Items filtered by date: October 2024

Diabetic foot wounds that do not heal can signal serious problems that require medical care from a podiatrist. Factors that delay wound healing include poor circulation, high blood sugar levels, and nerve damage. High blood sugar can interfere with the body’s ability to fight infections and slows down collagen production, which helps to close wounds. Poor circulation and nerve damage may reduce sensation, making it harder to notice and treat injuries early. Open wounds can become infected, worsening the condition and causing serious tissue damage. A podiatrist can check your circulation, offer specialized wound care, and suggest treatment methods to prevent complications. This may include techniques to reduce pressure on the wound or using advanced wound therapies. Early care and regular monitoring can help prevent further harm and avoid severe outcomes, such as amputation. If you have a foot wound that will not heal, it is suggested that you make an immediate appointment 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 Mohammad R. Parsa, DPM from Madison Foot Clinic. 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 Madison, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

As seniors age, the risk of falling increases significantly, making home safety a vital concern. To reduce the likelihood of falls, it is essential to create a safe living environment. Begin by removing clutter from walkways and ensuring that rugs are secured or removed entirely to prevent tripping hazards. Good lighting is essential, and installing brighter bulbs and night lights in hallways and staircases can enhance visibility. Additionally, consider using non-slip mats in bathrooms and grab bars near toilets and in showers for added stability. Regular exercise can also improve balance and strength, further reducing the risk of falls. Wearing supportive shoes instead of slippers can provide better footing. Falling can seriously impact the feet, and may cause seniors to develop foot conditions. If this applies to you or someone you care of, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat foot pain, and guide you toward effective fall prevention techniques.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Mohammad R. Parsa, DPM from Madison Foot Clinic. our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

A bruised heel, also known as a heel contusion, occurs when the heel experiences trauma or impact, leading to damage of the soft tissues and blood vessels. This condition often results from activities that involve jumping, running, or walking on hard surfaces. Symptoms typically include localized pain, swelling, and tenderness on the heel. The area may also appear discolored due to internal bleeding. The pain is usually sharp and may worsen with pressure or movement. Relief for a bruised heel involves rest to avoid aggravating the injury, and performing gentle stretching exercises to promote healing. Pain relief medication can help manage discomfort. If symptoms persist or worsen, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough evaluation, and to rule out more serious injuries.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Mohammad R. Parsa, DPM of Madison Foot Clinic. 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 contact our office located in Madison, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.