July 2023

People who are diabetic are generally concerned about developing a diabetic foot ulcer. Proper wound care treatment is crucial for this type of infection, and serious consequences may ensue if prompt medical attention is not received. Research has shown that approximately 25 percent of diabetic patients will develop a foot ulcer, and implementing prevention techniques may help to avoid this. An essential step for this type of wound care treatment can be to remove the necrotic or dead wound tissue. This is referred to as debridement, and there are various ways to treat this. It is important to reduce any pressure on the wound, and often an off-loading boot is worn. The wound is typically drained, and the healthy underlying tissue is examined. Effective prevention methods can include keeping glucose levels within a normal range, drinking plenty of water daily, and eating healthy foods. If you have a diabetic foot ulcer, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can provide the proper treatment.

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 one of our podiatrists from Grobowski Foot & Ankle. our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Bellevue, Seattle, and Issaquah, WA, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

If you are a new college student or are the parent of one, it can be important for you to learn about the dangers of contracting athlete’s foot from shower floors. Many colleges and universities across the country provide students with communal showers. However, if a student uses one of these showers without wearing shower shoes, they may be making themselves more susceptible to developing athlete’s foot. Since the fungus that causes athlete’s foot thrives in environments that are warm and moist, communal shower floors are an ideal place for this fungus to live and spread. A student may consider wearing a kind of flip flops or water shoes while using communal showers to mitigate their risk of contracting athlete’s foot. To learn more about preventing athlete's foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Grobowski Foot & Ankle.  our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bellevue, Seattle, and Issaquah, WA, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Corns on the feet can develop as a result of excessive pressure from shoes and socks that are worn. A corn is a small, hardened area of skin that often forms on the side of the pinky toe but may also form on top of the toes. While corns are generally uncomfortable, relief may be found when the pressure is removed and better fitting socks and shoes are worn. If the corn is severe, it may be surgically removed, which is a minor procedure. Many people choose to use a protective pad that is worn over the corn, which may be helpful in temporarily reducing the amount of pain. Maintaining proper foot care may be beneficial in preventing corns from developing. This can consist of washing and drying the feet thoroughly, followed by using a pumice stone that can remove hard skin. This is a practice that can help people who see the beginning of a corn developing. If you have one or more corns on your foot, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can treat it accordingly, and offer you additional prevention tips.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Grobowski Foot & Ankle. our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

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

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bellevue, Seattle, and Issaquah, WA, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Stretching the feet can be a critical way for a person to increase mobility and flexibility in each foot. One way in which a person might go about stretching the feet is by performing certain yoga stretches. The yoga tradition approaches foot stretches by essentially conceiving the feet as having four “points.” There are two points in the ball of the foot, one at the big toe and one at the pinky toe. And then there are also two points on the heel of the foot, one on either side of the heel. By identifying the feet as containing four different points, a person performing yoga stretches the feet in an even and balanced manner. If you are someone that is looking to stretch their feet by using yoga methods, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for more information.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from Grobowski Foot & Ankle. our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bellevue, Seattle, and Issaquah, WA, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.