Proper foot care is essential for individuals with diabetes to prevent complications like infections and ulcers. Daily inspection of the feet helps identify cuts, blisters, or changes in skin color before they worsen. Washing the feet with mild soap and warm water keeps them clean, while moisturizing prevents dryness and cracking. Toenails should be trimmed straight across to reduce the risk of ingrown nails. Wearing well-fitted shoes with proper support protects against pressure points and injuries. Keeping feet away from extreme temperatures helps prevent burns or frostbite, as complications from diabetes can reduce sensation in the feet. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.

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 Bryan Sullivan, DPM from Mississippi Foot Center . 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 Jackson, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot and ankle pain is not just an inconvenience. It is a signal that something is not right. Sometimes, the culprit is as simple as wearing poorly fitting shoes that squeeze, rub, or fail to support your feet properly. Other times, the pain runs deeper. Osteoarthritis wears down cartilage, making movement stiff and achy. Inflammatory arthritis can leave joints swollen, tender, and painfully stiff in the morning. Some conditions go beyond the joints. Connective tissue diseases weaken ligaments and tendons, leading to instability. Poor circulation starves the feet of oxygen, causing cramping and slow healing. Nerve damage, often from diabetes, may bring burning pain, numbness, or tingling that worsens over time. If you have foot or ankle pain that lingers or worsens, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can help pinpoint the problem, and offer solutions for relief.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Bryan Sullivan, DPM from Mississippi Foot Center . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

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

Hammertoe is a common foot deformity in which one or more toes curl downward at the middle joint, causing them to bend rather than point straight forward. Hammertoe often affects the second or third toe and can develop from wearing tight, narrow, or ill-fitting shoes. Other causes of hammertoe formation include arthritis, a high foot arch, previous trauma to the toe, tightened ligaments or tendons in the foot, or pressure from bunions. People with a family history of hammertoe or those who regularly wear constrictive footwear are particularly susceptible to this ailment. Among the symptoms of hammertoe are mild discomfort, difficulty walking, and corns or calluses forming on affected toes. In some cases, severe pain and a claw-like appearance of the toe emerge. A podiatrist can diagnose hammertoe by examining the foot and performing imaging tests like X-rays. Treatment varies depending on severity, with more serious cases often requiring surgery to realign the toe joint and relieve pain. If you have developed a toe deformity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Bryan Sullivan, DPM from Mississippi Foot Center . Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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