Diabetic foot ulcers are open wounds that develop on the feet, toes, or ankles due to reduced blood flow and nerve damage caused by diabetes. Diabetic foot ulcers are often painless, which means patients may not realize they have one until it becomes infected. Infections can spread quickly into deeper tissue, increasing the risk of bone involvement or even sepsis. Poor circulation slows the healing process, making these ulcers harder to treat. A podiatrist can help by assessing the severity of the ulcer, cleaning the wound, and applying protective dressings to reduce infection risk. In some cases, patients may need pressure-relieving footwear, a cast, or surgery to remove damaged tissue. Infected ulcers often require antibiotics, and severe infections may need hospital care. Regular foot care is important to avoid complications from diabetic foot ulcers. If you have foot ulcers as a result of diabetes, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist for ongoing treatment.

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

A bruised toe and a broken toe can cause pain and discomfort, but they have distinct differences. A bruised toe occurs when direct impact or pressure damages the small blood vessels under the skin, leading to discoloration, tenderness, swelling, and mild difficulty in movement. The pain is usually manageable, and mobility is often preserved. A broken toe results from a more severe injury, such as heavy impact or sudden force, causing a fracture in the bone. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, bruising, difficulty moving the toe, and sometimes a visible deformity. A popping sound may be heard at the time of injury. While bruised toes typically heal with rest, broken toes often require medical evaluation. If you have injured your toe, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose bruised and broken toes, and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Howard Horowitz from Bowie Foot & Ankle . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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.

Ankle pain can result from various conditions, with sprains, arthritis, osteoarthritis, and tendinitis being some of the most common causes. A sprained ankle occurs when ligaments are stretched or torn, leading to pain, swelling, and bruising. Arthritis and osteoarthritis cause joint inflammation, resulting in stiffness, swelling, and chronic pain. Osteoarthritis, in particular, wears down cartilage, leading to bone-on-bone friction. Tendinitis occurs when the tendons surrounding the ankle become inflamed, causing pain, swelling, and limited range of motion. The symptoms of ankle pain can vary depending on the cause, but they generally include swelling, tenderness, difficulty moving the ankle, and, in some cases, instability. Activities like walking, running, or standing may become painful or difficult. A podiatrist can diagnose the cause of your ankle pain and recommend treatment, including targeted exercises, medication, orthotics, or, in severe cases, surgery. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Howard Horowitz from Bowie Foot & Ankle . 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 tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• 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 Bowie, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Wearing the correct shoe size is essential for maintaining foot health and overall comfort. Shoes that are too tight or too loose can lead to foot conditions that cause pain and discomfort. Neuropathy, which affects nerve function, can be worsened by wearing ill-fitting shoes that create pressure points and reduce circulation. Persistent foot pain may develop due to a lack of proper support, leading to difficulty in walking and standing. Ingrown toenails are a common issue when shoes squeeze the toes, causing the nail to grow into the surrounding skin. Over time, these problems can contribute to a decreased quality of life by limiting mobility and daily activities. If you have foot pain from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions and guide you on how to determine your correct shoe size.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Howard Horowitz from Bowie Foot & Ankle . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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.

A podiatrist plays a vital role in treating foot wounds by addressing both the injury and underlying causes that may delay healing. Foot wounds can result from trauma, poor circulation, diabetes, or pressure from wearing improper footwear. A podiatrist begins treatment by thoroughly cleaning the wound to reduce infection risk. They may remove damaged tissue to promote healing and apply specialized dressings or topical medications. Offloading techniques, such as custom orthotics or special footwear, help reduce pressure on the affected area. If infection is present, antibiotics may be prescribed. For chronic or slow-healing wounds, advanced treatments like skin grafts or wound therapy may be used. If you have a foot wound, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer appropriate treatment methods.

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.