Items filtered by date: February 2022

Diabetes can often be accompanied by several serious foot ailments that can further threaten the health of those afflicted. For that reason, it’s a good idea for diabetic patients to develop a regular self-care regime to help protect their feet from developing ulcers, infections, and other painful conditions. First, it’s important to keep your feet clean and dry every day. Second, take time to inspect them for sores, cuts, bumps and bruises that might otherwise go unnoticed. Third, wear padded socks and shoes with non-slip soles. Also, keep your footwear clean and dry. Cracks in the skin, differences in foot temperature, pain, redness, swelling, tingling, or numbness may be signs of infections, nerve problems, or a decrease in blood flow. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is a good idea to make visits to a podiatrist a regular part of your health care routine.

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. Odin De Los Reyes from Connecticut. 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 Southbury and Farmington, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The sciatic nerve is the body’s largest nerve. It runs from the lower back to the knees before branching into other nerves that extend to the feet and toes. When this nerve becomes pressured or compressed, it causes a condition known as sciatica which can cause radiating or electric pain starting in the lower back down to the toes. There may even be feelings of tingling or numbness. The many possible causes of sciatica include a herniated disc, a narrowing of the spinal column due to age (spinal stenosis), bad posture, trauma, nerve disorders, muscular strain, being overweight, and vertebral misalignment. Sciatica usually affects people aged 40 and older. Those who work in awkward positions are believed to be more at risk of developing sciatica. If you believe you may have sciatica, it’s wise to contact a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis. Treatment to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve may include massage and/or physical therapy, stretching, medication, biomechanical adjustments with orthotics, or possibly even surgery, depending on the cause.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Odin De Los Reyes from Connecticut. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

While heel pain is predominantly caused by plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, flat feet, or by wearing shoes with inadequate cushioning, in rare cases it may be linked to a heel bone tumor. There are several types of heel bone tumors, which are mostly benign. Although some benign tumors in the heel bone are asymptomatic, there may be pain in the heel (which often occurs in the evening), and localized swelling in the ankle. Symptoms may also include heat and redness. Any type of heel pain should be assessed by a podiatrist as soon as possible. They will examine you and may perform an X-ray or other diagnostic imaging to make a proper diagnosis. Early detection and management are essential in yielding the best outcomes in the treatment of any type of heel pain, and particularly in the case of a heel bone tumor.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Odin De Los Reyes of Connecticut. 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 offices located in Southbury and Farmington, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Runners often sustain foot injuries that can range from stress fractures to sprained ankles. However, there are many ways to help prevent them. The best method to implement is to warm up and stretch the feet and legs before running and to include a regular cool-down routine afterward. Second, start at a modest pace and add time and distance gradually, so your feet and the rest of your body can accommodate the changes. Third, be sure to wear shoes that are specifically designed for running, as this can help to avoid heel, ankle, and toe injuries. If you sustain such an injury while running, it’s a good idea to stop the activity until you can determine the cause and severity. Pushing through the pain can make it worse. Wrap your foot and ice it. Keep it elevated. It is a good idea to make an appointment with a podiatrist as quickly as possible for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Odin De Los Reyes of Connecticut. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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