Items filtered by date: November 2013

About 9% of patients with diabetic neuropathy have had Charcot foot. Charcot foot is a degenerative condition that affects the joints in the feet. Charcot can occur in type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients. Early diagnosis and treatment are imperative to minimize morbidity and further complications.

Charcot foot goes hand in hand with diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic patients with neuropathy are at risk of developing Charcot foot because of the lack of sensation in the foot and lower extremity. Neuropathic patients often walk on an injured foot, and they may damage or cause breaks in the bones of the foot, due to decreased sensation and weak bone structure. Over time the joints collapse, or change shape, and eventually the foot may have a rocker bottom appearance. Some patients have a traumatic event; such as a trip or fall occur prior to the onset of Charcot foot, while others do not. The acute onset of Charcot presents with warmth, redness, and swelling, and may progress to a collapsed, deformed foot. When diagnosis is made, then immobilization with a cast or boot will help stabilize the foot, and allow healing. Depending on the severity, surgery is another option. Charcot foot may require months of immobilization for proper healing to occur. Many patients with Charcot do not present with pain, and this sometimes leads to a delayed or incorrect diagnosis. Some cases have a severe deformity before diagnosis is made.

Charcot foot can be devastating, but there are a few steps to prevent Charcot foot from occurring or recurring. One of the most important steps for diabetics is to keep tight control on blood glucose levels. Compliance with diabetic medications is very helpful in preventing neuropathy, which in turn could prevent Charcot foot. If neuropathy has already begun, speak to your podiatrist about treatment options. Doing daily foot examinations is something every diabetic should get in the habit of doing, and it is a good idea to contact a podiatrist if there are any changes in color, shape, or temperature, as well as any open wounds or calluses on the foot.

Please visit www.ColumbusFoot.com for more tips for healthier and happier feet or call 614-885-3338 (FEET) to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus Podiatry & Surgery is located on the North side of Columbus, Ohio near Worthington.

Columbus Podiatry & Surgery has opened a new location in Gahanna, near Easton. Please call 614-476-3338 (FEET) for an appointment with a podiatrist in Gahanna, OH today.

For most people, November is the time of year to begin preparing for the holiday season, but November is also National Diabetes Month. In the United States alone, 25.8 million children and adults have diabetes. This makes up about 8.3% of the population, and is projected to reach 21% by the year 2050. There are millions of Americans with undiagnosed diabetes.

Diabetes can affect the entire body, including the foot and ankle. Neuropathy is one of the most common complaints of diabetic patients. Neuropathy results in damage to nerves, specifically the peripheral nerves, or nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. Peripheral Neuropathy causes a burning or tingling sensation usually on the feet and legs, or on the arms. This damage to the nerves is caused by excess blood glucose, or high blood sugar. Over time excess glucose injures the walls of blood vessels that supply the nerves. As neuropathy worsens, the ability to feel the lower extremity becomes diminished, which makes diabetics more prone to injuries that go unnoticed. Neuropathy is the leading cause of diabetic foot ulcers. Diabetic foot ulcers are caused from a combination of neuropathy, trauma, and deformity. Deformities such as hammertoes, equinus (limited upward bending of the ankle), or bunions in diabetic patients are more problematic than in non-diabetic patients because of the other complications that come with diabetes. If diabetic foot ulcers are left untreated they may end up getting infected, and even result in amputation. Diabetic patients often have decreased circulation in the extremities due to hardening of the arteries or vessels, and this may slow healing time, which is why it’s vital for diabetic patients to take extra precautions when it comes to caring for their feet.

Although diabetes is a life altering disease keeping a tight control on blood glucose levels can minimize complications. Other ways to protect the feet in individuals with diabetes are by wearing special shoes made for diabetics, examining the feet daily, washing the feet and making sure to dry them completely, avoiding smoking, wearing clean, dry socks that are changed daily, and never walking barefoot. Management of diabetes is the key to preventing complications, and for those that do not have diabetes the key to prevention is exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating a well balanced diet.

Please visit www.ColumbusFoot.com for more tips for healthier and happier feet or call 614-885-3338 (FEET) to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus Podiatry & Surgery is located on the North side of Columbus, Ohio near Worthington.

Columbus Podiatry & Surgery has opened a new location in Gahanna, near Easton. Please call 614-476-3338 (FEET) for an appointment with a podiatrist in Gahanna, OH today.

Fungal infections affect over half of Americans by the age of 70. Athlete’s foot is the most common fungal infection that infects the skin between the toes and on the soles of the feet, and despite the name, athletes are not the only ones at risk. This type of foot fungus is also known as tinea pedis, or ringworm of the feet. The fungus that causes this infection is in the genus Trichophyton, and requires a warm, moist environment to survive. The most common places for the fungus to grow are on the dead tissue of hair, toenails, and outer skin layers. The fungus may also spread to the groin, toenails, legs, hands, fingernails, and cause secondary bacterial infections.

Walking barefoot in an infected area, such as a public pool, or locker room, often causes athlete’s foot. Even using an infected towel could lead to a fungal infection. The most common symptoms of athlete’s foot are peeling, cracking, and scaling of the feet, redness, blisters, and itching. If the infection spreads to the nails, then the nail bed becomes thick and discolored. When the toenails become infected, this is known as Onychomycosis. If Onychomycosis is left untreated, then it may lead to permanent damage to the nails, or other major infections, especially in those with diabetes, HIV, or leukemia. Treatment for fungal infections is dependent upon the severity. In less severe cases a topical anti-fungal is often used, but in some cases an oral anti-fungal is required.

Here are some tips to prevent fungal infections:

• Do not walk barefoot in public places
• Keep your feet as dry as possible
• Do not share shoes with others
• Wear shoes and socks that allow your feet to breathe (cotton socks are great)
• Use a foot powder after showering
• Wear shower sandals in public showers
• Disinfect old shoes
• Bring your own nail tools to the salon

If you end up with athlete’s foot, contact your podiatrist because treating early and with the right medication will prevent complications and recurrence.

Please visit www.ColumbusFoot.com for more tips for healthier and happier feet or call 614-885-3338 (FEET) to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus Podiatry & Surgery is located on the North side of Columbus, Ohio near Worthington.

Columbus Podiatry & Surgery has opened a new location in Gahanna, near Easton. Please call 614-476-3338 (FEET) for an appointment with a podiatrist in Gahanna, OH today.