When it comes to diabetes nothing is more important than living a healthy lifestyle and taking the proper medications to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Controlling your blood sugar is key to preventing health complications. Along with turning to a regular doctor and endocrinologist, it’s important that you also add a podiatrist to your team of specialists to monitor and maintain good foot health.

• Washing feet with warm water and soap at least once a day. Make sure that you also clean between toes. Once your feet are thoroughly clean, also dry them off completely before applying moisturizer.
• Never go barefoot, even indoors, as this could lead to an injury. Make sure to always check your shoes before putting them on to ensure that dirt or small objects may not be inside (as this can lead to injury).
• Wear shoes that provide the proper fit. There are shoes designed specifically for those with diabetes; however, as long as you wear shoes that provide protection, optimal support, and the ideal fit, this is all you need.
• You should always have your feet examined by a podiatrist at least once a year to check blood flow and to make sure that there are no issues. If you have trouble trimming your nails properly, you can also turn to a podiatrist who will do it for you.

While there are many reasons for foot pain, if the pain is concentrated in the ball of the foot (between the arches and your toes) then you could be dealing with an overuse injury known as metatarsalgia. Metatarsalgia can be incredibly painful, making it difficult to stand or even walk without discomfort. If you suspect that you might be dealing with metatarsalgia, a podiatrist can quickly diagnose and treat your condition.

• You have foot pain that is exacerbated by standing, walking, or flexing your foot
• Foot pain gets better with rest
• You have a sharp or burning pain in the ball of the foot
• There is a sharp or shooting pain in the toes
• Your toes tingle or feel numb
• You feel as if you have a stone in your shoe

• Experiencing stress fractures in the toes
• Wearing high heels or shoes with a narrow toe box
• Being overweight or obese
• Having certain foot deformities such as bunions or hammertoes
• High arches
• Intense or endurance exercises such as long-distance running

• Rest
• Avoiding certain activities and exercises that make the pain worse (e.g., running)
• Wearing properly fitted and fully supportive shoes
• Avoiding high heels or shoes that are too tight
• Placing shoe inserts or padding under the metatarsal bones for further support
• Icing the area multiple times a day
• Taking a pain reliever or anti-inflammatory medication

Foot and ankle problems make walking, standing, and carrying out your usual daily activities difficult. Fortunately, your podiatrists in Chandler, AZ, at Family Foot & Ankle Care offer helpful treatments for a variety of foot and ankle conditions.

Do you know when to make an appointment with your Chandler, AZ, foot doctor?

It's a good idea to schedule an appointment if you experience any of these issues:

• A Foot or Ankle Injury: Pain and swelling due to an injury may gradually get better if you stay off your feet as much as possible for a few days. If your pain is severe or hasn't decreased in a week or two, it's a good idea to see a podiatrist. If you force yourself to carry out your usual schedule despite the pain, you may very well end up regretting your decision. If injuries aren't treated promptly, pain or mobility issues could become chronic and affect your ability to walk, stand, or move easily.
• Pain: Pain is a common complaint in foot and ankle conditions ranging from ingrown toenails to retrocalcaneal bursitis to plantar fasciitis. As pain is a sign that something isn't quite right, it should never be ignored.
• Changes in the Appearance of Your Feet or Ankles: Does your foot or ankle look deformed after a fall or accident? You may have dislocated or broken a bone. Get in touch with your podiatrist as soon as possible if you suspect a broken or dislocated bone. Do you have a bump at the base of your big toe (bunion) or a bent toe (hammertoe)? Your podiatrist offers treatments that improve the alignment of your toe and reduce your pain.
• Infection: Redness, red streaks, pus, and warmth can be signs of an infected wound, as can a fever. Call your podiatrist right away if you notice any of these signs. If you're a diabetic, a foot infection could lead to serious health complications. Don't attempt to treat wounds at home if you have diabetes, as they may be more likely to become infected.
• Unusual Sensations: Does your foot feel cold, warm, or numb? Do you have a tingling or pins-or-needles sensation in your feet? These symptoms could indicate a problem with your nerves or circulation and should be evaluated as soon as possible.

Ease your pain with a visit to your Chandler, AZ, podiatrists. Call Family Foot & Ankle Care at (480) 732-0033 to schedule your appointment.

Are you flat-footed? If so, you join the ranks of about 18 million American adults over age 21 that also have this common foot condition, reports the National Foot Health Assessment. Having flat feet simply means that you don’t have arches in your feet, which means that the entire foot touches the ground when you stand or walk. While flat feet won’t cause problems for some, others may regularly deal with achy, sore feet or pain in the ankles, legs, or thigh. If you are dealing with foot pain and you think it may be due to flat feet, your podiatrist can help.

• Wearing properly fitted shoes that provide ample cushioning and support for the entire foot, particularly the arches and heel
• Consider getting prescription orthotics from your podiatrist, which can evenly distribute the weight throughout the foot rather than putting added pressure on the arches or heel
• Losing weight, if the patient is overweight or obese
• Taking pain relievers such as ibuprofen, which can reduce pain and swelling
• Talking to your podiatrist about special exercises that you can do to improve the strength and function of the ligaments, tendons, and muscles of the foot to reduce pain
• Weighing the pros and cons of surgical intervention

It’s an embarrassing problem. Smelly feet can make you feel self-conscious. You can’t get comfortable or take your shoes off without worrying that everyone will notice your stinky feet. Have you ever wondered what might be going on to cause this problem in the first place? While some people are more prone to smelly feet than others, your podiatrist can provide you with some tips to get rid of offensive-smelling foot odors.

• Wash feet at least once a day with soap and warm water. Make sure that you dry your feet thoroughly after.
• Make sure to dry feet as soon as possible after dealing with sweaty or perspiring feet.
• Choose socks made from materials that wick away sweat and improve ventilation.
• Apply deodorizing sprays or powders in shoes every day after wear, and make sure to wait 24 hours before wearing the same shoes again.