Items filtered by date: November 2024

Body weight dependent foot loads are significant factors in understanding the biomechanics of movement in school-aged children. As children grow, their body weight increases, directly influencing the loads exerted on their feet during various activities such as walking, running, and jumping. Excessive foot loads can lead to discomfort and increase the risk of injuries, particularly in developing musculoskeletal systems. It is essential for parents and educators to encourage appropriate physical activities that promote healthy foot function and overall well-being. Providing well-fitted footwear that offers adequate support can help distribute loads evenly, reducing the risk of strain. Additionally, incorporating strength and flexibility exercises can enhance foot health and resilience. If your child has developed foot conditions from excess weight, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately monitor foot health.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Scott Matthews, DPM, MD of Salem Foot Care . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

Foot wounds in diabetics often take longer to heal due to several interconnected factors. Elevated blood sugar levels can impair circulation, reducing blood flow to the extremities and hindering the delivery of essential nutrients and oxygen required for healing. Additionally, diabetes can damage nerves, leading to reduced sensation in the feet, which may cause injuries to go unnoticed and untreated. Furthermore, weakened immune responses in diabetic patients can increase the risk of infections, complicating the healing process. The combination of these factors creates a challenging environment for wound recovery, making it essential for diabetics to monitor their foot health closely. Regular check-ups from a podiatrist and proactive care can significantly reduce the risk of complications. If you have diabetes and have developed a foot wound, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of this type of doctor who can help you to manage this 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 Scott Matthews, DPM, MD from Salem Foot Care . Our doctor 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 feel free to contact our office located in Wikesboro, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.