How Diabetes Affects the Feet

Diabetes can significantly impact foot health, primarily through a condition known as diabetic neuropathy. This occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the nerves in the feet, leading to symptoms like numbness, tingling, and pain. In severe cases, diabetic patients might experience a loss of sensation, making it difficult to detect injuries or infections. Additionally, poor circulation can slow down healing, which increases the risk of ulcers and infections. Proper management of blood sugar levels is key to preventing these complications. Regular foot inspections, wearing proper footwear, and daily foot care can help mitigate the effects. Treatment often involves managing diabetes effectively, controlling pain with medications, and in some cases, foot exercises. To ensure optimal foot health and address any concerns, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for specialized care and preventive strategies tailored to your needs.
 

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 Dr. Castillo from Bronx Foot Care. 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 offices located in Bronx, NY Yonkers, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Is Gout Dangerous?

Gout is a form of arthritis triggered by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream, which crystallizes in the joints, leading to sudden and severe pain, redness, warmth, and difficulty moving the affected area. This condition often targets the big toe joint but can impact other joints in the feet as well. Although gout flare-ups may subside on their own over time, the condition can become chronic, with increasing frequency of flare-ups and potential permanent joint damage. Managing gout effectively involves early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and lifestyle adjustments. To alleviate symptoms and prevent future episodes, it is important to seek professional help. A podiatrist can provide expert advice, diagnosis, and a tailored treatment plan to manage gout and protect your foot health. For comprehensive care and guidance on managing gout, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Castillo from Bronx Foot Care. 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 offices located in Bronx, NY Yonkers, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Foot Exercises for Balance and Strength

Maintaining strong and balanced feet is essential for overall stability and mobility. One effective exercise is toe raises, which involves lifting your heels off the ground while standing on your toes to strengthen the calf muscles and improve balance. Another beneficial exercise is the toe and heel walk, where you walk on your toes for a few steps and then switch to walking on your heels. This helps enhance both strength and coordination. Foot doming is also useful. While sitting, try to create an arch in your foot by lifting the middle of the foot and keeping your toes and heel on the ground. Lastly, resistance band exercises like pulling the band with your toes while seated, can strengthen the foot’s intrinsic muscles. If you have sustained an injury due to weak foot muscles, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer the correct treatment options.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Castillo from Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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

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Definition and Risk Factors of Morton’s Neuroma

Morton’s neuroma, a painful condition affecting the foot, is caused by the thickening of nerve tissue usually between the third and fourth toes. This thickening leads to irritation and inflammation, which in turn causes discomfort and pain. The pain is typically felt in the ball of the foot and may radiate into the toes and is often described as a burning or sharp sensation. Risk factors include wearing tight, high-heeled shoes that compress the toes, engaging in high-impact sports, and having foot deformities like bunions or flat feet. Women are more frequently affected, due to footwear choices. If you have pain in the ball of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Castillo of Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

  • Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
  • Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
  • Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

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Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

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