Items filtered by date: January 2025

Diabetic foot ulcers are open wounds that develop due to skin breakdown, often caused by pressure, friction, or injury. People with diabetes are particularly at risk of foot ulcers because conditions like peripheral neuropathy and poor circulation can impair sensation and healing in the feet. Diabetic foot ulcers can appear on the toes, soles, or ankles and may progress to deeper layers, involving muscles, tendons, or even bones. Untreated foot ulcers increase the risk of infection, potentially leading to severe complications, like gangrene or limb loss. A podiatrist plays a key role in managing diabetic foot ulcers by performing wound care, including debridement to remove damaged tissue and applying specialized dressings to promote healing. They may also recommend offloading techniques, such as using custom footwear or casts to reduce pressure on the affected area. Regular monitoring is essential to catch any early signs of infection or worsening ulcers. If you have foot ulcers related to diabetes, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for regular exams and necessary 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 James Tyler Vestile, DPM from Foot and Ankle Centers of Indiana. 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 Tipton, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common infection that can cause thickened, discolored, and brittle nails. Mistakes in managing it often worsen the condition. Ignoring early signs like slight discoloration or nail brittleness can allow the infection to spread. Mild treatments might help, but using them inconsistently or stopping too soon often leads to recurrence. Another mistake is attempting to self-treat with home remedies without proper diagnosis, delaying effective care. Wearing tight, non-breathable shoes or walking barefoot in public areas like pools or gyms increases reinfection risks. Poor nail hygiene, such as improper nail trimming or sharing nail tools also contributes to fungal growth. Treating toenail fungus requires patience and consistency. If you have this condition, it is strongly suggested that you see a podiatrist for effective and safe treatment.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact James Tyler Vestile, DPM of Foot and Ankle Centers of Indiana. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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

Pins and needles in the feet, medically known as paresthesia, can arise from a variety of causes that often involve the nerves in the feet, toes, or ankles. Diabetes and alcohol abuse frequently lead to peripheral neuropathy, where prolonged high blood sugar levels damage the nerves, resulting in tingling or numbness. Tarsal tunnel syndrome, caused by compression of the tibial nerve in the ankle, is another possible cause of burning and tingling pain. Vitamin deficiencies, particularly B12, may also contribute to nerve dysfunction, resulting in tingling sensations. Inherited conditions like Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease can weaken the peripheral nerves and cause persistent tingling and numbness. Exposure to certain toxins or medications can similarly affect nerve health. A podiatrist can evaluate your symptoms through a physical exam, diagnostic tests, and a review of your medical history to determine the underlying cause. If you frequently experience a feeling of pins and needles in your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough exam.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with James Tyler Vestile, DPM from Foot and Ankle Centers of Indiana. 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 Tipton, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, is a condition where the arch of the foot collapses or does not form properly. This leads to the entire sole of the foot making contact with the ground. The most common symptoms of flat feet include foot pain, particularly in the arch or heel area, swelling along the inner part of the foot, and difficulty standing or walking for extended periods. People with flat feet may also experience problems with balance and a tendency to tire quickly. Diagnosing flat feet typically involves a physical examination by a podiatrist, who will look for visible signs of the condition. X-rays or other imaging tests may be used to assess the alignment of the bones in the foot. If you have flat feet that are causing pain and discomfort, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief and treatment solutions.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact James Tyler Vestile, DPM from Foot and Ankle Centers of Indiana. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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