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A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore that develops due to nerve damage, poor circulation, and pressure on the feet in people with diabetes. The process often begins with a normal foot that appears healthy, but may already have reduced sensation. An at-risk foot shows changes like numbness, dry skin, or calluses that increase the chance of skin breakdown. A foot with an ulcer has an open wound that may be slow to heal and can worsen without proper care. An infected foot develops redness, swelling, drainage, and increased pain, raising the risk of serious complications. A podiatrist plays a critical role in identifying each stage early, providing wound care, reducing pressure, and preventing infection. If you have diabetes, it is suggested that you schedule regular visits with a podiatrist to protect your feet, prevent ulcers, and help you in managing his 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 Dr. Gordon Fosdick from Affiliated Foot Care Center. 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 Middlefield and Wallingford, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet and thrives in warm moist environments. One type of athlete's foot is interdigital athlete’s foot, which develops between the toes causing redness, itching, peeling skin and burning discomfort. Moccasin-type athlete’s foot involves the soles and sides of the feet leading to dry thickened cracked skin that can spread slowly. Vesicular athlete’s foot has fluid-filled blisters often accompanied by intense itching and inflammation. Additionally, ulcerative athlete’s foot is the most severe form and may cause open sores, swelling, pain and secondary bacterial infection. A podiatrist can properly diagnose the specific type and provide targeted treatment. Included are prescription antifungal medication, skin care guidance, and preventive strategies. If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can make a proper diagnosis and provide treatment.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Dr. Gordon Fosdick from Affiliated Foot Care Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

The shoes worn for running play a large role in how the feet handle repeated force. Because every step places pressure through the heels, arches, and toes, cushioned running shoes can help absorb shock and protect the joints. When shoes lack adequate support, the arches can collapse or roll inward, which may lead to heel pain, shin pain, or irritation of the Achilles tendon. A well-built running shoe keeps the foot aligned, improves ankle stability, and lessens stress on the bones during long distances. People with flat feet, high arches, or neutral arches often benefit from different shoe designs that match their structure. A podiatrist can examine the feet, assess gait, and recommend shoe features that reduce injury risk and keep runners active. If you are experiencing foot pain from running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Gordon Fosdick of Affiliated Foot Care Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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

The biomechanics of the foot describe how the foot moves and absorbs force with each step. When the foot lands, it must support the body’s weight, adapt to the ground, and push off smoothly for the next step. This process relies on many small bones working together with muscles, ligaments, and tendons to create balance and stability. If any part of this system is not functioning properly, it can lead to pain, poor alignment, or strain in the ankles, knees, hips, or lower back. A podiatrist can evaluate your gait, identify imbalances, and recommend treatments or custom orthotics that improve how your foot moves. If you have foot pain or are noticing changes in the way you walk, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Gordon Fosdick from Affiliated Foot Care Center. 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 Middlefield and Wallingford, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.