Items filtered by date: June 2023

Gout is a type of arthritis and can be uncomfortable. Gout generally affects the joints in the big toe and can cause debilitating pain. Additional symptoms can consist of swelling, redness, and the affected joints can feel hot. A condition that is known as hyperuricemia is defined as having excess uric acid in the body. This may happen from genetic reasons, or from eating foods that have high levels of purines. These types of foods can include shellfish, red meat, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. Gout is more prevalent among males, and it may affect women who are postmenopausal. It can also develop in people who are diabetic, have congestive heart failure, or have high blood pressure. It is helpful to implement prevention strategies that can consist of eating healthy foods, engaging in a gentle exercise routine, and drinking plenty of water daily. If you have had one or more gout attacks, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage it and offer additional prevention techniques.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Desiree Garzon, DPM from County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

Heel spurs, which are often associated with plantar fasciitis, can become painful. They occur when calcium builds up on the bottom of the heel bone. These outgrowths, or spurs, may be caused by foot muscle strains, stretching of the plantar fascia, and a tearing of the membrane that covers the heel bone. Heel spurs are common in athletes who perform sports that require a great deal of running and jumping. Other causes can include gait issues that put extra pressure on the heels, running on hard surfaces, and poorly fitting shoes with inadequate arch support. Excess weight and obesity may also contribute to the formation of heel spurs. In some cases, a person may not experience any symptoms from heel spurs. But others may feel intermittent or chronic pain, especially after running or long periods of exercise. Stretching exercises, pain medication, and shoe inserts are helpful treatment options. For more information on methods to deal with heel spurs, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Desiree Garzon, DPM from County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our offices located in Boynton Beach, and Wellington, FL . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Complications from foot wounds can be serious in patients who have diabetes. When blood sugar levels are too high, the blood vessels can narrow and arteries can stiffen. This blocks blood flow, oxygen, and important nutrients needed to help heal wounds. Wounds can become infected and the compromised immune system in diabetics may not be able to fight it. This type of infection can spread to soft tissue, bone, and blood, which could lead to sepsis. Neuropathy is common among diabetics which is a condition that damages the nerves in the legs and feet. Neuropathy may lead to a loss of sensation, making it difficult to feel foot problems arising. Neuropathy can also make it difficult to walk and increased pressure can be put on certain parts of the feet to help diabetics sense the floor. This pressure can cause skin to break down and ulcers to form. Closely monitoring blood sugar levels and wearing protective and well-fitting shoes may help diabetic patients in preventing abrasions from developing on their feet. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you include a podiatrist on your healthcare team. This medical professional can routinely examine your feet and help you keep on top of any issues that might emerge.

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 Desiree Garzon, DPM from County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound 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 Boynton Beach, and Wellington, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

If you are a senior, then you may already be familiar with the risk of falling or tripping that many older Americans experience. Doing the best to prevent falling can be an essential part of a senior’s foot care plan, as falling can lead to foot conditions such as fractures. One area in which a senior may be extra careful to prevent falling is on parking lots and sidewalks. By keeping these areas in good repair around one’s house, a senior can potentially prevent a fall. Also, addressing the accumulation of any snow or ice around these areas is also critical to preventing falls. If you are a senior or are caring for one, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist about falls prevention.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Desiree Garzon, DPM from County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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