Items filtered by date: February 2024

​​Systemic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, can seriously affect the feet. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause pain, swelling, and joint damage, while diabetes can lead to nerve damage, poor circulation, and foot ulcers. A podiatrist can help manage these foot issues. These doctors can provide regular check-ups to monitor foot health, offer advice on proper footwear and foot care routines, and treat any foot problems that arise. Podiatrists can also collaborate with other healthcare professionals to create a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to the individual's needs. If you have a systemic disease that affects your feet, it is suggested that you include a podiatrist as one of your regular healthcare providers to help you achieve optimal foot health.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Scott Burdge, DPM from Advanced Ankle & Foot. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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

Closed reduction repair is a common procedure used to realign and stabilize broken toes, providing relief and facilitating healing. When a toe sustains a fracture, whether due to trauma, impact, or repetitive stress, it can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Closed reduction involves manipulating the broken bone fragments back into their proper alignment without the need for surgery. During the procedure, a podiatrist carefully applies manual pressure and manipulation to return the fractured bones to their correct position. Following successful realignment, the toe is immobilized using a splint, tape, or buddy taping technique to maintain stability and support during the healing process. Closed reduction repair offers several benefits, including reduced risk of infection, minimal scarring, and faster recovery compared to surgical interventions. However, it is essential to follow post-procedure instructions carefully, including rest and elevation to promote optimal healing and prevent complications. If you have endured a broken toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if this is a correct treatment method for you.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Scott Burdge, DPM from Advanced Ankle & Foot. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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

Your feet carry you through life's journey, so it's essential to give them the care they deserve. From fungal infections to ingrown toenails, foot problems can be painful and inconvenient. However, with proper care and attention, you can keep your feet happy and healthy. Start by maintaining good hygiene, washing your feet twice daily, and drying them thoroughly, especially between the toes to prevent fungal infections like athlete's foot. Keep your skin moisturized, but avoid applying lotion between the toes to prevent fungal growth. Regularly remove hard skin from your heels and use a heel balm containing urea to prevent cracking. Choose breathable, well-fitting shoes made of leather to reduce perspiration and avoid synthetic materials. Trim your toenails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails, and avoid cutting them too short. Maintain clean environments by regularly bleaching your shower area and wearing sandals in public showers. If you experience persistent foot pain or notice any concerning symptoms in the feet, toes, and ankles, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who is medically trained to deal with these problems. 

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Scott Burdge, DPM from Advanced Ankle & Foot. Our doctor 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 office located in Katy, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot ulcers are sores on the feet that are often found in patients with diabetes. Since diabetic patients may have nerve and blood vessel damage in the feet, it is extremely important to provide proper wound care for foot ulcers. Diabetic foot ulcers can be slow to heal and are more prone to infection. Adequate wound care involves cleaning the wound gently, applying appropriate dressings, and keeping pressure off the affected foot. If you have foot ulcers, it is suggested you seek the help of a podiatrist, who may also perform a debridement to remove dead tissue surrounding the ulcer. A podiatrist may also use techniques such as whirlpool foot baths, tubes to wash dead skin away, wound dressings, chemical enzyme peels, or hyperbaric oxygen therapy. By prioritizing diligent wound care, you can significantly improve the chances of successful healing, minimize pain, and maintain overall foot health with diabetes. If you have ulcers on your feet, it is suggested that you schedule regular appointments with a podiatrist to monitor the healing progress of foot ulcers, and address any signs of infection quickly.

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 Scott Burdge, DPM from Advanced Ankle & Foot. 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 office located in Katy, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.