Negative pressure wound therapy is an advanced method used to help foot wounds heal more efficiently. It works by applying gentle suction through a sealed dressing placed over the wound. This controlled suction removes excess fluid, reduces swelling, and helps improve blood flow to the area. Better circulation brings oxygen and nutrients that support healing. The therapy also promotes the growth of new tissue, which fills in the wound over time. Keeping the wound clean and reducing bacteria lowers the risk of infection. A podiatrist carefully prepares the wound, selects the proper dressing, and adjusts pressure levels based on the wound type to ensure safe care. This treatment is often used for slow-healing wounds, including ulcers or surgical sites. If you have foot wounds that are slow to heal, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for 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 VIP Foot & Ankle Center. 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 contact our office located in Pembroke Pines, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A podiatrist is a medical specialist focused on diagnosing and treating conditions of the foot, ankle, and lower extremities. People visit a podiatrist for persistent foot pain, injuries, or changes in skin and nails. Diabetes increases the risk of nerve damage and poor circulation, making regular foot care by a podiatrist essential to deal with ulcers and infections. Foot arthritis can cause stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility that benefit from expert evaluation and treatment. Joint pain in the foot and ankle may result from overuse, injury, or structural problems that require proper management. Heel pain is often linked to plantar fasciitis and can worsen without care. Additionally, ingrown toenails can become painful and infected, if not treated properly. If you have any of the above symptoms or other foot and ankle issues, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat various foot and ankle conditions.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact one of our podiatrists from VIP Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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

Hammertoe is a foot deformity in which one of the smaller toes bends downward at the middle joint, creating a hammer-like appearance. This condition often develops when the muscles and tendons that control the toe become imbalanced, causing the joint to remain in a bent position. Common causes may include wearing tight or narrow shoes, high-heeled footwear, foot injury, or structural foot imbalance. Symptoms include toe pain, stiffness, swelling, corns, calluses, and difficulty moving the affected toe. Risk factors include long-term shoe pressure, certain inherited foot shapes, and conditions that affect muscle balance. Early evaluation and supportive care may help reduce discomfort, improve alignment, and protect overall foot health and comfortable daily movement. If you have symptoms of hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management solutions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from VIP Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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

Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune connective tissue disorder in which the body produces excess collagen, leading to thickening and tightening of the skin and underlying tissues. When this condition affects the feet it may cause stiffness, reduced flexibility, and changes in circulation that influence comfort during walking. Symptoms include tight skin, joint discomfort, swelling, and sensitivity to cold temperatures. Many individuals also experience Raynaud's phenomenon, a circulation-related condition in which the toes change color and become painful when exposed to cold or stress. Causes involve immune system dysfunction and genetic susceptibility. Risk factors may include family history and autoimmune disease patterns. A podiatrist can help manage foot symptoms and improve comfort. If foot pain or circulation concerns develop, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from VIP Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors 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 Pembroke Pines, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.