Items filtered by date: September 2024

Recovering from a broken ankle requires patience and proper care to ensure the best possible outcome. The main goal is to allow the ankle to heal fully, which reduces the risk of chronic ankle problems. Some ankle fractures heal with rest and immobilization, while others may require surgery and the use of a brace. Following a podiatrist's guidance is essential for managing pain, reducing swelling, and beginning weight-bearing activities at the right time. This foot doctor will also provide exercises that help restore strength, mobility, and balance. Gradual return to daily activities is essential to avoid re-injury. Regular check-ins with a podiatrist can help monitor healing and address any complications, such as persistent pain or swelling. Long-term, some individuals may experience arthritis, but early treatment and careful rehabilitation can minimize this risk. If you are recovering from a broken ankle, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment options.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Darron Barrus, DPM from Shelby Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

A diabetic foot ulcer is a common complication of diabetes, characterized by open sores or wounds that develop on the feet, often due to poor circulation and neuropathy. These ulcers can result from minor injuries or pressure points and can be slow to heal, posing a risk of infection. Finding relief involves several steps. Firstly, controlling blood sugar levels is essential to promote healing. Regularly inspecting and cleaning the ulcer with mild soap and water helps prevent infection. Using appropriate wound dressings and ensuring the affected foot is kept dry and protected is also important. Offloading pressure through custom orthotic devices or specialized footwear can aid in healing. Seeking prompt medical attention from a podiatrist for advanced treatments, such as debridement or antibiotics, ensures effective management and reduces the risk of complications. If you have diabetes or have developed a foot ulcer, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat foot wounds. 

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 Darron Barrus, DPM from Shelby 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 Alabaster, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar warts, caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, often develop on the soles of the feet, leading to discomfort, especially while walking. Highly contagious plantar warts typically appear as firm, rough, and flat lesions, often with small black dots at the center. They commonly affect people who use communal showers, pools, or changing areas. While plantar warts can affect anyone, people with a weakened immune system are particularly vulnerable. Diagnosis of plantar warts is generally made through visual examination to differentiate the wart from similar skin conditions, like corns or calluses. Treatment provided by a podiatrist may include cryotherapy, where the wart is frozen off, or the application of topical salicylic acid to dissolve the wart over time. A podiatrist can also offer more advanced options if the wart resists initial treatment. If you have developed a plantar wart, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Darron Barrus, DPM from Shelby 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 Alabaster, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Bunions are bony protrusions that develop at the base of the big toe, where the toe meets the foot. This condition occurs when the big toe angles towards the second toe, causing a misalignment. Over time, this misalignment can lead to swelling, pain, and a noticeable bump on the outside of the foot. The skin over the bunion may become red and irritated due to friction from footwear. Bunions can also cause difficulty in finding comfortable shoes and may lead to issues with walking or standing for extended periods. Common reasons that bunions develop include genetics or from wearing shoes that are too tight. If you notice signs of a bunion forming, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you treatment solutions.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Darron Barrus, DPM of Shelby Podiatry. Our doctor 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 office located in Alabaster, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.