December 2021

Most people associate diabetes with blood sugar and insulin levels, but many diabetics are also at risk for severe foot problems. Over time diabetes may cause nerve damage and this is commonly referred to as diabetic neuropathy. This condition can cause numbness, tingling, and pain in the feet. Once this develops you might not notice a cut or sore on the foot which could lead to an infection. Diabetes can also reduce blood flow to the feet making it even more difficult for a cut or infection to heal. Without treatment an infection may lead to gangrene, and in severe cases amputation of a toe or foot could be necessary. If you have diabetes there are ways to keep your feet healthy: inspect your feet every day for cuts, sores, scrapes, or any other changes; wash and dry your feet thoroughly; trim toenails straight across and not too short; wear socks and shoes that fit correctly; and elevate your feet while you are sitting. If you have foot wounds that won't heal, notice an odor coming from your feet, or see changes to the color or shape of your feet, it is strongly suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist as soon as possible.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Gregory Rorick, DPM from Rorick Podiatry, PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

There are many issues and injuries that can impact the foot. Therefore, it is important to make sure that you are wearing shoes that fit correctly. Shoes should be comfortable and supportive, while also cushioning the foot. One way to ensure this is to purchase shoes that are specifically made for the physical activity you are doing. Another thing that can be done to ensure that shoes fit correctly is by purchasing them at the end of the day, when our feet are the largest. The toes should be able to comfortably wiggle in the shoes, and the heel should comfortably be gripped. Patients who have more questions about making sure they’re wearing the right shoes should consult with a podiatrist.  

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Gregory Rorick, DPM from Rorick Podiatry, PC. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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

Several conditions that affect the ankle and foot may end up leading to the possibility of amputation. In some cases, however, the ankle or foot may be saved through surgical procedures. Anyone with diabetic neuropathy or PAD (Peripheral Artery Disease) could be at risk. Nerve damage caused by diabetes often leads to skin ulcers or infections, which can go unnoticed, putting your lower limbs and feet in jeopardy. As PAD advances, it slows blood flow to the feet, resulting in severe pain, impaired wound healing, and sometimes even gangrene. Several procedures have been used to correct these and other conditions, including inserting stents to restore blood flow, removing plaque from blood vessels, and undergoing bypass surgery to reroute the flow of blood. It is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist before deciding to undergo any surgical procedure on your ankles or feet.

Limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have diabetes, cancer, or any other condition that could lead to foot amputation if left unchecked, consult with Gregory Rorick, DPM from Rorick Podiatry, PC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Limb Salvage?

Limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Those with diabetes experience poor blood circulation, which prevents proper healing of an ulcer. If the ulcer is left uncheck, it could become infected, which could result in the need for amputation.

However, there are other causes as well, such as cancer and traumatic injury. Links between higher mortality rates and amputation have been found. This translates into higher healthcare costs, and a reduced quality of life and mobility for amputees. Podiatrists have attempted to increase the prevalence of limb salvage in an attempt to solve these issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Limb salvage teams have grown in recent years that utilize a number of different treatments to save the infected limb. This includes podiatrists that specialize in wound care, rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery. Through a combination of these methods, limb salvage has been found to be an effective treatment for infected limbs, and as an alternative to amputation. Podiatrists will first evaluate the potential for limb salvage and determine if the limb can be saved or must be amputated. 

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