Management of chronic foot wounds requires careful evaluation and steady, consistent care to support healing. These wounds may include diabetic ulcers, pressure injuries, venous ulcers, and traumatic wounds that struggle to close on their own. A podiatrist uses the TIME principle to guide treatment. This approach focuses on tissue debridement to remove nonviable tissue, infection control to protect surrounding skin, moisture balance to create a healthy environment, and attention to the edges of the wound to encourage new growth. Advanced dressings, offloading techniques, and, in some cases, regenerative therapies can further support recovery. Early intervention is essential because chronic wounds can progress quickly and lead to serious complications. If you notice slow healing, increasing redness, drainage, or pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a thorough assessment and a personalized treatment plan.

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 one of our podiatrists from Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners 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 offices located in Leesburg and The Villages, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn due to sudden twisting or impact. The most common type is an inversion sprain, where the foot rolls inward and damages the outer ankle ligaments. An eversion sprain happens when the foot rolls outward, affecting the inner ligaments and often causing more severe injury. Ankle sprains are also classified by grades. A mild grade involves ligament stretching with slight pain and swelling. A moderate grade includes partial tearing, increased swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. A severe grade involves complete ligament rupture with significant pain, instability, and loss of function. A podiatrist can help by accurately diagnosing the type and severity of the sprain, providing immobilization, if needed, guiding rehabilitation, and recommending supportive footwear or orthotics. If you have ankle pain, swelling, or difficulty bearing weight, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide effective relief and treatment techniques.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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

Medical professionals spend long hours on their feet, making the right shoes essential for comfort and support throughout the day. Good footwear should offer comfort, versatility, durability, and a proper fit to prevent fatigue and strain. Popular choices include clogs, slip on shoes, and supportive sneakers, each offering unique benefits such as cushioning, stability, and ease of movement. A well-constructed shoe can reduce stress on the feet, ankles, and lower back while improving overall posture. A podiatrist can assess your foot structure and recommend footwear that best matches your work demands and comfort needs. If your current shoes are causing discomfort or fatigue, or if you have developed foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on the correct shoes to wear. 

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Leesburg and The Villages, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle osteoarthritis develops when the joint wears down, often years after an earlier ankle injury. Damage from a past sprain or fracture can change how the ankle moves and put more pressure on the joint’s thin layer of cartilage. This can lead to swelling, stiffness, and pain that sometimes spreads into the middle or back of the foot. People may also notice grinding or popping when they point or flex their toes. In addition, the ankle can feel less flexible when walking, especially when wearing flip-flops. Extra body weight and repeated hard impact on the feet put more strain on the ankle and increase discomfort. A podiatrist can examine the ankle joint and order imaging to check the cartilage and ligaments to determine a course of treatment. Options include bracing and inserts for support or surgery when the damage is severe. If you have symptoms of osteoarthritis in the ankles, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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