Caring for diabetic feet is vital to prevent complications and maintain mobility. Pressure redistribution through supportive footwear and custom inserts helps reduce strain on sensitive areas. If a foot ulcer develops, proper cleaning and dressing are important steps, and antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection. Making regular podiatry appointments ensures early detection and treatment of issues before they become severe. A podiatrist can guide you in selecting the right shoes, provide wound care, and monitor circulation and nerve health to protect your feet long-term. If you are living with diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious 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 one of our doctors from Andrea Hyperbaric Wound Care & Health Center. Our doctors 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 Astoria, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fibromatosis is a condition where benign fibrous nodules develop within the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot. These growths can cause discomfort, pain when walking, or difficulty fitting into shoes. Symptoms often include firm lumps in the arch of the foot that may slowly increase in size. Causes are not fully understood but may involve genetic factors, repetitive stress, or injury. Risk factors include middle age, male gender, and a family history of the condition. A podiatrist can provide treatments, such as orthotics, or, in severe cases, surgical options. If you notice painful lumps in your foot arch, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and offer relief and treatment solutions. 

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our doctors of Andrea Hyperbaric Wound Care & Health Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

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

When the nerves in the feet lose sensation or do not send signals properly, the risk of injury increases. Cuts, blisters, or sores may go unnoticed and can become infected before they are detected. Reduced awareness of temperature can lead to burns from hot surfaces, or frostbite in cold conditions. Balance may be affected, making falls more likely. Over time, untreated injuries and infections can progress to serious tissue damage, sometimes requiring surgical intervention. Chronic pain from nerve damage can also interfere with daily activities, sleep, and overall quality of life. In people with diabetes, these complications are especially concerning, as slower healing can lead to further medical issues. Regular foot checks, wearing protective footwear, and prompt attention to any changes are essential steps in prevention. If you have symptoms of nerve damage, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a thorough evaluation and guided advice.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our doctors from Andrea Hyperbaric Wound Care & Health Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

As people age, nails often become thicker, more brittle, and harder to trim. Limited flexibility, vision changes, and certain health conditions can make nail care difficult and increase the risk of problems such as ingrown toenails, fungal infections, or painful pressure spots. Podiatrists provide safe and effective nail care, ensuring nails are trimmed properly to reduce discomfort and prevent complications. They can also detect early signs of other foot issues, including skin changes, circulation problems, and pressure-related sores. Beyond nail care, podiatrists help older adults maintain mobility through regular foot evaluations, treatment of corns and calluses, and advice on proper footwear. Ongoing professional care can improve comfort, lower the risk of infection, and support independence. If you or a loved one has difficulty in managing toenail care or notices changes in foot health, it is suggested that you seek help from a podiatrist for expert guidance.

If you need your feet checked, contact one of our doctors of Andrea Hyperbaric Wound Care & Health Center. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

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