Diabetic foot ulcers are a significant risk for people with diabetes, often leading to severe complications if not properly managed. These ulcers are open sores or wounds that usually occur on the bottom of the feet, caused by a combination of poor circulation and nerve damage, common in diabetic patients. Prevention is key in managing this risk. Daily foot inspections, maintaining proper foot hygiene, and wearing well-fitted shoes can help prevent ulcers. Managing blood sugar levels also plays a vital role in prevention. For those who develop foot ulcers, early treatment is critical. This includes cleaning and dressing the wound, controlling infection, and using custom orthotics or special footwear to alleviate pressure on the affected area. In more severe cases, surgical interventions may be necessary. If you have diabetes, and develop a foot ulcer, it is strongly suggested that you include a podiatrist on your health care team for routine care of your feet.

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 Graff Foot, Ankle and Wound Care. Our doctors 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 Plano, Dallas, Prosper, Allen, Garland, Frisco, and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, caused by a misalignment of the toe joint. As the big toe moves inward, the joint sticks out, causing pain, redness, and swelling. Symptoms of bunions can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, making it difficult to wear certain shoes or walk for long periods. In some cases, bunions may also cause corns or calluses to form on the toes. The primary causes of bunions include wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, genetics, and certain medical conditions like arthritis. To prevent bunions, it is important to wear shoes that provide enough room for the toes, particularly shoes with a wide toe box. Regular foot exercises to strengthen and stretch the muscles in the feet can also help reduce the risk of developing bunions. If you have a bunion, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can monitor its development, and offer effective relief tips.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Graff Foot, Ankle and Wound Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Plano, Dallas, Prosper, Allen, Garland, Frisco, and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Laser treatment for fungal toenails has gained popularity as an effective option for addressing stubborn infections. The procedure typically utilizes three main types of lasers, which are the Nd:Yag laser, diode laser, and carbon dioxide laser. The Nd:Yag laser emits light that penetrates deep into the nail and surrounding tissue, targeting the fungus while minimizing damage to healthy skin. The diode laser works similarly, using focused light energy to disrupt fungal cells and promote healing. Carbon dioxide lasers, known for their precision, can vaporize infected tissue without harming the surrounding areas. During the treatment, patients often experience minimal discomfort, and sessions usually last only a few minutes. If you have toenail fungus, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if laser treatment is right for you.

Laser treatment can be an effective way to get rid of toenail fungus. If you have any questions about laser treatment, consult with one of our podiatrists from Graff Foot, Ankle and Wound Care. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment for fungal nails.

What Are Toenail Fungal Infections?

Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nail, is a relatively common and non-serious condition. Around 10 percent of U.S. citizens are afflicted with fungal nails. Common forms of fungus that infect the nail include dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.

Symptoms of Toenail Fungal Infections Include:

• Nail thickening
• Brittleness of the nail
• Discoloration of the nail

Diagnosis for Fungal Nails

Fungal infections are diagnosed by fungal culture and microscopy. This will rule out any other conditions such as nail trauma, psoriasis, lichen planus, and onychogryphosis.

What Is Laser Treatment?

Laser treatment is a non-invasive, safe, quick, and painless procedure that uses the heat from a laser to kill fungus in the nail. Each infected nail is targeted with a laser for several minutes. The treatment is usually utilized several different times over a select period. During this time, a podiatrist will keep an eye on the infection.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Plano, Dallas, Prosper, Allen, Garland, Frisco, and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, often results in nails becoming brittle, thickened, and discolored to a whitish-yellow or brown. This condition frequently affects nails on the big toes and may lead to the nail separating from the nail bed if left untreated. A fungal toenail typically starts at the front or side edge of the nail and is caused by dermatophytes, though yeast or mold can occasionally be involved. Risk factors include athlete’s foot, wearing tight shoes, nail damage, and poor circulation. Toenail fungus is more common among older adults and anyone with a weakened immune system. Because fungal toenail infections rarely resolve on their own, seeing a podiatrist is often necessary. This foot doctor can offer treatments such as topical medication, oral antifungal pills, or laser therapy to target the infection. It may even take a combination of treatments, depending on the severity and type of fungus involved. If you believe you have a fungal toenail infection, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Graff Foot, Ankle and Wound Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Plano, Dallas, Prosper, Allen, Garland, Frisco, and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.