March 2023

Practicing good foot care in diabetic patients is crucial in preventing infections from occurring. Diabetes happens as a result of elevated blood sugar levels, and it often affects the feet. It is important to maintain a proper foot care routine, which can be significant in preventing unwanted foot conditions from developing. This can consist of washing and drying the feet daily, followed by inspecting the soles by using a mirror. It can be useful in noticing existing cuts, bruises, or scrapes that have developed, in addition to noticing any skin color changes. It is beneficial to prop the feet up frequently during the day, which may help to improve circulation. Wearing shoes that fit correctly, and refraining from walking barefoot, may aid in protecting diabetic feet. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

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. Glen Robison from AZ Foot & Ankle. 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 offices located in Mesa and Globe, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Poor circulation of the feet can occur when an inadequate amount of blood flows to the feet and lower leg area of the body. As a result of poor circulation in the feet, an individual might experience any number of different symptoms. For example, a patient could potentially experience discoloration and sensations of numbness or tingling. Sometimes, it could be possible to experience pain from poor circulation in the feet. If an individual experiences pain or cramping from poor circulation, they should seek out immediate medical attention from a trusted medical professional. Pain in the feet from poor circulation could potentially be a symptom of diabetes. If you are someone that struggles with poor circulation in the feet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist as soon as possible. 

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Dr. Glen Robison of AZ Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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

The reasons behind toe pain can consist of having nerve damage or enduring an injury. It may also happen from a joint deformity, such as hammertoe, and may reduce the ability to walk and stand comfortably. Many people have arthritis, and the toe joints may become inflamed, often causing severe toe pain. Additionally, gout is another form of arthritis and happens when excess uric acid in the blood converts to crystals that form in the joints of the big toe. This condition can develop from genetic reasons, or from eating foods that have large amounts of purines. A source of pain can be a bunion, which is defined as a bony protrusion that forms on the side of the big toe. This generally occurs from wearing shoes that do not have ample room for the toes to move freely in. Severe bunions may cause the other toes to shift together, and it may be uncomfortable while wearing shoes. If you have pain in your toes for any reason, it is strongly suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can offer you a proper diagnosis and correct treatment options.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Glen Robison of AZ Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Mesa and Globe, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat 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. Glen Robison from AZ Foot & Ankle. 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 offices located in Mesa and Globe, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.