Items filtered by date: October 2024

Tuesday, 15 October 2024 00:00

Types and Symptoms of Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are benign growths that develop on the soles of the feet due to an infection with the human papillomavirus, or HPV. These warts can appear as small, rough lesions and are often mistaken for calluses. There are various types of plantar warts, including common warts, which are usually painless, and mosaic warts, which cluster together in groups. Symptoms include discomfort or pain while walking, especially when pressure is applied to the wart. The warts may also have tiny black dots in the center, which are small blood vessels. Plantar warts are primarily caused by direct contact with the virus, often found in moist environments like swimming pools and locker rooms. Plantar warts can be painful and may cause difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have developed this condition, it is strongly suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can offer you the correct treatment method.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact David Mansky, DPM from Mansky Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

  • Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
  • Hard or thick callused spots
  • Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
  • Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

  • Freezing
  • Electric tool removal
  • Laser Treatment
  • Topical Creams (prescription only)
  • Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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

Read more about All About Plantar Warts
Friday, 11 October 2024 00:00

Gout Pain Can Be Managed

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

Tuesday, 08 October 2024 00:00

Debridement of Diabetic Foot Wounds

Debridement of diabetic wounds is a critical procedure in wound care management, particularly for patients with diabetic foot ulcers. Diabetic wounds often heal slowly due to poor circulation and high blood sugar levels, leading to the buildup of dead or infected tissue that can hinder the healing process. Debridement involves the removal of this dead tissue, allowing healthy tissue to grow and promoting faster healing. This procedure reduces the risk of infection by eliminating bacterial growth in the wound, which can otherwise lead to more severe complications, including amputation. Debridement also improves the effectiveness of other treatments, such as dressings and medications, by creating a cleaner environment for wound healing. If you have diabetic foot wounds, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist to see if regular debridement sessions, in addition to proper diabetes management, can help prevent serious complications related to your 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 David Mansky, DPM from Mansky Podiatry. 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 Hastings, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Wound Care
Tuesday, 01 October 2024 00:00

Causes of Pain on the Outside of the Foot

Pain on the outer side of the foot can stem from various issues, including foot fractures, cuboid syndrome, and peroneus brevis tendon strain. Foot fractures, including those affecting the metatarsals or the bones of the outer foot, can result in significant pain and swelling. Cuboid syndrome occurs when the cuboid bone, located in the midfoot, becomes misaligned, leading to pain and swelling on the outer side of the foot. The peroneus brevis tendon, which runs along the outer ankle, can become strained due to overuse or abrupt increases in activity, causing pain and discomfort on the outer foot. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer correct treatment methods.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with David Mansky, DPM from Mansky Podiatry. Our doctor 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 office located in Hastings, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Foot Pain

Connect With Us