Diabetic foot disease, or DFD, is a serious complication of diabetes that significantly impacts quality of life. Its prevalence has increased due to predisposing factors such as prolonged high blood sugar levels, poor circulation, and impaired immune function. These factors heighten the risk of infections, slow wound healing, and contribute to conditions like diabetic neuropathy, which reduces sensation in the feet. This loss of feeling can lead to unnoticed injuries that develop into diabetic foot ulcers, a common precursor to lower limb amputations. Without proper care, these ulcers can become severely infected, making amputation necessary to prevent life-threatening complications. Podiatrists play a critical role in managing diabetic foot wounds, utilizing advanced treatments such as debridement, specialized dressings, and offloading devices to promote healing and prevent recurrence. If you have diabetes,it is suggested that you schedule regular podiatric appointments to reduce the risks associated with diabetic foot disease.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Matthew McQuaid, DPM from Lake Mendocino Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

Stress fractures in the feet and ankles are tiny cracks in the bones, usually caused by repetitive force or overuse. While common among athletes, especially runners, dancers, and gymnasts, stress fractures can also impact non-athletes. Factors like sudden increases in activity, improper footwear, or even conditions like osteoporosis can weaken bones, making them more prone to these micro-injuries. Symptoms of a stress fracture include localized pain, tenderness, and sometimes swelling. Pain often intensifies with activity and improves with rest but can become persistent if left untreated. Treatment generally involves rest and limiting weight-bearing activities. For severe fractures, a boot or crutches may be necessary to allow healing. Customized orthotics can help prevent re-injury. If you have sustained a foot or ankle stress fracture, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Matthew McQuaid, DPM from Lake Mendocino Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

Swollen feet and ankles are a common issue among the elderly and can result from various underlying causes. One common factor is poor circulation, which becomes more prevalent with age, leading to fluid retention in the lower extremities. Conditions such as heart failure or kidney disease can also contribute to swelling, as these organs may struggle to properly regulate fluid balance in the body. Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, can cause joint inflammation and fluid buildup, leading to discomfort and swelling in the feet and ankles. Medications, such as those used for high blood pressure or diabetes, may also have swelling as a side effect. Additionally, prolonged sitting or standing, especially during travel or sedentary activities, can cause the feet and ankles to swell. If you are elderly and are experiencing swollen feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips.  

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Matthew McQuaid, DPM of Lake Mendocino Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Lakeport and Ukiah, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.