Diabetic limb salvage refers to medical efforts aimed at preventing amputation of limbs affected by complications of diabetes, such as neuropathy and peripheral artery disease. These conditions diminish sensation and blood flow to the extremities, increasing the risk of foot ulcers and infections that can lead to tissue damage and, in severe cases, amputation. Causes of diabetic limb salvage efforts include poor circulation, nerve damage, and impaired wound healing due to prolonged high blood sugar levels. Management involves regular foot exams, meticulous foot care, and maintaining optimal blood glucose levels. Treatment may include debridement of infected tissue, antibiotics, and advanced wound care techniques to promote healing. If you have diabetes, and serious foot conditions have occurred as a result, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition, which may include diabetic foot salvage.

Diabetic Limb Salvage

Diabetic limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have a foot ulcer and diabetes, consult with Jeffrey L. Bober, DPM from Maryland. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Diabetic Limb Salvage?

Diabetic limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot, that has an infected ulcer, from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. 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.

Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Amputation has been found to lead to higher mortality rates. 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 Glen Burnie, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cracked heels can result from various factors, including dietary deficiencies. Insufficient intake of essential vitamins like A, C, and E, as well as minerals such as zinc and iron, can contribute to dry, flaky skin prone to cracking. A diet lacking in omega-3 fatty acids may also impair skin hydration and elasticity, causing heel fissures. Additionally, dehydration plays a critical role, as inadequate water intake reduces skin moisture, making heels more susceptible to cracking. Other causes include prolonged standing or walking barefoot, which increases pressure on the heels, and wearing open-back shoes that fail to support the heel adequately. Cracked heels can be painful and unsightly. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide effective treatment solutions, which often includes prescribed medication.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Jeffrey L. Bober, DPM from Maryland. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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

Achilles tendon injuries are prevalent among people who engage in physical activities, from athletes to casual exercisers. The Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, is critical for movements like standing on toes and propelling forward when walking or running. Common injuries include Achilles tendinopathy, which involves tiny tears from overuse and results in pain, swelling, and morning stiffness. More severe Achilles tendon injuries, such as partial or complete tears, cause sudden, sharp pain, swelling, and difficulty pointing the foot down or standing on tiptoe. A podiatrist can diagnose these injuries through a physical exam, ultrasound, X-rays, or MRI scans to assess the extent of damage. Treatment depends on the injury's severity. Mild cases may be managed with rest and stretching exercises, while severe tears might require surgery and immobilization with a cast or brace. If you are experiencing pain resulting from an Achilles tendon injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Jeffrey L. Bober, DPM of Maryland. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Glen Burnie, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle pain can arise from various conditions affecting the bones, ligaments, tendons, or muscles in the ankle joint. This complex joint, where the foot and leg meet, consists of three joints that facilitate both up-and-down and side-to-side movements. Ankle pain can stem from overuse injuries such as Achilles tendinitis or ruptures, which cause significant pain and limit mobility. Conditions like arthritis, gout, and bursitis also can lead to chronic pain, stiffness, and swelling in the ankle. Structural issues, such as bone spurs or fractures, often resulting from trauma or overuse, may cause acute or lingering discomfort. Swollen ankles, the result of fluid buildup, can occur from prolonged standing, pregnancy, or underlying medical conditions. Wearing ill-fitting shoes and tarsal tunnel syndrome, where nerve compression leads to pain and tingling, also contribute to ankle pain. Symptoms can include throbbing, redness, numbness, and weakness. Through a series of tests, a podiatrist can accurately determine the underlying cause. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Jeffrey L. Bober, DPM from Maryland. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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