Diabetic foot complications are common due to nerve damage, or neuropathy, and poor circulation, which make the feet vulnerable to injuries that may go unnoticed. Even small cuts or blisters can develop into serious ulcers, as high blood sugar levels delay wound healing and increase infection risk. For people with diabetes, regular foot checks are essential to catch injuries early. Wound care is a critical part of managing diabetic foot complications. It involves cleaning, debriding, or removing dead tissue, and protecting wounds to prevent infection and promote healing. In severe cases, advanced treatments like specialized dressings, antibiotics, and even hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be required. By addressing wounds promptly and properly, wound care reduces the risk of severe infections and amputations, making it a vital component in the comprehensive management of diabetic foot health. If you have diabetic-related foot problems, it is strongly suggested that you schedule regular appointments with a podiatrist for routine exams and expert 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 Magdy Issa, DPM from Charlotte Family Podiatry and Wound Center. 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 Charlotte, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs when uric acid builds up in the bloodstream, forming crystals that deposit in joints, particularly in the ankle and big toe. This condition causes sudden, severe pain, redness, swelling, and tenderness in the affected joints. Gout attacks can be triggered by consuming foods high in purines, dehydration, or alcohol consumption. Managing gout involves both immediate relief and long-term strategies. During an attack, anti-inflammatory medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, may help to reduce pain and swelling. Resting and elevating the affected joint also helps alleviate discomfort. To prevent future flare-ups, maintaining a healthy diet low in purine-rich foods, drinking plenty of water, and managing stress are essential. Gout can cause intense pain and discomfort, and it can be difficult to complete daily activities. If you have had one or more gout attacks, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat gout.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Magdy Issa, DPM from Charlotte Family Podiatry and Wound Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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

A foot corn is a thick, hardened area of skin that forms due to repeated friction or pressure. It most commonly appears on the toes or the soles of the feet, where shoes or other foot coverings create constant rubbing. Corns can develop on the top of the toes, between the toes, or on the heels, often causing discomfort or pain when walking. The primary cause of corns is wearing ill-fitting shoes that do not provide enough room or support. Tight shoes, high heels, or sandals that do not properly align the foot can all contribute to the formation of corns. To prevent foot corns, wearing shoes that fit properly and provide sufficient cushioning is essential. Corns can cause pain and discomfort, and it may become difficult to complete daily activities. If you have developed a corn, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief and prevention techniques. 

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Magdy Issa, DPM of Charlotte Family Podiatry and Wound Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Falls are a frequent and dangerous risk for seniors, often linked to foot health and mobility factors. Conditions like diabetes, foot pain, arthritis, and balance challenges can affect a person’s stability, raising the chance of falls. With age, loss of muscle strength and decreased flexibility in the feet can affect balance, while issues such as bunions, hammertoes, and arthritis may lead to discomfort and an unsteady gait. Additionally, wearing improper footwear, including high heels or backless shoes, can increase the risk of falling by failing to provide adequate foot support. A podiatrist can be instrumental in addressing these issues by assessing foot health, prescribing custom orthotics or walking aids, and recommending suitable footwear to improve stability. Regular foot exams allow for the detection of early changes that may affect balance, making it possible to implement interventions that reduce fall risk. If you are a senior at risk of falling, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and suggested treatment.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Magdy Issa, DPM from Charlotte Family Podiatry and Wound Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

A Lisfranc injury is a significant condition affecting the midfoot, where the tarsometatarsal joints and surrounding ligaments are damaged. This type of injury often results from a twisting motion, forceful impact, or trauma like a fall or a car accident. Common Lisfranc injury symptoms include pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight on the foot. A podiatrist plays a key role in diagnosing the extent of the injury and creating a comprehensive treatment plan to support healing and rehabilitation. Diagnosis often involves physical examinations and X-rays or MRI scans to determine if the injury is stable or unstable. For stable injuries, non-surgical treatment methods like immobilization in a cast or boot combined with a period of non-weight bearing are commonly recommended. However, if the injury involves a displaced fracture or significant ligament tears, surgery to realign and stabilize the joints using pins, screws, or plates is likely to be needed. If you are experiencing midfoot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Magdy Issa, DPM from Charlotte Family Podiatry and Wound Center. 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 Charlotte, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.