Diabetic foot wounds can develop quickly and require immediate attention to prevent serious complications. Symptoms include redness, swelling, drainage, pain, in addition to numbness and open sores that do not heal. These wounds often result from nerve damage and poor circulation, which can make them difficult to detect and slow to heal. A podiatrist can help by performing thorough foot examinations, cleaning and treating wounds, managing infections, and recommending footwear or orthotics to protect vulnerable areas. Early intervention is vital to avoiding severe outcomes like ulcers or limb loss. If you notice any signs of a diabetic foot wound, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can provide effective relief solutions, while helping you to manage this serious condition.

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 Scott Matthews, DPM, MD from Salem Foot Care . 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 contact our office located in Wikesboro, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that affects the feet, particularly the soles and the spaces between the toes.  Symptoms include scaling, which can vary from mild redness and itching, to severe cracking and painful blisters. As the athlete's foot infection progresses, the skin may become thickened, and, in some cases, it can lead to bacterial infections, especially in older adults or those with poor circulation. The fungus thrives in moist, warm environments, such as communal showers or areas where individuals walk barefoot. Wearing tight shoes can also increase the risk. Diagnosis is typically made through a visual examination, though a skin scraping may be taken for further analysis, if needed. A podiatrist can provide effective treatment with antifungal medications applied to the affected area or taken orally in more severe cases. If you have a stubborn athlete's foot infection, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for advanced treatment.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Scott Matthews, DPM, MD from Salem Foot Care . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

Wearing shoes that do not fit properly can put stress on the toes, leading to a range of foot problems. Shoes that are too tight in the toe box may crowd the toes, which can result in corns, calluses, and painful nerve conditions like neuromas. High heels or shoes that elevate the heel significantly can increase pressure on the forefoot, shifting weight onto the toes and altering foot alignment. Over time, this can cause or worsen deformities like hammertoes or bunions. Shoes that are too loose may allow the foot to slide forward, creating friction that can irritate the toes and lead to blisters or toenail damage. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot structure, check for existing damage, and recommend proper footwear or custom orthotics to relieve pressure and prevent further injury. If you are experiencing toe or foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and  treatment options.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Scott Matthews, DPM, MD from Salem Foot Care . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Wikesboro, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Cuboid syndrome occurs when the cuboid bone in the midfoot becomes misaligned, often following an ankle sprain or repeated stress. It can cause an aching pain on the outside of the foot, especially during walking or weight-bearing activities. A podiatrist will examine the area by checking for tenderness over the cuboid bone, observing foot alignment, and assessing range of motion. The condition can mimic other midfoot injuries, so careful evaluation is essential. Imaging may be used to rule out fractures or other issues. Treatment typically involves gentle manipulation to reposition the cuboid bone, followed by rest and wearing supportive footwear. Taping, orthotics, or targeted exercises may also be recommended to relieve pressure and prevent recurrence. Early care often leads to a full recovery. If you have persistent pain on the outer side of your foot after activity or injury, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Scott Matthews, DPM, MD from Salem Foot Care . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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