Debridement is a key procedure in managing diabetic foot ulcers, involving a podiatrist removing dead and infected tissue to promote healing and prevent infection spread. This process is vital because the buildup of necrotic tissue can obscure the true extent of the ulcer. There are several methods of debridement. Surgical debridement involves a podiatrist using tools like scalpels to precisely remove dead tissue, often performed at the bedside or in an operating room for more severe cases. Mechanical debridement employs saline-soaked pads that adhere to and remove dead tissue upon removal, though this can be painful and may also disturb healthy tissue. Chemical debridement uses enzymes to dissolve dead material. Biological debridement, utilizing maggots, effectively cleanses wounds by consuming only dead tissue. Before any debridement, the podiatrist will assess the patient’s overall health, and the wound will be cleaned with a saline solution. If you have diabetic foot ulcers, it is suggested that you make a podiatrist a part of your medical team for expert wound care options.

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 one of our podiatrists from DeCaro Total Foot Care Center. Our doctors 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 West Hatfield, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pointe dancers rely heavily on the strength and flexibility of their feet to achieve graceful and precise movements. One essential stretch is the towel scrunch, where a dancer sits with their legs extended and uses their toes to gather a towel placed on the floor. This exercise targets the intrinsic muscles of the feet, enhancing both strength and control. Another beneficial stretch involves using a resistance band to provide gentle tension while pointing and flexing the feet, helping to improve arch and ankle stability. Additionally, calf stretches, such as the classic downward dog yoga pose, are essential for maintaining flexibility in the Achilles tendon and overall foot health. Foot injuries can occur from improperly warming up before dancing. If this has happened to you, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat foot pain and guide you on additional effective foot stretches.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from DeCaro Total Foot Care Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous one, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

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

Common running injuries include shin splints, Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and stress fractures. Shin splints cause pain along the shin bone due to overuse or wearing improper footwear. Achilles tendinitis involves inflammation of the Achilles tendon, while plantar fasciitis affects the band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes, causing heel pain. Stress fractures are tiny cracks in bones due to repetitive force. Evaluation involves a physical examination, imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans, and a review of the runner's history and habits. Prevention includes proper warm-ups, wearing appropriate shoes, gradually increasing running intensity, and incorporating strength and flexibility training. Treatment varies but often includes rest, compression, elevation, gentle stretching, and sometimes anti-inflammatory medications or orthotics. If you are a runner who has sustained an injury to your feet or ankles, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from DeCaro Total Foot Care Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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

Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition characterized by episodic narrowing of the blood vessels in response to cold or stress, leading to reduced blood flow. This typically affects the fingers and toes, causing them to turn white, blue, and then red as blood flow returns. The exact cause is not well understood, but it involves overreaction of the blood vessels to cold or emotional stress. When the toes are affected, the reduced blood flow can lead to pain, numbness, and tingling. During an episode, toes may feel cold and painful, and, as circulation improves, they may throb or swell. To manage Raynaud's phenomenon, it is important to keep the feet warm and avoid triggers such as cold temperatures and stress. Wearing warm socks and footwear, and managing stress through relaxation techniques can help prevent episodes. In severe cases, medications may be prescribed to improve blood flow. For persistent or severe symptoms, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a comprehensive treatment plan.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of DeCaro Total Foot Care Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in West Hatfield, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Morton's neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of your foot, usually between the third and fourth toes. This common issue is caused by the thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves leading to your toes. Thickening often occurs from excessive pressure or irritation from wearing tight or high-heeled shoes. Activities that involve repetitive foot stress, like running or certain sports, can also advance the development of Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma can significantly impact your ability to walk comfortably. As the tissue around the nerve thickens, it causes sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot, which can make each step excruciating. The pain often spreads into your toes, causing numbness or a tingling feeling. Over time, walking or even standing for a long time can become hard, making it tough to complete daily activities and move around normally. The discomfort can also cause you to alter your walking pattern to avoid putting pressure on the painful area. This might lead to additional problems in areas such as the knee, hip, or back due to the uneven balance of weight. If you are struggling with Morton’s neuroma, it is highly suggested you consult with a podiatrist for an exam and diagnosis, followed by treatment options.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of DeCaro Total Foot Care Center. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

Edema, which is caused by excess fluid retention in the body, can also result in the development of blisters on the feet. These blisters are caused by the swelling that occurs when fluid collects in the tissues, causing pressure to be put on the skin. The skin then becomes more susceptible to friction and rubbing, especially in areas where it makes contact with shoes or socks. The increased friction can cause the formation of blisters, which can lead to pain and discomfort. Blisters caused by edema mainly appear on the feet and ankles, making daily activities like walking and wearing shoes difficult and painful. It is important to address the underlying cause of edema to prevent the formation of blisters. A podiatrist can provide personalized treatment options to manage edema and alleviate foot discomfort. Recommendations include compression socks or orthotic inserts to reduce swelling and friction. If you are developing blisters caused by edema, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

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 one of our podiatrists of DeCaro Total Foot Care Center. Our doctors 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 West Hatfield, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sesamoiditis, a condition caused by inflammation of the sesamoid bones located beneath the big toe joint, can pose significant discomfort and mobility challenges. These small, pea-sized bones play a vital role in weight-bearing and stabilizing the foot during activities like walking and running. When subjected to excessive pressure or repetitive stress, the sesamoid bones may become inflamed, leading to symptoms such as sharp or dull pain beneath the big toe joint, and swelling. Sesamoiditis typically manifests as a gradual onset of pain, worsening with activity and improving with rest. Activities that involve pushing off the toes, such as jumping or running, may worsen symptoms. Diagnosis of sesamoiditis involves a comprehensive evaluation by a podiatrist, including a physical examination and possibly imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans. If you have pain under the big toe, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can provide you with effective treatment solutions.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact one of our podiatrists of DeCaro Total Foot Care Center. Our doctors will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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

Lower limb and foot injuries are common in athletic children, partly due to the vulnerability of their growth plates. Growth plates are the developing areas of cartilage at the end of the long bones in the legs where bone growth takes place. These plates are weaker than nearby tendons and ligaments, making them more susceptible to injury. This is especially true when under the stress of repetitive physical activities in sports. Movements like running, jumping, and quick pivoting can place excessive strain on growth plates, leading to conditions such as Sever's disease, or heel pain. Ankle sprains are also common because ligaments in children tend to be more elastic than in adults. The biomechanics of growing children, such as variations in gait, muscle strength, and coordination during growth spurts, can further predispose them to these injuries as their bodies adapt to rapid physical changes. A podiatrist, or foot doctor, can treat these types of injuries common in active children. They may suggest treatments ranging from rest and elevation to custom orthotics that support proper alignment and reduce stress on the growth plates. Treatments vary depending on the injury. If your child is struggling with a lower limb or foot injury, it is suggested you consult with a podiatrist for targeted care. 

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our podiatrists of DeCaro Total Foot Care Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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