Puncture wounds in the feet may appear minor at first, but they require prompt professional attention because of the risk for serious complications. Puncture wounds are commonly caused by stepping on objects like nails, glass, or thorns, while barefoot or wearing flip-flops that allow penetration. The depth and location of the wound play a major role in determining possible damage, which may include harm to tendons, ligaments, or joints. Infections such as cellulitis or abscesses can develop, and in some cases, a bone infection known as osteomyelitis may occur. Symptoms might not always be immediate, as some patients notice worsening pain, swelling, or drainage days to weeks after the initial injury. A podiatrist can assess the wound thoroughly, order imaging to check for foreign bodies, and provide treatment that may include wound care, antibiotics, or surgery to prevent further complications. If you have a puncture foot wound, it is suggested that you make an immediate appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

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 Raul Hidalgo DPM from South Texas Foot & Ankle Care. 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 contact our office located in San Antonio, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Hammer, claw, and mallet toes are toe deformities that affect the joints and can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty in walking. A hammertoe bends at the middle joint, a mallet toe affects the joint closest to the tip, and a claw toe involves abnormal bending at both the middle and end joints, often pointing downward. These conditions may be caused by wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, muscle imbalances, arthritis, trauma, or a genetic predisposition. Symptoms include curled or bent toes, pain while wearing shoes, corns or calluses on the tops or tips of toes, in addition to redness, swelling, and restricted movement. The affected toes may appear misshapen and feel stiff or sore, especially during activity. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition with a physical exam and possibly X-rays to assess joint damage or misalignment. Treatment may involve changing footwear, using custom orthotics, toe exercises, or, in more severe cases, surgery to realign the joints. If you have any of the above ailments, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat these conditions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Raul Hidalgo DPM from South Texas Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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