisposed to infections that may bring on rheumatoid arthritis, smoking, old age, and obesity may also increase your risks of contracting this disease. If you have pain in your ankles due to rheumatoid arthritis, a podiatrist may treat you with medications, physical therapy, orthotics, steroid injections or, in worst case scenarios, surgery to increase stability, reduce pain, and restore mobility in the ankles.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Dr. Howard Horowitz of Bowie Foot & Ankle . Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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

While most people are somewhat familiar with blisters due to having at least one in their lifetime, here are some things you may not know about these “irritating” fluid-filled bubbles. Blisters fall into one of three categories typically: clear, blood, or infected. Clear blisters are one of the most common types of blisters, and are filled with a clear serum that protects the underlying skin from further damage. When blood vessels are damaged along with skin, the blister that forms may have blood mixed in with the serum. If a blister becomes infected, it can fill with white or yellow pus. Sudden, highly concentrated friction from ill-fitting shoes rubbing against skin on the foot will typically cause a blister, while repetitive, less intense friction will typically cause corns or calluses. Intense temperatures can also cause blisters to form, as in the case of second-degree frostbite or a bad sunburn. Chicken pox, shingles, eczema and other medical conditions may cause blisters as well as exposure to certain chemicals that create an allergic reaction in the skin. If you have developed a blister, do not pop it. If it does not improve, gets worse, or looks like it might be infected, seek the care of a podiatrist.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. Howard Horowitz of Bowie Foot & Ankle . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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