Advanced Bone & JointThe Latest News in Orthopedics and Wound Care of the Feet Foot DiseaseFri, 26 Apr 2019 20:44:35 GMT<p><span>One of the many possible consequences of diabetes are problems affecting the feet and legs.</span></p> <p><span>Prolonged periods of increased blood sugar levels in the body can lead to <strong>diabetic neuropathy</strong>, which damages nerves and in turn can result in the inability to feel sensations in the feet. That means even minor cuts or abrasions may go unnoticed until the feet are visually inspected.</span>&nbsp;</p> <p><span>Diabetics also are more likely to develop <a href="">peripheral artery disease</a>, or PAD, in which reduced levels of oxygen and blood reach the limbs &ndash; especially the legs and feet. This means that should you develop a wound or sore on the feet, less oxygenated blood circulating through the area means healing of those injuries takes longer, if healing occurs at all.</span></p> <p><span>Due to these complications, wounds to the feet of diabetic patients may quickly &ndash; within days &ndash;become infected and eventually lead to tissue death (gangrene). When toe, feet, or legs are amputated in diabetic patients, it is usually in order to prevent the life-threatening spread of gangrene. </span></p> <h2><strong>Diabetic Foot Care</strong></h2> <p><span>If you have diabetes, the best way to avoid serious complications is to protect and care for your feet to prevent wounds from occurring in the first place.</span>&nbsp;</p> <p><span>You should begin with daily inspection of your feet. Look for any areas of swelling, bruises, cuts, open sores, or even ingrown toenails. Pay attention, if possible, to any areas that may be tender or painful to the touch.</span>&nbsp;</p> <p><span>Also, footwear plays an important role here. Make sure to wear shoes that fit you properly and are comfortable. That&rsquo;s because the friction caused by ill-fitting shoes may not be felt until the skin is worn away and blisters or sores appear. Before wearing your shoes, check for anything that may irritate your feet, such as cracks in the material, pebbles, or other debris that may have fallen inside the shoe.</span></p> <p><span>Cleanse your feet with mild antibacterial soap and lukewarm water &ndash; never hot water! Dry your feet thoroughly with a soft towel, especially in between the toes. Use nonirritating types of moisturizer on your feet.</span></p> <p><span>Keep your toenails trimmed and be very careful when doing so. Toenails should be cut straight across, rather than with curved corners that can lead to ingrown toenails. </span></p> <p>If you notice a <a href="">wound</a> on your feet, treat it immediately if possible, before it becomes infected. This usually involves cleaning the area, applying antibiotic ointment and covering the wound with a dry dressing or bandage. Always follow-up with your podiatrist, who may need to further treat the wound, depending on its size, location, or severity, or prescribe antibiotics if an infection is present.</p> <h2><strong><span>Podiatrist in St. Louis</span></strong></h2> <p>You can reduce the likelihood of many potential <a href="">diabetic foot problems</a> with these daily preventive techniques and by properly managing your diabetes. A healthy lifestyle consisting of a proper diet, exercise, careful monitoring of blood sugar, and religiously taking your medication is the key to helping to prevent long-term damage to vital organs as a result of diabetes.</p> <p><span>Should you notice an infection or wounds on your feet &ndash; especially if you have diabetes &ndash; seek professional help immediately. Contact podiatrist <a href="">Anthony M. Lombardo</a> or any of the orthopedic specialists at Advanced Bone &amp; Joint now by calling <strong>(636) 224-4192 </strong>or use the online form to <a href="">request an appointment</a>. Our foot and ankle specialists are always ready, willing, and able to assist you.</span></p>6932Why You Need an Orthopedist for Diabetic Foot Care Foot DiseaseFri, 08 Mar 2019 16:48:29 GMT<p><span>Living with diabetes means taking extra care of your health. It means you have to watch what you eat, exercise regularly, and take your medications. Smoking, sugary foods, and inactivity should be avoided.</span></p> <p><span>In addition, there is one thing that diabetics also have to deal with, and it has to do with their feet. One of the most common reasons for hospitalization among diabetics is foot problems. If left untended or self-treated, these problems could lead to complications such as neuropathy (nerve damage) and atherosclerosis (poor circulation).</span>&nbsp;</p> <p><span><a href=";mid=48469&amp;ContentPubID=123"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Diabetic foot</span></a> care is as important as making dietary and lifestyle changes if you are diabetic. Done correctly, it can save you from infection or worse. An experienced orthopedic physician can help guide you through how to maintain your body &ndash; especially your feet &ndash; for optimum performance even with diabetes.</span></p> <h2><span>Foot Care for Diabetics</span></h2> <p><span>Your diabetes impacts the blood vessels and nerves of your feet &ndash; so much so, that minor foot problems can lead to major emergencies. Be on the lookout for ulcers on your feet, because an ulcer can easily get infected; and the infection can spread to your other organs. In the worst-case scenario, you would need to have your foot amputated in order to save your life.</span></p> <p><span>That&rsquo;s a harrowing thought, but the good news is that there are steps you can take to avoid such complications. By investing in diabetic foot care, you can prevent foot issues such as foot ulcers, dryness, infection, and amputation.</span>&nbsp;</p> <p><span>As a diabetic, you should check and monitor the condition of your feet every day. One of the best things you can do to preserve your lower limbs is to consult an <a href="">orthopedist</a> for diabetic foot care. Your orthopedist can also educate you on the various conditions that can be expected with diabetes.</span></p> <h3><span>Neuropathy</span>&nbsp;</h3> <p><span>This refers to nerve damage. The symptoms of <a href="">diabetic neuropathy</a> include feelings of weakness, pain, burning, tingling, stinging, and loss of sensation. If you have neuropathy in your feet, you might not notice that you have already sustained an injury to your feet.</span></p> <p><span>Without awareness of an injury, you are leaving yourself vulnerable to infection. Infection leads to the development of foot ulcers, which do not heal. Nerve damage also leaves your skin dry and cracked, because the affected nerves do not foster sweating &ndash; and cracked skin leaves you vulnerable to infection.</span></p> <h3><span>Atherosclerosis</span>&nbsp;</h3> <p><span>Another thing that diabetics have to deal with is atherosclerosis, or poor circulation. Without proper circulation, the body is unable to heal properly and fight infection.</span>&nbsp;</p> <p><span>In atherosclerosis, the blood vessels in the foot and leg harden, impeding blood flow. Your feet will feel cold, and you run the risk of accidentally burning yourself in your effort to warm your feet.</span></p> <h3><span>Thickening of Skin</span>&nbsp;</h3> <p><span>The areas of your foot that are under more pressure will easily develop <a href="">calluses</a> and corns. These need to be trimmed in order to avoid excessive thickness and the development of foot ulcers.</span></p> <h3><span>Foot Ulcers</span></h3> <p><span>Foot ulcers usually appear on the ball and heel of the foot. You might not feel any pain, which means you might neglect to treat them &ndash; which means they could get infected.</span></p> <p><span>If you do find an ulcer, contact your orthopedist for immediate attention and care. The longer you wait, the higher your chances of your foot getting infected or worse.</span></p> <p><span>Your orthopedist can treat your ulcers, clean your feet, and slough-off dead skin. You might need X-rays (to rule out the spread of infection) and antibiotics to ensure it does not progress to a worse condition.</span></p> <h3><span>Special Diabetic Footwear</span></h3> <p><span>Diabetics are advised not to stand too long on their feet in order to relieve pressure on the lower extremities. There are shoes for diabetics as well as orthotics that not only protect your feet but also allow any sores to heal.</span></p> <h3><span>Amputation</span></h3> <p>If an infection (such as from an ulcer) cannot be stopped from spreading to other organs, <a href="">amputation</a> is necessary. When nerve damage is irreparable, it could lead to the amputation of your toes, feet, or lower legs.</p> <p><span>You can help prevent the need for amputation with the guidance of a skilled orthopedic surgeon.</span></p> <h2><span>Orthopedic Physicians in St. Louis</span>&nbsp;</h2> <p><span>Our board-certified orthopedic doctors at <a href="">Advanced Bone &amp; Joint </a>can treat diabetic foot issues of all kinds, and we can help you avoid amputation. We provide comprehensive orthopedic care in St. Peters and O&rsquo;Fallon, Missouri. Schedule an <a href="">appointment</a> today.</span></p>68815 Things You Should Know if You Have Diabetic Foot Disease Foot DiseaseFri, 27 Jul 2018 15:26:00 GMT<p style="margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="color: black;">By the time a person reaches 50, they will have on average traveled 75,000 miles on their feet. &nbsp;This is excluding those of us who are athletes or simply enjoy taking the scenic route on foot. So, no wonder so many of us complain about aching feet!</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="color: black;">Whether it&rsquo;s bunions or ingrown toenails, or something more chronic, like plantar fasciitis or Morton&rsquo;s toe, we all work to manage our foot conditions.&nbsp; It&rsquo;s a different story for those who are diabetic.&nbsp; That&rsquo;s because those who are diagnosed with diabetes, a disease that affects the way the body processes blood sugar (glucose), are often slow to heal, and even the seemingly smallest of problems &ndash; particularly blisters, foot wounds, and ulcers &ndash; can lead to serious complications that are fueled by nerve damage, or diabetic neuropathy. In short, when the nerves in a <a href=";mid=48469&amp;ContentPubID=123">diabetic&rsquo;s foot </a>are compromised, the brain rarely gets the message. By the time the damage or injury to the foot is discovered, it may already have manifested into something worse.&nbsp; Bottom line, a diabetic can injure or damage his foot and not know it.&nbsp; Nerve damage and poor blood flow add insult to injury and can even lead to changes in the shape of your feet and toes. </span></p> <h2>Here are five things you should know if you have diabetic foot disease.</h2> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><strong><span style="color: black;">1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></strong><!--[endif]--><strong><span style="color: black;">Diabetes can lead to foot amputation</span></strong></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="color: black;">People with diabetes can develop peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition that reduces the blood flowing from the heart to the feet that leads to nerve damage and loss of sensation. If complications are not addressed immediately, it can lead to amputation as a last resort. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><strong><span style="color: black;">2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></strong><!--[endif]--><strong><span style="color: black;">Supportive, properly fitted footwear is essential</span></strong></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="color: black;">Wearing supportive shoes is the most important rule to know if you have diabetes or diabetic foot disease. Comfort over style, in this case, is the way to go, as close-toed shoes will help protect your feet from damage, injury (such as blisters and stubbed toes) and infection. Do not leave your feet exposed, and if barefoot, wear some sort of protective covering such as socks or slippers to avoid cuts, bruises, bacteria and fungus and ingrown toenails. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><strong><span style="color: black;">3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></strong><!--[endif]--><strong><span style="color: black;">Don&rsquo;t smoke</span></strong></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="color: black;">If you are a smoker, stop. Smoking impacts the small blood vessels and decreases the blood flow going to your feet making potential wounds and damage slower to heal. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><strong><span style="color: black;">4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></strong><!--[endif]--><strong><span style="color: black;">Keep your feet moving</span></strong></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="color: black;">Always ensure the blood in your feet is flowing properly. Wiggle your toes and move your feet whenever you can. When resting, keep your feet elevated above your heart to keep the blood circulating so your feet don&rsquo;t go numb. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><strong><span style="color: black;">5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></strong><!--[endif]--><strong><span style="color: black;">Take care of your feet</span></strong></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="color: black;">Inspect your feet every day. Report anything suspicious to your doctor. Be on the lookout for redness, swelling, dry or cracked skin, ingrown toenails, and calluses. This can avoid severe long-term complications and keep your feet running smoothly. </span></p> <span style="color: black;">There is good news for those with diabetic foot disease.&nbsp; Staying vigilant and working with expert medical professionals can help you reduce the risk of disease or amputation.&nbsp; If you or a loved one is diabetic, the <a href="">doctors</a> at Advanced Bone &amp; Joint can help with expert wound care for any diabetes-related foot ulcer.&nbsp; Call (636) 229-4222 or visit us today at our offices in St. Peters and O&rsquo;Fallon, or </span><span><a href=""><span style="color: black;">request an appointment using our secure online form</span></a></span>6106