In diabetic foot care, selecting the right wound dressing is vital to aid healing and prevent infection. Dressings protect the wound and cater to specific ulcer needs. Non-stick dressings are gentle on delicate skin, preventing adherence that could cause irritation. For wounds with heavy fluid, foam and gel dressings are excellent for absorbing excess moisture. Hydrogels help with the natural breakdown of dead tissue, making them suitable for wounds with dry, necrotic areas. Antimicrobial dressings with iodine or silver help reduce infection, although sealed dressings are not recommended if an infection is present, as they can trap bacteria. Dressings should be changed frequently, particularly in highly draining ulcers, to prevent skin breakdown surrounding the wound. If you have a diabetic foot wound, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can examine your wound, and recommend the best dressing choice for your ulcer’s condition.

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 Mercer Ocean Podiatry. 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 office located in Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Flat feet, or fallen arches, occur when the arches of the feet flatten out, causing the soles to touch the ground while standing. This condition can be genetic, develop with age, or result from injury, obesity, or certain medical conditions. Flat feet are common, affecting both children and adults, but many individuals experience no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can include aching feet, particularly in the arch and heel, and sometimes pain in the legs, hips, or lower back due to misalignment. Such pain can impact life quality. For those individuals with pain, wearing supportive shoes, custom orthotics, and specific stretches to strengthen the foot and ankle muscles may help. In severe cases, a podiatrist may recommend targeted exercises or even surgery to correct alignment issues and alleviate persistent discomfort. If you have discomfort from flat feet, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an examination and treatment options.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Mercer Ocean Podiatry. 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 office located in Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a form of arthritis resulting in sudden, severe pain, redness, and swelling that often affects the big toe. It occurs when uric acid builds up in the bloodstream, forming crystals in the joints. Common causes include a diet high in purines, which are found in red meat, seafood, and alcohol. Obesity, and certain medical conditions, like hypertension, may also be factors. Symptoms of gout typically appear suddenly, often at night, and can last for days. While the intense pain can subside, recurrent attacks may occur, leading to chronic discomfort. Treatment options include medications to manage pain and inflammation, lifestyle changes such as dietary adjustments, and maintaining a healthy weight. A podiatrist can play a key role in managing gout by providing a personalized care plan, advising on footwear choices to reduce joint stress, and recommending targeted exercises to improve mobility. If you are experiencing symptoms of gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for expert guidance and support.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Mercer Ocean Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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