People with diabetes have an enormously high risk of foot problems, including neuropathy and ulcers that can lead to amputation. A foot specialist in Sugar Land can be an important member of your diabetes care team, particularly if you are showing signs of nerve damage or frequent foot infections.

Watch this video to learn about some of the treatment options for diabetic foot ulcers. By seeing a foot doctor as soon as possible if an infection develops, people with diabetes can get treatment that can often prevent the infection from spreading to the bone and necessitating amputation. Antibiotics and orthotics that remove pressure from the ulcer are two common treatments used by doctors to control the spread of the infection and control foot pain.

When your feet are in good condition, this can help make everyday tasks easier and promote your overall wellness. If you want a clean bill of health when you see your podiatrist in Sugar Land , then use the following tips to maintain the health of your feet:

Wear the right shoes.

Wearing improper footwear is among the leading causes of foot problems. If you’re a runner or athlete, then be sure to choose shoes that provide your feet with sufficient cushioning and arch support, and to switch to a new pair when your current set wears out. If you’re someone who likes to wear high heels, then limit how often you wear any that have a height greater than an inch or 2. Frequently wearing high heels can cause nerve damage, lower back pain, knee pain, bunions, and hammertoes.

Don’t ignore foot pain.

One of the most common mistakes that people make when it comes to their foot health is ignoring pain symptoms and allowing small problems to progress into bigger ones. In many cases, simply resting your feet and taking a break from exercise and sports can be sufficient for allowing your feet to heal. If you have persistent pain symptoms, however, then it’s important for you to see a podiatrist for an examination.

Practice good foot hygiene.

Keeping your feet dry and clean can go a long way in preventing skin and toenail infections. Whenever you bathe, remember to give your feet and toes a thorough scrubbing with soap and water and to dry them afterward. Keeping your feet dry can help prevent fungus from taking hold, so wear shoes and socks that offer air flow and avoid having any excess moisture around your toes.

Watch out for problems.

Simply looking at your feet on a regular basis is one of the best things that you can do to help keep your feet healthy. If you notice unusual sores, bumps, or calluses on your feet, or that your toenails are flaky, thick, or discolored, then you should schedule an appointment with a foot specialist.

Are you in need of bunion surgery in Sugar Land? If so, then read on to learn about the reasons why this option might not be effective for every patient.

Bunionectomies do not work for everyone.

When conservative treatments fail to resolve a patient’s bunion, then foot specialists frequently recommend a bunionectomy. In this type of surgery, only the bony prominence is removed. This simple, surgical bunion treatment can work well for some patients, but may not be effective for individuals who have severe bunions.

Bunion surgery isn’t always a permanent solution.

For some patients, surgery is not effective long-term because of a recurrence of the bunion. Although your foot surgeon may be able to effectively treat your current bunion and the symptoms that it causes through surgery, this does not guarantee that the bunion will not reform. If you choose to continue wearing high heels or narrow-toed shoes after your treatment, then the recurrence of the bunion becomes more likely.

Bunion surgery doesn’t meet everyone’s expectations.

Some patients decide to undergo bunion surgery because they are dissatisfied with the appearance of their feet. While bunion surgery is likely to improve the aesthetics of your foot, it may not completely restore its original appearance. Also, some patients are unhappy with the reduced flexibility in their big toe joint that can occur. Before undergoing bunion surgery, it’s essential to discuss your expectations with your doctor and to gain a good understanding of your probable outcomes.

Bunion surgery is not always successful.

As with any other surgery, it’s possible for bunion surgery to fail, and there are a number of complications associated with bunion surgery of which every patient should be aware. Prolonged swelling, infection, and deep vein thrombosis can result from this treatment. Some of the other possible complications include over- or under-correction, loss of correction, joint stiffness, and nerve entrapment. Speak with your doctor to gain a full understanding of the possible complications associated with bunion surgery.

Referred to by foot specialists as edema, swelling of the foot and ankle can result from a range of factors. Are you thinking about seeing a podiatrist in Sugar Land about your foot and ankle swelling? If so, then watch this video to learn about the possible causes of this problem.

Edema occurs when fluid builds up in the body. If you’re experiencing this symptom, then you should visit a foot doctor or primary care physician for a diagnosis. In the case of edema, the fluid buildup occurs when cells in the body leak fluid into nearby tissues, which causes the area to swell. Edema is more common in individuals who are pregnant, have diabetes, or suffer from blood vessel, heart, liver, and kidney conditions. If you’re experiencing swelling in your feet and ankles, then schedule an appointment with your podiatrist or primary care physician.