A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore that develops on the foot and can be difficult to heal. These wounds often appear on the soles or pressure points where the skin experiences repeated friction. Diabetes can damage nerves and reduce blood flow, making foot ulcers more likely to develop and harder to treat. Symptoms include an open wound, drainage, or changes in skin color. Some ulcers cause little pain because nerve damage reduces sensation, so regular foot checks are especially important.

High blood sugar levels can damage nerves and blood vessels. This damage may reduce feeling in the feet and limit circulation, allowing small injuries to become persistent sores. Common risk factors include poorly controlled diabetes, previous foot ulcers, and wearing shoes that rub against the skin. Calluses and foot deformities can also increase pressure on vulnerable areas. Without proper care, an ulcer may become infected and lead to serious complications, including damage to deeper tissues.

If you have a diabetic foot ulcer, contact a podiatrist promptly rather than waiting for it to heal on its own. Keep the wound clean and covered as directed, avoid walking barefoot, and reduce pressure on the affected area. Do not cut away calluses or apply harsh products to the wound. Check your feet daily for new sores, redness, or drainage, and seek urgent medical attention if you develop fever or spreading redness.

A podiatrist will examine the wound, assess circulation and sensation, and check for infection. Treatment may include professional wound cleaning, specialized dressings, and pressure-relieving footwear. Antibiotics may be needed when an infection is present. Managing blood sugar is also essential for healing. If you have diabetes and have developed a foot ulcer, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.

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 Charles Oehrlein, DPM from Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner 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 Hoover, Oneonta, and Munford, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Achilles tendinitis develops when the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel becomes irritated. This tendon helps lift the heel when walking, running, and climbing stairs. Pain can occur where the tendon attaches to the heel bone or higher along the back of the ankle. Symptoms include morning stiffness, tenderness, and swelling. Pain can worsen after activity or when pushing off the foot. A sudden increase in exercise, repeated hill running, or tight calf muscles placing extra strain on the tendon. Wearing shoes that lack proper support can also contribute to the problem.

A podiatrist can determine whether the pain comes from Achilles tendinitis or another foot or ankle problem. An examination includes checking the painful area, ankle motion, and tendon strength. The podiatrist may also watch how the patient stands and walks. X-rays can reveal bone changes near the heel, while ultrasound or MRI scans can show damage within the tendon. Accurate diagnosis matters because similar symptoms can result from bursitis, a partial tendon tear, or a heel-bone prominence. Severe pain, sudden weakness, or a popping sensation requires prompt evaluation because these signs can point to a tendon rupture.

Treatment focuses on reducing strain, controlling irritation, and helping the tendon work safely again. A podiatrist may recommend temporary activity changes, heel lifts, or custom orthotics. Supportive shoes can also reduce tension on the painful area. In some cases, a walking boot may protect the tendon while irritation settles. The podiatrist can monitor healing and guide a gradual return to activity. Persistent cases may benefit from treatments that stimulate tissue repair. Surgery is generally reserved for tendon damage or pain that does not improve with other care. Early evaluation can keep the problem from becoming harder to manage and can lower the risk of further tendon injury. If you have symptoms of Achilles tendinitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Charles Oehrlein, DPM of Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Hoover, Oneonta, and Munford, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery uses small incisions and instruments to treat certain conditions while limiting disruption to nearby tissues. Depending on the procedure, this type of surgery may be considered for bunions, hammertoes, and other problems that do not improve with conservative care. Symptoms leading to surgery can include pain, swelling, or difficulty walking. The goal is to correct the problem while helping the foot or ankle heal.

There are several potential benefits to minimally invasive surgery. Smaller incisions may create smaller, more pleasing scars than traditional surgical approaches. Less disruption to surrounding tissue may support a faster recovery for some patients. Patients may also experience reduced post-operative pain and decreased post-operative joint stiffness. However, results vary based on the condition, procedure, and individual health. Not every foot or ankle problem can be treated with a minimally invasive approach.

Risk factors for complications include diabetes, smoking, and medical conditions that affect healing. A podiatrist will review your health history and examine the affected area before recommending surgery. Imaging tests may be used to understand bone alignment or joint changes. If surgery is appropriate, the podiatrist explains the procedure, expected recovery, and aftercare. Treatment may also include protective footwear, wound care, and follow-up visits.

After surgery, following your podiatrist's instructions is an important part of recovery. The foot may need protection while tissues heal, and activity may need to increase gradually. Follow-up appointments allow the podiatrist to check the incision, swelling, and progress. Keeping the surgical area clean and reporting unusual drainage, increasing redness, or worsening pain can help address concerns. If you have a foot or ankle condition that could benefit from minimally invasive surgery, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if this type of foot surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Charles Oehrlein, DPM of Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

A broken foot can make standing and walking painful, but not every fracture looks severe. Foot fractures range from tiny cracks to complete breaks in a bone. Some can even break through the skin. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, and trouble moving the foot. Bruising or tenderness can also develop after an injury. A visible change in the shape of the foot strongly suggests a fracture. However, some small breaks cause little pain and no obvious deformity, which can make them difficult to recognize without a careful evaluation.

Foot bones can break after a fall, a direct blow, or an awkward twist. Stress fractures are small cracks that develop from repeated force rather than one sudden injury. They can affect athletes who take part in high-impact activities and can develop after a rapid increase in exercise intensity. A broken foot can sometimes resemble a sprain because both injuries can cause pain and swelling. Fractures, however, can produce more intense and continuous pain. Difficulty bearing weight can also occur. Proper diagnosis is important because untreated fractures can heal in poor alignment and lead to lasting mobility problems.

A podiatrist can examine an injured foot and determine whether a fracture is likely. Imaging can help confirm a break and show its location and severity. Treatment depends on the type of fracture and whether the bones remain properly aligned. A podiatrist can use a protective boot or cast to keep the injured area stable while it heals. A podiatrist can also monitor healing and determine when it is safe to increase activity. If you have symptoms of a broken foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Charles Oehrlein, DPM from Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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