Podiatry

When Should Someone with Diabetes Consult a Podiatrist?

One of the most severe consequences of poor diabetes management is the potential for lower extremity amputation. The risks of this and other foot-related complications can be avoided if you include a highly trained podiatrist in your care team. In fact, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association, a podiatrist can reduce the risk of lower limb amputation by 85% and the risk of hospitalization by 24%. When left untreated, diabetes can inflict significant damage to your feet, including...

Understanding Bunions and How They're Treated

A bunion is a hard, bony bump that forms on the foot. They occur when the big toe joint bends inward toward the other toes. The bunion bump itself is a deformity in the bone on the outside of the toe. These uncomfortable bumps affect about a third of all Americans, and they tend to get worse if left untreated. So it's important to pay attention to them. You're at higher risk of developing a bunion if you are older, have arthritis or flat feet, have a job that puts a lot of stress on your feet, h...

Tips for Wearing Flip Flops

Flip flops are a summertime staple, but they can also prove problematic for your feet unless you take certain precautions. DO • Choose brands made of soft, but sturdy leather. Plastic and rubber flip-flops are more likely to cause blisters. • Flexibility is important. The flip-flops should allow you to bend at the ball of your foot, but you shouldn’t be able to bend the entire flip-flop in half. • No part of your foot should hang over the edge of the flip-flop. • Co...