Nutrition plays a critical role in foot wound healing, enhancing the body's natural repair processes. Typical treatments for foot wounds include cleaning, dressing, and managing infection. However, without adequate nutrition, these methods may fall short. Deficiencies in key nutrients such as vitamin C, zinc, and protein can impair healing. Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, zinc supports cell growth and repair, and protein is vital for tissue regeneration. Additionally, nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants can have therapeutic effects, reducing inflammation and promoting faster recovery. If you suffer from foot wounds, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can assess nutritional status, recommend dietary adjustments, and provide supplements if necessary.

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 Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Media, Glen Mills, Riddle Memorial Hospital, and Concordville, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Finding the right shoes for your child can be a real challenge, especially with their feet constantly growing and changing. To ensure a proper fit, start by checking for wiggle room at the front of the shoe. Aim for about half an inch between the tip of your child’s longest toe and the end of the shoe to allow for comfortable toe movement. Next, focus on the width by examining the widest part of the foot, making sure there’s no bulging or squeezing of the pinky toe, which indicates the shoe is too narrow. Finally, assess the heel fit by sliding your finger between the back of the shoe around your child’s heel. If you can fit more than one or two fingers, the shoe may be too wide. Properly fitting shoes are important for your child’s comfort and foot health. For more information about how to find the right shoes for your child, it is suggested you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Media, Glen Mills, Riddle Memorial Hospital, and Concordville, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cycling, a favored sport and mode of transportation for many, can sometimes lead to a perplexing phenomenon consisting of numb feet. As cyclists pedal, the prolonged pressure on the feet and repetitive motion can compress nerves and restrict blood flow, causing a tingling or numb sensation. This occurrence often stems from improper bike fit, where shoes may be too tight or pedals not adjusted correctly, leading to undue pressure on specific areas of the foot. Additionally, colder temperatures further constrict blood vessels. To reduce chances of numbness, cyclists should ensure their shoes fit comfortably and allow for adequate circulation. Making periodic adjustments during rides, such as changing foot position, adjusting pedals, or taking short breaks to stretch, can also help alleviate symptoms. If you notice that your feet have become numb while cycling, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can remedy this condition and guide you on effective prevention techniques.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Media, Glen Mills, Riddle Memorial Hospital, and Concordville, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Selecting the right exercise shoes is particularly important for seniors to ensure safety, comfort, and effectiveness during physical activity. Seniors should consider several factors when choosing footwear, such as the type of exercise they plan to do and the level of support required. The wear pattern on current shoes, foot shape, and arch support needs must also be weighed. High-impact activities such as running often call for shoes with more support, while activities like walking may require less. Analyzing the wear on old shoes can provide insights into your gait and help guide your choice. Foot shape and arch support are critical, as some feet have high arches, others are flat, and many fall inward or outward when standing. Exercise shoes should feel comfortable during extended wear and be aesthetically pleasing to encourage regular use. A podiatrist can assess your foot type, gait, and specific needs, in order to recommend the most suitable footwear to prevent injuries and enhance exercise performance. If you are looking for the right exercise shoes, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for guidance on options that are best for you to consider.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Media, Glen Mills, Riddle Memorial Hospital, and Concordville, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Unlike osteoarthritis in other joints, ankle arthritis typically develops following a previous ankle injury, often years or even decades later, with about 95 percent of cases attributed to past traumas. Excess weight and repetitive high-impact stress further can affect osteoarthritis of the ankle, highlighting the importance of lifestyle modifications and weight management strategies. Ankle cartilage, being half the thickness of knee cartilage, is more susceptible to forces, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis development. Additionally, individuals diagnosed with ankle osteoarthritis are typically younger than those diagnosed with the same condition in other joints. Further, it may progress more rapidly to end-stage disease, potentially affecting other joints as they compensate for ankle instability. Diagnosis often requires advanced imaging techniques, such as MRI scans to accurately assess ligament and cartilage damage. Relief techniques can include low-impact exercise, weight management, supportive footwear, and medications. In severe cases, surgery may be considered. If you are experiencing persistent ankle pain or have a history of ankle injuries, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment options. 

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Media, Glen Mills, Riddle Memorial Hospital, and Concordville, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.