A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore that develops on the foot of someone with diabetes. High blood sugar can damage nerves and reduce blood flow, making injuries harder to notice and take longer to heal. Symptoms  include redness, swelling, or an open wound. Some ulcers may cause little pain because diabetic neuropathy can reduce sensation. Early treatment is important because untreated ulcers can become infected and may lead to serious complications.

Common causes include repeated pressure, friction, minor injuries, and reduced sensation. Risk factors include diabetes, previous ulcers, and difficulty controlling blood sugar. A podiatrist may examine the ulcer, check circulation and sensation, and look for infection. Initial treatment may involve cleaning and dressing the wound, removing unhealthy tissue when appropriate, and reducing pressure. Treatment is tailored to the ulcer and the patient.

Offloading pressure is an important part of diabetic foot ulcer treatment. A total contact cast is a specialized cast that distributes pressure across the foot and lower leg while limiting weight-bearing stress on the ulcer. It can be especially useful for certain plantar ulcers when appropriate. Removable cast walkers are another option. They protect the foot while allowing the device to be removed for wound care and inspection. A podiatrist will determine which approach is safest, based on wound location and severity.

Regular follow-up helps monitor healing and reduce complications. A podiatrist may change dressings, reassess the wound, and recommend footwear that protects the foot after healing. Patients should also inspect their feet daily and avoid walking barefoot. Any new redness, drainage, or skin breakdown should receive prompt attention. If you have diabetes and have developed a foot ulcer, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious 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 Patrick Bruton, DPM from Big Country foot and Ankle. 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 contact our offices located in Abilene, and Brownwood, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot drop makes it difficult to lift the front of the foot and toes. It usually affects one foot and changes the way a person walks. The toes may drag along the ground, or the knee may rise higher than usual to clear the foot. Some patients also notice weakness, numbness, or tingling. Because the foot does not lift normally, a person may stumble on curbs, rugs, or uneven ground. Foot drop is not a disease itself. It is a sign of a problem affecting the nerves, muscles, or brain.

A frequent cause is damage or pressure on the nerve that controls the muscles used to lift the foot. This nerve can be affected by a sports injury, a slipped disc, or pressure from crossing the legs. Diabetes can also damage nerves and lead to foot drop. Less frequently, the problem is connected to a stroke, multiple sclerosis, or an inherited nerve disorder. A podiatrist can examine the foot and leg, test muscle strength, and watch how the patient walks. Imaging or nerve tests can identify the cause and guide treatment.

A podiatrist focuses on improving safety, supporting the foot, and addressing related foot problems. This foot doctor may recommend a custom brace that holds the foot in a better position while walking. An ankle-foot brace can reduce toe dragging and help the patient take a steadier step. Custom orthotics or shoe modifications can improve stability and distribute pressure more evenly. The podiatrist can also check for calluses, sores, or irritation caused by an altered walking pattern. Regular foot checks are especially important when numbness makes injuries harder to feel. Surgery may be considered when severe nerve or joint damage causes lasting movement problems. If you have symptoms of foot drop, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective management solutions.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Patrick Bruton, DPM from Big Country foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

Shoes that fit correctly can protect the feet. Poorly-fitting shoes can cause blisters, corns, and calluses. They can also create added pressure and contribute to pain in the heels or arches. Since foot size and shape can change with age, relying on an old measurement may lead to the wrong fit. Both feet should be measured while standing, preferably later in the day when swelling is more likely. Length, width, and arch length matter.

Shoe sizes vary between brands, so the number on the box may only be a guide. Shoes should fit the larger foot, because one foot is frequently bigger. Experts suggest leaving about half an inch between the longest toe and the front of the shoe. The toe box should be wide enough for the toes to move without rubbing or feeling squeezed. Walk around to check for heel slipping, pressure, or pinching. A suitable shoe should feel comfortable right away and bend near the ball of the foot, where the toes naturally bend. Laces or adjustable straps can help hold the foot securely.

When pain continues or a foot condition makes buying shoes difficult, a podiatrist can evaluate shoe fit. The examination includes checking foot shape, joint movement, and pressure points. A podiatrist can determine whether the shoe provides enough support for the patient’s activity and foot structure. Recommendations can address heel height, cushioning, and toe-box space. For patients with diabetes, nerve damage, or a history of sores, careful fitting is important because rubbing may go unnoticed. Custom orthotics can improve pressure distribution when standard shoe support is not enough. A podiatrist can recommend specialty shoes or modifications to accommodate a bunion, hammertoe, or difference in foot size. If you have foot pain that may be related to your shoes, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for relief tips, and helpful guidance on how to choose shoes that fit properly.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Patrick Bruton, DPM from Big Country foot and Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Abilene, and Brownwood, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Healthy feet support balance, movement, and everyday comfort. Simple foot exercises can help prevent foot or ankle pain while building strength and improving flexibility. They can also increase range of motion, which means how freely a joint moves. One useful exercise combines a toe raise, point, and curl. Sit with both feet flat on the floor and slowly raise your heels. Lower them, then point and gently curl your toes. These movements work different parts of the feet and toes. Move slowly, stay in control, and stop if you feel sharp pain.

Big-toe stretches and toe splays can improve movement and control. To stretch the big toe, rest one foot across the opposite thigh and gently move the toe in different directions. For toe splays, place your feet flat on the floor and spread your toes without straining. An Achilles stretch can support the heel and ankle. The Achilles tendon is the strong band that connects the calf muscles to the heel. To stretch it, face a wall with one foot behind you. Keep both heels down and lean forward until you feel a gentle stretch in the calf and heel. Each exercise should feel comfortable and steady.

Sand walking provides another way to strengthen the feet and calves. The uneven surface challenges foot muscles. Choose a clean, safe area, and check the sand for sharp objects before removing your shoes. Foot exercises should never cause new or increasing pain. A podiatrist can examine pain, weakness, or limited movement and determine what is causing the problem. This foot doctor can recommend exercises that match your foot structure, activity level, and symptoms. A podiatrist can also study your walking pattern and suggest shoes that provide proper support. If you have foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment that can include exercises.

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 Patrick Bruton, DPM from Big Country foot and Ankle. 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 Abilene, and Brownwood, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.