Items filtered by date: December 2024

Caring for diabetic feet is essential to avoid complications like infections or ulcers. Begin by inspecting your feet daily for cuts, blisters, or changes in color, especially if you have reduced sensation due to neuropathy. Wash your feet with warm water and mild soap, ensuring thorough drying, particularly between toes. Moisturize to prevent cracking, but avoid applying lotion between the toes to minimize infection risk. Wear well-fitting, protective shoes and socks designed for diabetic patients to reduce pressure and prevent injuries. Trim toenails straight across to avoid ingrown nails. Control blood sugar levels to enhance circulation and promote healing. Avoid walking barefoot, even at home, to prevent unnoticed injuries. If you have diabetes and foot issues arise or are in need of  preventive guidance, it is suggested that you schedule regular check-ups with a podiatrist. This foot specialist can assess your foot health, offer personalized advice, and help you maintain optimal care.

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 Michael Tomey, DPM from Cary Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 Cary, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pickleball’s fast-paced nature and quick movements place significant physical demands on your body, making post-game recovery essential. After playing, a proper cool-down routine helps prevent stiffness and soreness. Light stretches targeting your calves, hamstrings, and ankles can improve flexibility and reduce muscle tension. A short, easy walk also aids circulation, helping your body recover more efficiently. Staying hydrated is critical, as sweating during gameplay can lead to fluid loss that affects muscle function and recovery. Allow your body time to rest, giving overworked muscles a chance to repair and rebuild. Persistent foot or ankle pain should never be ignored. If you are experiencing this, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist and address any foot or ankle injuries promptly.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Michael Tomey, DPM from Cary Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 office located in Cary, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A broken foot can cause pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. The symptoms often worsen with movement or pressure on the affected foot. There are different types of fractures that can occur in the foot. A metatarsal shaft fracture involves a break along the length of one of the five long bones in the foot. A proximal 5th metatarsal fracture affects the base of the bone on the outer side of the foot, often resulting from twisting or rolling the ankle. A 5th metatarsal tuberosity avulsion occurs when a small piece of bone is pulled away by a tendon or ligament, typically from sudden force. Additionally, a Jones fracture, which involves a break at the base of the 5th metatarsal, can be more difficult to treat due to poor blood supply. If you have broken your foot, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can determine the type of fracture it is, and guide you toward effective treatment strategies.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Michael Tomey, DPM from Cary Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

Heel pain often stems from two conditions, which are heel spurs and plantar fasciitis. A heel spur is a bony growth that forms on the underside of the heel bone, often as a result of long-term pressure or inflammation. This growth can cause sharp pain, especially during walking or standing. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel to the toes. It typically causes pain in the heel and arch, particularly in the morning or after long periods of rest. While both conditions can cause heel pain, they differ in their underlying causes and treatment approaches. Proper diagnosis and targeted treatment can help manage pain and improve mobility for people suffering from either condition. If you are experiencing heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and treat it accordingly.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Michael Tomey, DPM of Cary Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

When choosing between walking and running shoes, there are distinct differences in design to suit each activity. Running shoes typically have more cushioning to absorb the higher impact forces from running. This extra padding helps reduce stress on joints and muscles during long strides and faster movements. Conversely, walking shoes offer less cushioning but more flexibility, as walking involves a smooth, rolling motion with less impact. Another key difference is the heel flare and height. Running shoes often have a higher heel height for better shock absorption, while walking shoes have a more balanced heel that promotes stability. Flexibility is also critical, as running shoes need to be more rigid to support speed and quick changes in direction. Walking shoes are generally more flexible allowing a natural foot movement with each step. If you have injured your foot or ankle from wearing the wrong shoes for your desired activity, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer treatment tips, and guide you on appropriate shoe choice.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Michael Tomey, DPM from Cary Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

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