Items filtered by date: October 2024

Diabetic patients with foot ulcers can experience significantly reduced quality of life due to chronic pain, limited mobility, and the risk of serious complications like infection or amputation. These ulcers, often caused by poor circulation and nerve damage, can make everyday activities difficult and may lead to prolonged hospital stays or social isolation. The emotional toll, including stress and anxiety, further impacts their overall well-being. Managing foot ulcers in diabetic patients requires a comprehensive approach. Regular foot exams by a podiatrist, proper wound care, and the use of custom orthotics or footwear can help reduce pressure and promote healing. Blood sugar control is critical in preventing further damage. In more severe cases, advanced treatments like hyperbaric oxygen therapy or surgery may be needed. If you suffer from diabetic foot ulcers, it is strongly suggested that you include a podiatrist on your team of healthcare providers to improve functioning. Education on daily foot care, combined with early intervention, can help prevent ulcers and improve your well-being.

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 Nrup Tolat, DPM from Atlanta Total Foot & Ankle Care. 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 offices located in Woodstock and Atlanta, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cuboid syndrome occurs when the cuboid bone becomes partially dislocated. It is often misdiagnosed because symptoms like pain and discomfort along the outer edge of the foot resemble other foot conditions. This condition commonly affects ballet dancers and athletes due to the repetitive strain they place on their feet. Predisposing factors include poor foot biomechanics, ankle sprains, or improper footwear. Symptoms include sharp pain along the outer side of the foot, difficulty walking, and tenderness when pressure is applied to the cuboid area. Treatment often includes manual manipulation to reposition the cuboid, rest, and the use of orthotics to support foot alignment. If you have lateral foot pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Nrup Tolat, DPM from Atlanta Total Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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

Pediatric foot alignment deformities are common conditions in growing children and can affect how their feet develop and function. These deformities include flat feet, where the arches do not form properly, or conditions like in-toeing, where the feet turn inward. These issues often arise from the natural development process or genetic factors, and in most cases, children outgrow them without treatment. However, when foot alignment deformities cause pain, difficulty walking, or limit a child’s activities, they may require medical attention from a podiatrist. Treatment options can include stretching exercises and custom orthotics to correct the alignment and relieve discomfort. If you have a child that is complaining or showing foot discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to help monitor the condition and determine if any treatment is necessary to support healthy foot development in the growing years.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Nrup Tolat, DPM of Atlanta Total Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor 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 offices located in Woodstock and Atlanta, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, occur when the arches of the feet collapse or are not properly developed. This condition can cause the entire foot to make contact with the ground while standing. Flat feet may be caused by genetics, injury, aging, or conditions like obesity and arthritis. Common symptoms include foot pain, particularly in the arch or heel, swelling, and discomfort during physical activities. Some people may experience knee, hip, or lower back pain due to the altered biomechanics of the body. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination and imaging tests like X-rays to assess foot alignment. Treatment options range from wearing supportive footwear and custom orthotics to surgery for severe cases. While many people live comfortably with flat feet, untreated cases can lead to complications like tendonitis, arthritis, and chronic pain. If you have pain from flat feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a diagnosis and pain-relieving treatment.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Nrup Tolat, DPM from Atlanta Total Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Woodstock and Atlanta, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pain on the outer side of the foot can stem from various issues, including foot fractures, cuboid syndrome, and peroneus brevis tendon strain. Foot fractures, including those affecting the metatarsals or the bones of the outer foot, can result in significant pain and swelling. Cuboid syndrome occurs when the cuboid bone, located in the midfoot, becomes misaligned, leading to pain and swelling on the outer side of the foot. The peroneus brevis tendon, which runs along the outer ankle, can become strained due to overuse or abrupt increases in activity, causing pain and discomfort on the outer foot. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer correct treatment methods.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Nrup Tolat, DPM from Atlanta Total Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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