Items filtered by date: December 2024

Foot care is critical for individuals with diabetes, as high blood sugar levels can lead to nerve damage and poor circulation, increasing the risk of foot problems. Regular inspection of the feet is important to detect any cuts, blisters, or infections early. It is recommended to wash the feet daily with warm water and mild soap, ensuring they are thoroughly dried, especially between the toes. Moisturizing the feet can prevent dry skin, but individuals should avoid applying lotion between the toes to prevent fungal infections. Wearing proper footwear is essential to protect the feet from injury. Shoes should be well-fitted and cushioned to avoid pressure points. It is also important to trim toenails carefully to avoid ingrown nails. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help manage foot health and prevent complications associated with diabetes.

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 one of our podiatrists from Mt Rose Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors 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 office located in Reno, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Orthotics can play a vital role in managing foot challenges for individuals with cerebral palsy. While they do not prevent deformities, orthotics improve the foot’s contact with the ground, enhancing balance and stability. These devices can address alignment issues and provide essential support to the foot. By stabilizing the foot and correcting excessive pronation or supination, orthotics help distribute weight more evenly and improve overall posture. They enhance balance, reduce the likelihood of falls, and optimize foot function during walking. By promoting better weight-bearing and efficient movement, orthotics can make everyday activities safer and more comfortable. If you or a loved one with cerebral palsy could benefit from custom orthotics, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Mt Rose Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Reno, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Nighttime gout flares often cause intense pain, swelling, and redness in the feet, and can severely disrupt sleep. Gout is a form of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the joints, and it frequently affects the big toe due to its susceptibility to stress and lower temperatures. Nighttime gout attacks may be linked to factors such as dehydration, reduced body temperature, and lower cortisol levels during sleep. These painful episodes can make it difficult for patients to find relief without medical help. A podiatrist can assess symptoms, confirm a diagnosis, and recommend strategies to reduce the frequency and severity of gout flares. These may include lifestyle modifications such as changes in diet, preventative techniques like weight loss, and treatments to alleviate pain and inflammation in the affected joints. Proper management not only helps to protect the health of your feet and ankles but also improves sleep patterns. If you have nighttime flare-ups of gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for guidance in managing this painful condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Mt Rose Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors 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 office located in Reno, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Diabetic foot complications are common due to nerve damage, or neuropathy, and poor circulation, which make the feet vulnerable to injuries that may go unnoticed. Even small cuts or blisters can develop into serious ulcers, as high blood sugar levels delay wound healing and increase infection risk. For people with diabetes, regular foot checks are essential to catch injuries early. Wound care is a critical part of managing diabetic foot complications. It involves cleaning, debriding, or removing dead tissue, and protecting wounds to prevent infection and promote healing. In severe cases, advanced treatments like specialized dressings, antibiotics, and even hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be required. By addressing wounds promptly and properly, wound care reduces the risk of severe infections and amputations, making it a vital component in the comprehensive management of diabetic foot health. If you have diabetic-related foot problems, it is strongly suggested that you schedule regular appointments with a podiatrist for routine exams and expert care.

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 Mt Rose Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 our office located in Reno, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle pain can result from various causes, with tripping and muscle weakness being significant contributors. Tripping or rolling the ankle during activities like walking or running can lead to sprains or strains, causing pain, swelling, and bruising surrounding the ankle joint. Another key cause of ankle pain is muscle weakness, which can occur from lack of exercise or injury. Weak ankle muscles make it harder to stabilize the joint, increasing the risk of twisting or turning the ankle during daily movements. This instability can also lead to recurring ankle injuries. Symptoms of ankle pain often include localized tenderness, difficulty walking, stiffness, and swelling. If you have ankle pain for any reason, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Mt Rose Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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