Not all foot wounds are the same, and knowing the difference can guide proper care. Arterial wounds often develop when blood flow to the feet is poor. These wounds are usually painful, may appear on the toes or heels, and often have a pale or punched out look. Venous wounds occur when veins are not moving blood efficiently back to the heart. These are commonly found around the ankles, may be less painful, and often appear with swelling or discoloration of the skin. Neurotrophic wounds, often linked to diabetes or nerve damage, may form on pressure points of the feet. Because sensation is reduced, these wounds can develop unnoticed and worsen over time.  wound  type has distinct causes and needs special attention. If you notice any foot or ankle wound that is not healing, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for evaluation and appropriate treatment.

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 Luis Esquerdo Cruz, DPM from Dr. Esquerdo Podiatry and Laser Center . 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 contact our office located in San Juan, PR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Medical conditions that can affect the feet may develop as a result of being obese. These conditions include general foot pain, arthritis, heel pain, diabetes and possible skin complications. Pressure may increase on the ankles and feet, and exercising may become difficult. The feet may become wider, and larger shoes may have to be purchased. Heel pain may develop, which can indicate plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of the plantar fascia. This can become painful as the heel endures additional weight on a continuous basis. Diabetes is a common medical ailment which can originate from elevated blood sugar levels. Diabetes can cause nerve damage and alter the body's ability to fight infection. If you would like more information about how to manage foot conditions that can be caused by obesity, please consult with a podiatrist.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Luis Esquerdo Cruz, DPM from Dr. Esquerdo Podiatry and Laser Center . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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

Off-loading devices are an important part of diabetic foot care because they reduce pressure on areas of the foot that are prone to ulceration. When too much stress is concentrated on the ball of the foot, heel, or toes, skin breakdown may occur, leading to painful ulcers that are slow to heal. Off-loading devices such as total contact casts, removable cast walkers, and therapeutic shoes are commonly used to redistribute pressure away from the ulcer site and allow the skin and underlying tissue to recover. While shoe modifications are often chosen, casts and walkers can be more effective in certain cases, especially when the ulcer is located on the sole of the foot. A podiatrist can evaluate the location and severity of the ulcer, determine the most appropriate off-loading method, and provide ongoing monitoring to ensure proper healing. If you have foot pain that may be related to diabetes, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for ongoing help in managing 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 Luis Esquerdo Cruz, DPM from Dr. Esquerdo Podiatry and Laser 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 San Juan, PR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar warts are small growths that appear on the soles of the feet and are caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV. The virus enters through tiny cuts or breaks in the skin, often in places like public showers, pool areas, or locker rooms. Symptoms include a thickened, rough patch of skin with a small black dot in the center, which is a clotted blood vessel. They may feel tender or painful, especially while walking or standing. Plantar warts can grow individually or in clusters and may be mistaken for calluses or corns. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar warts through a physical examination and sometimes remove a small portion to confirm the presence of the virus. Relief options include topical medications or minor surgical removal. Early treatment can help prevent the spread of the virus and reduce discomfort. If you notice a painful or unusual growth on your foot,  it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can effectively treat plantar warts.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Luis Esquerdo Cruz, DPM from Dr. Esquerdo Podiatry and Laser Center . Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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