Many people who have diabetes also struggle with secondary conditions that affect the lower limbs, feet, and toes. Among these are nerve damage, circulation problems, and infections. Nerve damage is the result of long-term high blood sugar levels, which leave the patient with numbness in the feet. This neuropathy can open the door to cuts or sores that cannot be felt and therefore go untreated. It can also cause damage to the bones and joints of the legs and feet. Blocked arteries are also caused by high blood sugar levels, making it more difficult for blood to reach the toes and feet. This makes it difficult for sores and cuts to heal properly, and they can develop into skin ulcers. If not dealt with promptly, ulcers can ultimately lead to developing gangrene. High blood sugar also can put the diabetic at more risk of infection. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options to care for your feet. 

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. Yeon A. Shim from Roselle Podiatry Group. 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 office located in Roselle, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

As with adults, if a baby’s nails are trimmed too short or left to grow too long, or if their shoes or socks are too tight, they can develop an ingrown toenail. An ingrown toenail is a nail that presses or grows into the skin on the corner or side of the toenail. While this can happen on any toe, it is most common on the big toe. An ingrown toenail can be red, swollen, and painful. If not promptly treated, an infection can result. It may help to soak the child’s foot in warm, soapy water a few times a day and have them wear looser-fitting shoes outdoors or go barefoot indoors. However, it is suggested that if you notice signs of an ingrown toenail in your child, you should not try to pry their nail away from the skin, but see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Yeon A. Shim of Roselle Podiatry Group. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

Few people know that the name of the foot measuring device in most shoe stores and departments is called the Brannock device. It was invented in 1925 by Charles Brannock, who worked in a shoe store and discovered that determining customers' proper shoe size was difficult. The Ritz Stick was its predecessor, which was simply a fancy wooden ruler that measured the length of the feet and then had to be repositioned to measure the width. Brannock’s goal was to develop a device to measure both the length and width of the foot at the same time, hence the Brannock device. This device changed the course of history and helped scores of people determine their correct shoe size. Since then, more high-tech ways of measuring the feet are available in some shoe stores, such as scanners in athletic shoe stores. Not wearing properly fitted shoes can result in a host of foot problems. Measuring both feet is critical before buying new shoes and beyond that, making sure they are comfortable from the get-go is important. If you need help determining your correct shoe size, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist for assistance.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Yeon A. Shim from Roselle Podiatry Group. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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