If you have diabetes, you may already know about the effects on your body, especially your extremities. What you may not know is that diabetes is especially hard on your feet, which is why it’s important to visit your podiatrist regularly.

Your feet carry you through your life, but they are easy to overlook. When you are diabetic, you can’t afford to ignore your feet and toes. These are just a few of the ways diabetes can affect your feet and toes:

Diabetes affects your immune system which can lead to delayed healing time. That means if you have a small cut, it may not heal. It may turn into a painful diabetic ulcer.

Diabetes affects your circulatory system which can lead to impaired blood flow in your feet and toes. That means your tissue can die, which can lead to amputations.

Diabetes affects your nervous system, which can lead to painful diabetic neuropathy. You may also lose sensation in your feet, so if you have an injury, you might not feel it.

It's vital to take special care of your feet when you have diabetes. You should:

• Wash and dry your feet thoroughly every day
• Check your feet regularly for any cuts, blisters, or injuries
• Use a hand mirror to examine the soles of your feet for injuries
• Apply a thick moisturizing cream to keep your skin free of cracks
• Apply an antibiotic cream to any open sores or injuries
• Place a bandage on open sores or injuries
• Do ankle, foot, and toe stretches daily to boost circulation

Diabetes is a common medical problem. In fact, it’s estimated that at least 29 million people in the United States have diabetes. If you are one of them, you need to take special care of your feet and your body. To find out more about caring for your feet when you are diabetic, talk with an expert. Call your podiatrist today.

Your feet are so important to your ability to be mobile. If they are causing you pain, it is hard to be active and truly enjoy life. Finding a podiatrist in Norfolk and Suffolk, VA is not difficult, Dr. Jesse Anderson of AAL Podiatry Associates runs a comprehensive podiatry office that can help get to the bottom of any foot or ankle issues you may have. 

Pain in Your Foot or Ankle

Pain in your foot or ankle is not normal and if every step that you take is painful, you need to make an appointment to visit a podiatrist in Suffolk, Norfolk, VA. So many things can cause you to have pain in your foot or ankle. The podiatrist will examine your foot and ankle and, if necessary, take an x-ray. X-rays only help with issues of the bone. For soft tissue problems, you will need an MRI. If your pain is in your heel, it may be a heel spur. If the pain is in your ankle, it may be osteoarthritis.  

Changes to Your Toenails

Your toenails are a reflection of your general health and if they become thickened, discolored, or infected, you should get in to see your podiatrist asap. Toenail fungus is a common condition that many people suffer from. Your podiatrist has treatments that work better than OTC products. An infected toenail may be ingrown and there are a few options for how it can be treated. If you see a dark streak under or around a toenail, this can be a sign of skin cancer. 

Foot Skin Issues

If the skin on your feet is dry, cracked, or blistered, this requires some attention so that it doesn't get infected. You need to check your feet for any signs of skin cancer. That means even looking between your toes. If the skin on your foot is itchy, red, and burning, you may have athlete's foot, which is a fungal infection. 

Numbness in Your Feet

If you are feeling a decrease in sensation and a feeling of numbness or tingling in your feet, it may be peripheral neuropathy. This happens most often in people who are diabetic, but it can be caused by a few other things including arthritis and infection.

These are just a few of the many reasons why you should visit a podiatrist. For a podiatrist in Norfolk and Suffolk, VA, you can count on Dr. Anderson of AAL Podiatry Associates. You can reach our office on the phone at (757) 625-2962 in Norfolk and (757) 539-2098 in Suffolk or you can use the request an appointment button on our website.

Turn to a podiatrist to find out more about orthotics and their benefits

If you are dealing with sore, tired, and achy feet you may be wondering whether you should turn to a podiatrist for custom orthotics. Custom or prescription orthotics are far more effective than those over-the-counter, one-size-fits-all orthotics you’ll find at your local drugstore. Luckily, podiatrists craft orthotics to fit your needs and your feet, so they are tailored to you. Here are the types of custom orthotics that are available.

What are orthotics?

Orthotics are in-shoe devices that help to correct structural abnormalities within the foot that may impact how the foot, ankle, leg, and hip function. Prescription orthotics are specially crafted by a foot and ankle specialist to correct issues you’re dealing with, manage symptoms and improve movement overall.

What are the types of custom orthotics?

Orthotics are categorized as accommodative or functional,

Accommodative orthotics

These types of orthotics are most often recommended for those who are dealing with injuries, pain, and other similar problems that may require additional cushioning and support. These orthotics are typically made from a soft, flexible material, making them more about comfort than functionality (even though they may be able to control abnormal movements, as well). Accommodative orthotics are often best for,

• Calluses and corns
• Diabetic foot ulcers or diabetic feet
• Arch support
• Heel pain
• Chronic pain

Functional orthotics

This orthotic is made from a semi-rigid or rigid material, making it the ideal option for correcting faulty biomechanics and gait issues within the feet. Functional orthotics can help stabilize the foot and ankle and may be an ideal option for athletes as well as those who are prone to tendonitis, bursitis, hip pain, and shin splints. Of course, if you aren’t sure which type of orthotic is right for you, you should speak with your podiatrist.

What goes into getting orthotics?

Before getting custom orthotics, your podiatrist will need to perform a comprehensive assessment of the foot, ankles, knees, and hips to understand what structural or functional issues you’re dealing with. This examination is straightforward and non-invasive. From there, a plaster cast of your foot will be made to help craft your custom-fitted orthotics. Once your orthotics are ready, you’ll come back into the office to have them fitted.

Most people can benefit from custom orthotics. If you want to find out which type of orthotics are right for you and how they could support your feet, talk with your podiatrist today.

Find out how to treat heel pain yourself and when to see a podiatrist.

Whether you are an avid runner or just someone who likes going to the gym occasionally, it can be challenging to do these everyday activities when faced with heel pain. Did you take that run just a little too far yesterday? Did you suddenly intensify your exercise regime? Then your heels might be screaming out for sweet relief. Here’s how to tackle heel pain before seeing a podiatrist.

What causes heel pain?

Plantar fasciitis is typically the cause of most heel pain. While the name might seem a bit intimidating, don’t worry! Symptoms can often be managed through simple at-home remedies such as,

• Performing specific foot stretches and exercises to strengthen the muscles and improve function.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medication to soothe pain and inflammation temporarily.
• Avoid high-impact activities, which will often only exacerbate the condition and lead to further inflammation.
• Splint the foot or wear shoe inserts (orthotics) to provide arch support.
• Consider corticosteroid injections and extracorporeal shock wave therapy, which may also be helpful for those dealing with more severe or stubborn pain.

When should I call my podiatrist?

While you may not want to immediately rush to call your podiatrist at the first bout of pain, you mustn’t ignore a potentially serious issue. You should turn to a podiatrist if,

• You have severe heel pain or swelling
• You can’t point your foot downward or stand up on your tiptoes
• You also notice numbness or a tingling sensation in the heel accompanied by pain
• You experience sudden pain that occurs right after an injury
• You have diabetes or have neuropathy in your feet
• You have been trying at-home treatment options for a week, and there are no changes to your symptoms

If rest and home care haven’t been enough to manage your heel pain, it’s time to turn to a foot and ankle specialist who can help.

When should you turn to a podiatrist for care?

There are many reasons why people turn to podiatrists. After all, our feet and ankles deserve the same lovin’ care that you provide to the rest of your body. Wondering if it’s time to see a podiatrist (chances are good you could benefit from a visit)? You may want to turn to one for,

Injury Prevention

You turn to your dentist for routine checkups to prevent cavities and gum disease from happening so why wouldn’t you do the same thing with a podiatrist? By coming in once a year for a comprehensive evaluation, a podiatrist can examine your feet, discuss your lifestyle and determine if there are additional measures you should be taking to prevent injuries and other foot problems. A podiatrist can be as much preventive as they can be a great source for treatment. Athletes and active individuals can particularly benefit from undergoing preventive care with a podiatrist.

Bunion Treatment

Bunions are common foot deformities that can continue to enlarge and impact the structure and function of your feet. A podiatrist wants to prevent individuals from needing surgery in the future, which means coming in the minute you suspect that you have a bunion so that they can provide simple lifestyle changes that can slow the progression of the deformity. Simple lifestyle changes can go a long way to improving bunion symptoms.

Foot and Ankle Injuries

Dealing with an injury? If so, you definitely want to turn to a foot and ankle specialist who can diagnose and treat the injury. While you may be able to treat minor injuries on your own with rest and home care, it’s often best to play it safe and turn to an expert who can figure out the extent of the injury so you can get the customized care you deserve.

Persistent Joint Pain

Dealing with painful, stiff or inflamed joints in your foot or ankle that won’t go away? This could be a sign of arthritis, a progressive chronic condition that can cause permanent joint damage if you don’t take the necessary steps to manage it. A podiatrist can craft the perfect treatment plan to improve your symptoms, which may include medications to slow the progression of the disease. A podiatrist is going to be the best medical professional to have on your treatment plan if you have arthritis.

When in doubt, call your local podiatrist to find out if the issues or concerns you’re facing require a professional opinion. A podiatrist can answer your questions, diagnose your issues and provide you with the treatment you need.