Posts for category: Foot Care
We depend on our feet to get from place to place, to navigate our world, so taking good care of them is already very important. It becomes much more important if you suffer from diabetes as you have to be extra diligent to make sure they, along with the rest of you, are healthy. To learn more about how your podiatrist can help you care for your feet contact Dr. Jeffrey Belancio of South Jersey Foot and Ankle Specialists in Vineland, NJ.
Guarding Against Infection
Infection is your number one enemy where it comes to foot care if you suffer from diabetes. On one front there is nerve damage, which is very common among diabetic patients, affecting about half of them. This nerve damage on the legs and feet can dull your sense and make you unaware that something is wrong, and so infection can progress unnoticed without help from your podiatrist.
Poor circulation, also common by those afflicted with the chronic condition, can lengthen the healing time for infections, which is what makes them so dangerous. More so if they go unnoticed. If allowed to progress, an infection can threaten your life. That is why once it has advanced too far into the limb that many doctors suggest amputation as a drastic, but necessary life-saving measure. The guard against infection is regular examinations of your feet, both by yourself and your podiatrist.
Diabetic Foot Care in Vineland, NJ
Your podiatrist not only checks your feet for signs of infection but can help prevent problems that could turn into one. Such as with ingrown toenails, by helping you trim them properly.
They can also treat corns and calluses, and other foot-related conditions to prevent complications. So if you're diabetic you should not try to care for these on your own, instead, turn to your podiatrist to treat them in a professional and safe environment. Make an appointment with Dr. Belancio of South Jersey Foot and Ankle Specialists in Vineland, NJ, by dialing (856) 839-0579.
It’s an embarrassing problem. Smelly feet can make you feel self-conscious. You can’t get comfortable or take your shoes off without worrying that everyone will notice your stinky feet. Have you ever wondered what might be going on to cause this problem in the first place? While some people are more prone to smelly feet than others, your podiatrist can provide you with some tips to get rid of offensive-smelling foot odors.- Wash feet at least once a day with soap and warm water. Make sure that you dry your feet thoroughly after.
- Make sure to dry feet as soon as possible after dealing with sweaty or perspiring feet.
- Choose socks made from materials that wick away sweat and improve ventilation.
- Apply deodorizing sprays or powders in shoes every day after wear, and make sure to wait 24 hours before wearing the same shoes again.
Dry, flaky feet are incredibly common, particularly during the cold, winter months; however, if you find yourself dealing with dry or cracked feet throughout the year, especially around the heels, you may be wondering what you can do about it. Instead of just waiting until your feet become dry and flaky, your podiatrist can provide you with some easy skin care tips to keep your feet supple and free from dry skin all year long.Certain shoes can leave you prone to cracked heels and dry skin due to friction from wearing loose-fitted shoes. People who wear sandals and other open-heeled shoes are more at risk for developing cracked heels. Instead, opt for closed-heeled shoes that fit properly and provide support.
If you are overweight, you may be surprised to discover that this could be contributing to your dry, cracked heels. This is because your feet take on all of your weight while standing, walking, and running. By safely dropping that excess weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise you can alleviate some of the pressure placed on your heels to reduce the risk of cracking.
While we know just how luxurious it feels to stand in a steaming hot shower, especially during the winter months, this could be contributing to dry skin on your feet and cracked heels. If this is something you deal with regularly you may look at your current bathing or showering ritual to see if that could be the culprit. Simply use warm and not hot water, which can strip the skin of the oils it needs to stay moist.
You should moisturize your feet every day to prevent dry skin from happening in the first place. Moisturizers that contain lactic acid, glycerin, or petroleum jelly can help to lock in moisture in your feet. Moisturize every time you get out of the shower and throughout the day, especially before going to bed. If you are prone to very dry, cracked feet, you may wish to moisturize and then wear socks to bed.
Your foot doctor in Vineland, NJ can help you have healthy feet
The right foot doctor (podiatrist) is an important part of your healthcare team. Your feet are important, but they are also often overlooked. The right foot doctor can make sure your feet are well taken care of, so your feet can take good care of you. Dr. Jeffrey Belancio at South Jersey Foot and Ankle Specialists in Vineland, NJ offers a wide range of foot care services, to help you have healthy feet.
So, how do you choose the right foot doctor?
First, you want someone you can talk with, who shares your concerns. Communication is one of the most important aspects of a great foot doctor. You want to feel comfortable talking with your foot doctor about your overall health, and the health of your feet.
Second, you want a foot doctor who keeps up with all of the latest information, technology, and other aspects of footcare. Medicine and healing techniques become more advanced quickly, and you want to be sure your foot doctor is giving you the latest information.
Third, you want a foot doctor who offers the broadest range of treatments and services. Your foot doctor should be able to provide comprehensive care of your feet, ankles, and toes.
Dr. Belancio provides the comprehensive foot care you and your feet deserve. He specializes in diagnosing and treating:
- Toe problems, including toenail fungus, ingrown toenails, and hammertoes
- Foot problems, including athlete’s foot, arthritis, bunions, diabetic foot care, flat feet, geriatric foot care, and plantar fasciitis
- Ankle problems, including Achilles tendon strain, ankle sprains, and ankle instability
The right foot doctor can help you and your feet function well and feel great. To find out more about foot care services, call Dr. Jeffrey Belancio of South Jersey Foot and Ankle Specialists in Vineland, NJ at (856) 839-0579. Call now!
Everything from wearing shoes that are a little too loose to increasing the number of miles you run can leave you dealing with painful blisters on your feet. Blisters can be quite a nuisance, making it difficult to move around, especially when wearing shoes. If you deal with blisters rather regularly here are some simple ways to treat the problem.If possible, try to keep the blister intact. Do not try to pop or drain a blister that hasn’t popped on its own. It’s important not to put pressure on the blister, so avoid any shoes that may be too tight. If you’re going to put on shoes, make sure to apply a bandage (some band-aids are designed specifically for covering blisters) to the area first.
If the blister popped on its own, clean it with warm water soap (do not use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide on the blister). Once the area is clean, apply an over-the-counter antibiotic cream to the area and apply a bandage over the blister. These simple steps can prevent an infection from occurring.
You should only drain a blister if it’s very large, painful, or affects your ability to move. In this case, you should sterilize a needle with alcohol and then make a small hole in the blister to let it drain. You may need to carefully squeeze the blister to help it drain fully. Once the blister has drained, rinse out the area with soap and warm water before applying antibiotic cream to the area and placing a bandage over it.
You mustn’t keep the same bandage on your blister day in and day out. You should check the blister every day to make sure it isn’t infected. You should clean the area daily with soap and water and then reapply another bandage.