It’s important for most people to check their feet frequently for abnormal conditions, and this is especially true for diabetic patients. If cuts, scrapes and blisters are not noticed, the chances of developing an infection may be amplified because of the body’s inability to heal efficiently. If there are wounds on the feet, recent research has shown the importance of resting frequently, which takes pressure off of the affected area. If you notice cuts on your feet and ankles, it’s suggested to consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible. At this time a treatment plan can be discussed, which may include what type of wound dressing to use and how often it should be changed. It may be helpful to the patient and may aid in the healing process if the blood sugar levels can be controlled by maintaining a healthy diet and gentle exercise plan.

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 Dr. Rouder from S.I. 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 Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The medical condition that is known as athlete’s foot can cause pain and discomfort. It is considered to be a fungal infection of the skin, and generally affects the bottom of the foot and the area between the toes. Some of the symptoms that are associated with this condition can consist of itchy skin, red patches, and in severe cases, small blisters may form on the foot. If the infection is relatively mild, using a foot powder may relieve a portion of the symptoms. There are methods that can be taken which may help to prevent athlete’s foot. These can include washing and drying the feet regularly, and wearing appropriate shoes while in public swimming pools and surrounding areas. Additionally, it is beneficial to wear shoes and socks that are made of breathable materials. For severe infections, it is advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can prescribe medication that is needed for relief.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Rouder from S.I. Podiatry.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

There are many running shoes available on the market, and they can usually be classified into five different types of shoes: motion control, stability, cushioned, lightweight, and trail. Motion control running shoes are designed to reduce any excessive rolling in your gait while you run and provide extra shock absorption. These shoes are especially useful for someone with an overpronated gait. Stability running shoes are designed to stop excess motion in the foot and ankle. Cushioned running shoes absorb shock and help protect the feet. Lightweight running shoes are more flexible and can decrease pain and fatigue while running. Trail shoes are designed to help you run on rugged terrain. They are usually more durable and have a better grip than other types of running shoes. To find out which running shoes may be best for you, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist. 

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact Dr. Rouder from S.I. Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

• Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• There should be little to no slipping at the heel
• Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
• Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
• Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our our office located in Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

When there is any form of splitting, fissuring, or cracking of the skin around the heels, cracked heels may occur.  This often develops when the skin dries out resulting in loss of elasticity, and the heels become hard, dry, and flaky. Cracked heels that are ignored can get deeper and they can even bleed or get infected.  Common factors that lead to cracked heels include living in a dry climate, walking barefoot, obesity, and wearing shoes with an open back.  Moisturizing the heels and wearing shoes with more shock absorption is a simple step to reducing the risk of cracked heels.  Once the heels have begun to crack, a pumice stone can help clear up dead skin.  However, patients who are struggling with cracked heels should consult with a podiatrist if treatments are not effective since cracked heels can lead to more serious issues. 

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Rouder from S.I. Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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

Podiatrists can diagnose and treat a variety of conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and associated areas of the lower legs. Many podiatrists have a variety of specialties including, but not limited to, the treatment of diabetic foot conditions and wounds, sports medicine, pediatrics, ankle injuries, and bunion or hammertoe correction. To become a podiatrist, normally education starts with an undergraduate degree in biology, chemistry or physics, typically. To enter medical school, students must pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). After four years of medical school, they will graduate with a DPM (Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine) from an accredited college. Podiatrists must then complete a minimum of three years in a podiatric medicine and surgery residency (PMSR) program. These residencies are in hospitals or medical centers which provide the podiatrist with hands-on experience in medical and surgical treatments and procedures. Podiatrists can also embark on additional training in specific fellowship areas.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact Dr. Rouder from S.I. Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.