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Patients who have diabetes may experience a variety of foot related complications, and in severe cases those complications can lead to amputation. Because diabetes can cause patients to lose sensation in their feet, noticing problems can become very difficult. Diabetes can cause poor blood flow, a slowdown of healing in wounds on the feet, and an increased numbness of the feet and toes. This is why establishing a foot-care action plan with a podiatrist, as well as scheduling regular checkups is suggested. Some things that can be implemented daily include checking for wounds or sores, washing and drying the feet thoroughly, and protecting the feet with properly fitting footwear. A podiatrist will also be able to help treat wounds on the feet, as well as provide guidance on shoes specifically designed for diabetic patients.  

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. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania. 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 Lansdowne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a type of arthritis that typically attacks the foot, ankle and knee, causing swelling, redness, and pain. It is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the body. Flare-ups can last three to 10 days before they subside, only to recur sometimes months or years later. The most common symptom of acute gout is extreme pain, especially in the big toe. Medical treatment, along with a number of lifestyle and dietary changes, can help reduce the frequency and severity of gout attacks. If you experience sudden pain and swelling in the big toe or ankle, please consult a podiatrist as soon as possible. When caught and treated early, people with gout can live a relatively normal life.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

A broken ankle may require surgery if the ankle is unstable and the bone that is broken is displaced. During the procedure, the surgeon realigns the affected bones and fixes them in the proper position using a fixation device, such as a screw, steel pins, or stabilizing rods. Recovery from this surgery can take up to 12 weeks and requires wearing a cast or boot. While not everyone is a good candidate for surgery, leaving a fractured ankle untreated can lead to ankle arthritis and pain. If you have broken your ankle, please consult with a podiatrist to find the right treatment for you. 

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

If you are experiencing numbness, tingling, and an inability to feel temperature changes in your feet and toes, you may have a condition known as peripheral neuropathy. It is typically caused by damage to the motor, sensory, and autonomic nerves. Luckily, a number of home treatments can reduce symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. Among them are taking Vitamins B and D, increasing exercise, and taking a warm bath. Keeping blood sugar within a normal range also may prevent neuropathy from worsening. While these remedies may be helpful, it is suggested to consult with a podiatrist for further treatment methods.   

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 Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania. Our doctor 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 Lansdowne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.