A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore that develops on the foot due to poor circulation. It can be missed because of reduced sensation associated with diabetes. These ulcers often form from pressure, minor injuries, or irritation that goes unnoticed. Risk factors include high blood sugar levels, nerve damage, poor footwear, and limited blood flow. Antibiotics are not typically used for uninfected ulcers, as they are intended to treat bacterial infections rather than promote healing. Proper wound care, pressure relief, and monitoring are essential for recovery. A podiatrist can assess the ulcer, provide specialized treatment, and help prevent complications. Early care can protect foot health and reduce risks. If you have diabetes and have developed a foot wound or ulcer, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management solutions.

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 Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. 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 Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A foot stress fracture is a small crack in a bone caused by repetitive force rather than a single injury. It commonly occurs in the metatarsal bones of the forefoot, although it can also affect the heel or midfoot. Symptoms include localized pain that worsens with walking or activity, swelling, and tenderness. Causes include overuse, high-impact activities, or a sudden change in running surface or intensity. Abnormal foot structure can increase strain on specific bones. Risk factors include inadequate footwear, low bone density, and rapid increases in activity levels. A podiatrist can diagnose the injury, order imaging to confirm the diagnosis, and provide treatment and recovery guidance. If you have symptoms of a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions. 

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Fabry disease is a rare genetic disorder caused by a deficiency of an enzyme needed to break down certain fatty substances in the body. This buildup can affect multiple organs, including the nerves and blood vessels in the feet. Individuals may experience burning pain, tingling, numbness, and sensitivity to temperature, which can interfere with daily activities. Symptoms often begin in childhood or adolescence and may worsen over time. This condition is inherited. A podiatrist can help manage foot-related symptoms by assessing nerve function, recommending protective footwear, and providing strategies to reduce discomfort and prevent complications. Early recognition and care are important for maintaining mobility. If you have symptoms of Fabry disease, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot cramps are sudden, painful muscle spasms that can affect the arch, toes, or entire foot. They occur when a muscle contracts forcefully and does not relax properly, leading to a tight, sometimes painful, knotted feeling. Several factors can trigger foot cramps. Muscle fatigue from overuse or prolonged standing places stress on the foot. Poor circulation reduces oxygen delivery to muscles, increasing cramp risk. Nerve damage, meaning disrupted signals between the brain and muscles, may also cause spasms. Imbalances in minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium interfere with normal muscle function. Certain medical conditions and medication can further increase risk. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, nerve function, and circulation, order imaging, and provide custom orthotics or other medical treatment to reduce cramping episodes. Early care can prevent worsening symptoms and complications. If you regularly experience foot cramps, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.