Diabetic foot ulcers are open wounds or sores that often develop on the feet of diabetics, especially those with poor circulation or nerve damage, called neuropathy. These ulcers often form due to minor injuries that go unnoticed, as reduced sensation can prevent patients from feeling pain or pressure. Symptoms include redness, swelling, drainage, or foul odor. The ulcer may appear as an open sore with surrounding skin discoloration. Without treatment, these wounds can worsen, leading to infection or even loss of limb. Living with a diabetic foot ulcer can severely affect mobility, independence, and emotional well-being. A podiatrist plays a critical role in managing and preventing these ulcers. Treatment includes wound care, offloading pressure with custom footwear or braces, and debridement to remove dead tissue. If you are dealing with this serious issue, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to manage your care.

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 Leonard Talarico, DPM from Georgia. 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 Pooler, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the nearby skin, often causing pain, redness, and sometimes drainage. It can be triggered by trimming nails too short, wearing tight shoes, or stubbing the toe. While anyone can develop this issue, it is more frequent in teens, athletes, and those with curved nails. Mild cases may respond well to warm saltwater soaks, clean bandaging, and changes in footwear. When symptoms worsen or infection sets in, a podiatrist might trim or remove the affected part of the nail. For ongoing problems, a simple in-office procedure can stop the edge of the nail from growing back. With proper care, recovery is quick and most patients return to regular activities without lasting effects. If you notice persistent toe pain, swelling, or visible changes in the nail, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Leonard Talarico, DPM of Georgia. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

Bunions are more than just a cosmetic issue, they can cause severe pain that limits daily activities. This foot deformity often results from genetic factors, arthritis, or wearing tight, narrow shoes. Symptoms include chronic inflammation, stiffness, and a noticeable bump at the base of the big toe. Beyond the typical pain and swelling, bunions can lead to difficulty walking, finding comfortable footwear, and even changes in foot structure that affect balance. When pain becomes severe and conservative treatments no longer provide relief, bunion surgery may be necessary. A podiatrist will assess the structural irregularity and recommend the best surgical approach to realign the toe and reduce pain. Surgery is often medically necessary due to chronic inflammation, stiffness, and impaired function. Postoperative care and rehabilitation from your podiatrist help ensure a successful recovery. If you have a bunion that has become painful, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for relief and treatment solutions.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Leonard Talarico, DPM of Georgia. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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