Diabetic foot ulcers are serious complications of diabetes, occurring due to poor circulation, nerve damage, and reduced immune function. High blood sugar levels can impair blood flow and sensation in the feet, leading to delayed wound healing and increased vulnerability to infections. Left untreated, diabetic foot ulcers can result in severe complications, including tissue damage, gangrene, and even limb amputation. Non-invasive treatment typically involves wound debridement, dressings, offloading pressure, and antibiotic therapy to promote healing and prevent infections. More invasive interventions may include surgical debridement, skin grafts, or in severe cases, amputation. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a comprehensive assessment, wound care, and education on preventive measures tailored to your specific situation.

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 Imaze Marian Davis, DPM from Marian Davis, DPM, PA. 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 Miami, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A podiatrist is a medical professional specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower extremities. These specialists undergo extensive training in podiatric medicine, encompassing various disciplines such as biomechanics, orthopedics, and surgery specific to the foot and ankle. People seek the expertise of podiatrists at different stages of life for several reasons. In childhood, podiatrists may be consulted for issues like flat feet, gait abnormalities, or congenital foot deformities. During adolescence and young adulthood, individuals might seek help for sports-related injuries, such as sprains, stress fractures, or ingrown toenails. In middle age and beyond, common concerns include conditions like arthritis, plantar fasciitis, or diabetic foot care. Additionally, seniors often rely on podiatrists for the management of age-related foot problems, such as bunions, corns, and calluses, as well as complications associated with circulatory issues or neuropathy. If you would like to ensure the health of your feet schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation. 

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Imaze Marian Davis, DPM from Marian Davis, DPM, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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

Selecting the appropriate footwear for physical activity is critical for support and protection. Knowing when to choose walking shoes versus running shoes depends on various factors, including foot mechanics, activity level, and personal comfort. Walking shoes are designed with a flexible sole, providing cushioning and support for the foot's natural rolling motion during each step. In contrast, running shoes feature additional cushioning in the heel and forefoot to absorb impact forces and support higher-intensity activities. Key distinctions between the two types of shoes include differences in shape, support, heel drop, and arch support. Also important to consider are flexibility and durability. If you are trying to determine the best shoe type for you, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can assess foot biomechanics, recommend appropriate shoe types, and provide custom orthotic devices to enhance comfort and prevent injuries during walking or running activities.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Imaze Marian Davis, DPM from Marian Davis, DPM, PA. Our doctors 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 Miami, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.