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Ellensburg
(509) 925-4633

April 2024

Tuesday, 30 April 2024 00:00

Avoiding Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Monitoring foot health is important for people with diabetes, as they are at a higher risk of developing foot ulcers due to reduced blood flow and nerve sensitivity in their feet. Daily foot inspections to check for cuts, blisters, or any unusual changes is an important prevention measure. It is also important to maintain good foot hygiene and wear well-fitted shoes that minimize pressure points. Regularly moisturize the feet, except between the toes, to help prevent dry skin and cracks that could potentially become infected. A foot doctor, or podiatrist, plays a key role in this preventative care. Podiatrists can conduct thorough foot exams during routine check-ups, provide professional nail care, and offer advice on appropriate footwear. They can also custom-fit diabetic shoes and prescribe orthotics to ensure even weight distribution, which reduces the risk of skin breakdown. Additionally, a podiatrist can help manage any corns, calluses, or minor wounds before they develop into serious complications. If you have diabetes and at a higher risk for developing foot ulcers, it is suggested that you add a podiatrist to your care team. 

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 podiatrists from Cascade Foot & Ankle. 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 offices located in Yakima and Ellensburg, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about How to Care for Diabetic Foot
Tuesday, 23 April 2024 00:00

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet. It's caused by various types of fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments. Athlete’s foot is commonly contracted in places such as locker rooms, swimming pools, and communal showers. When the feet are exposed to these fungi, they can easily penetrate the skin, leading to the development of athlete's foot. Factors such as wearing tight or poorly ventilated shoes, sweating excessively, or having a weakened immune system can increase the risk of developing athlete’s foot. Athlete’s foot is highly contagious and can spread through direct contact with infected skin or by sharing contaminated items like towels or shoes. Symptoms of athlete's foot include itching, redness, and peeling of the skin between the toes or on the soles of the feet. Podiatrists, or foot doctors, are well-equipped to diagnose and treat athlete's foot. They may offer treatments, such as antifungal medications and topical treatments to help patients find relief. If you suspect athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for prompt treatment. 

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Cascade Foot & Ankle.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

  • Hydrate your feet by using lotion
  • Exfoliate
  • Buff off nails
  • Use of anti-fungal products
  • Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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

Read more about How to Deal with Athlete's Foot
Tuesday, 16 April 2024 00:00

Ankle Arthritis

Ankle osteoarthritis, though less common than arthritis in the knees or hips, can still cause significant discomfort and impairment in affected individuals. This degenerative joint condition typically develops due to wear and tear over time, often as a result of previous injuries, such as ankle fractures or sprains, or conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Ankle osteoarthritis primarily affects older adults, although younger individuals with a history of joint trauma may also develop the condition. Conservative treatments for ankle osteoarthritis include lifestyle modifications, such as weight management and low-impact exercises, in addition to the use of supportive devices like braces or orthotics. Pain management techniques, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroid injections, may provide mild relief. In more severe cases, surgical interventions, such as ankle fusion or replacement may be considered to alleviate pain and improve function. If you have ankle arthritis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can help you manage this condition and guide you toward a treatment plan that is tailored for you.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Cascade Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

  • Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
  • Ankle sprains
  • Broken ankles
  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures
  • Bursitis
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

 

Read more about Various Causes of Ankle Pain
Wednesday, 10 April 2024 00:00

Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

Tuesday, 09 April 2024 00:00

The Importance of Practicing Foot Hygiene

Good foot hygiene is an important part of overall health and involves several key practices. Daily foot care should include washing your feet with soap and water to remove dirt and bacteria, and thoroughly drying them afterward to prevent fungal infections. Applying moisturizer can help keep the skin from becoming dry and cracked. Nails should be trimmed straight across and not too short to avoid ingrown toenails and infections. A daily inspection of your feet for any cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling can help to catch potential problems early, especially for those with diabetes or circulation issues. It is also important to keep your shoes clean on the inside and outside. Regular check-ups with a podiatrist, or foot doctor, enhance these daily practices by providing professional assessment and treatment of any foot issues. Podiatrists can offer advice tailored to your specific foot health needs and create plans to maintain overall foot wellness. To help support your foot health and overall quality of life, make an appointment with a podiatrist today. 

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Cascade Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

Read more about Every Day Foot Care

Properly fitting shoes help you maintain foot health and avoid a range of foot conditions, including bunions, calluses, and plantar fasciitis. To ensure that your shoes fit correctly, start by shopping in the late afternoon or evening, as feet tend to swell throughout the day. This will help you find a size that accommodates your feet when they are at their largest. Make sure to have both feet measured, as it is common for one foot to be slightly larger than the other. Choose the size that fits the larger foot comfortably. There should be about a thumb's width of space between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe to allow for movement and expansion as you walk. The shoe should fit snugly around the heel and midfoot, without being too tight. This will prevent slippage that could lead to blisters or calluses. Choose shoes with a wide toe box that allows your toes to spread naturally without constriction. Also, consider the shoe's material and arch support, especially if you have specific foot conditions or needs. Podiatrists can provide suggestions for the best shoes for your feet, especially if you are suffering from particular foot conditions. It is suggested that you discuss this topic with a podiatrist to reduce the risk of developing foot problems and enhance your overall foot comfort and health.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Cascade Foot & Ankle. Our doctors 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 Yakima and Ellensburg, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Proper Shoe Fitting
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