Last updated 6 days ago
People with diabetes are at an increased risk of a range of health complications, including foot problems. Diabetes can interfere with the blood circulation in the legs, which slows down the healing process. Peripheral neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes, makes you less likely to feel a cut or other injury. This can lead to infections, and in severe cases, possible amputation.
To learn more about taking care of your feet, watch this video. You’ll learn about the recommended types of socks that diabetics should wear and get helpful tips to help prevent foot injuries.
If you’re diabetic, a podiatrist should be part of your medical care team. Schedule an appointment with Village Podiatry Centers today at (678) 894-7535, or visit our website to learn more.
Last updated 7 days ago
High heels might be the perfect accent to your favorite wardrobe, but have you considered the damage they could be doing to your feet? Foot doctors often treat those with foot pain due to wearing high heels excessively. Here’s a look at some of the foot problems your podiatrist might diagnose if you often wear high heels:
Hammertoe
High heels force your feet into an unnatural position. Your toes are jammed against the front of the shoe, which bends them. Over time, hammertoe can develop, which refers to a bend in the toe’s middle joint. If you’re diagnosed with hammertoe, your podiatrist will likely recommend wearing more suitable shoes and using custom orthotic devices. In severe cases, surgery might be required to release the tendon and remove part of the bone.
Metatarsalgia
When you wear high heels, the weight is shifted to the front of your feet, which significantly increases the pressure and strain exerted on those areas. Metatarsalgia refers to joint pain in the front of the foot. Your podiatrist will likely recommend rest and ice therapy, along with stretching exercises and orthotic inserts. You’ll also likely need physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgery.
Stress Fracture
Stress fractures are common in athletes, but they can also occur in women who wear high heels frequently. Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bone that occur when the muscle is no longer capable of absorbing shock. Stress fractures are considered a repetitive movement injury. For stress fractures, podiatrists emphasize the importance of rest to avoid a more serious injury. You’ll also need to wear more sensible shoes and you may require a brace.
If you experience foot pain, work with a podiatrist to get on the path to better health. Schedule an appointment with a foot doctor at Village Podiatry Centers today by calling (678) 894-7535. We offer 35 convenient locations for residents of central and northern Georgia.
Last updated 13 days ago
If your podiatrist recommends hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO), you’ll be placed in a pressurized room so that you can breathe pure oxygen. The air pressure will be no more than three times higher than normal, allowing your body to take in more oxygen. When this occurs, your body is more able to heal. HBO is helpful for diabetics who suffer from foot injuries and other wounds, because poor blood circulation significantly delays the natural healing process. By using this type of therapy, diabetics are more likely to heal and less likely to require more invasive treatments, such as amputation of the foot due to infection.
If you’re a diabetic, it’s particularly important to pay careful attention to the health of your feet. You might not notice injuries right away if you have nerve damage, which is why a trip to the podiatrist is essential. Make an appointment with a foot doctor at Village Podiatry Centers by calling (678) 894-7535. We offer hyperbaric oxygen therapy and other specialized healing treatments.
Last updated 14 days ago
While most parents rush their children to the doctor at the first sign of a respiratory infection, some parents might not think to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for medical issues involving the feet. Because a child’s feet are still developing, they can be particularly prone to problems. If your child experiences any of the following issues, bring him or her to see a podiatrist:
Recurring Pain
“Growing pains” have long been used to explain away mysterious aches and pains, but in actuality, growing pains don’t exist. Persistent foot pain is not normal, and it could indicate a more serious problem. If you notice that your child is walking abnormally, favoring a foot, or otherwise indicating pain, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. Foot pain can be caused by juvenile bunions and flat feet. It could also be caused by plantar warts, which often grow on the bottom of the foot and are quite common in children.
Unexplained Swelling
If you notice that your child’s foot is swollen, bring him or her to a podiatrist. Swelling could indicate calcaneal apophysitis, or Sever’s disease, which often affects kids between the ages of eight and 14. It is caused by repetitive stress on the back of the heel, leading to inflammation and pain. A podiatrist might recommend custom orthotic devices and physical therapy, and possibly immobilization for severe cases. A child’s swollen foot might also be caused by an infection resulting from an ingrown toenail.
Deformity
Foot deformities such as clubfoot are typically seen at birth and must be treated right away. With clubfoot, the child’s foot is twisted away from the ankle at a sharp angle, and can cause problems when the child begins to walk. To treat clubfoot, a podiatrist might recommend stretching, taping, or casting.
The podiatrists of Village Podiatry Centers in Georgia have a wealth of experience in treating the foot problems of children. Schedule an appointment to learn more about safeguarding the health of your child’s feet. Contact us today at (678) 894-7535 or visit our website to learn more about our services.
Last updated 15 days ago
Dr. Hintze attended the Senior Extravaganza on Saturday, April 27 in Woodstock, GA.
We were a gold sponsor for the event. It was a great turn out and we networked with the local community seniors and vendors. One of Dr. Hintze's patients organized this event.
We will certainly sponsor next year!
