For people living with diabetes, foot health requires special attention. High blood sugar can damage circulation and nerves, making it harder for the feet to heal from even minor injuries. When infections or wounds go unnoticed, the risk of serious complications, including limb loss, increases. Although this sounds alarming, it is often preventable with early and consistent professional care. A podiatrist plays a key role in monitoring skin changes, treating ulcers, improving blood flow, and detecting issues long before they become severe. Regular visits allow problems to be managed promptly and safely, reducing the chance of infection or tissue damage. The goal is always preservation, protection, and comfort. If you have diabetes and notice any changes in the color, sensation, or condition of your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for expert care and prevention.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Pima Foot and Ankle Surgery. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

Swollen feet are a common concern during pregnancy, caused by increased blood volume, fluid retention, and pressure from the growing uterus. While mild swelling is normal, sudden or severe swelling can be a sign of preeclampsia, a serious condition involving high blood pressure and potential organ complications. Symptoms of preeclampsia include rapid swelling in the feet, hands, or face, as well as headaches and vision changes. A podiatrist can help relieve pregnancy-related foot swelling by recommending supportive footwear, gentle exercises, compression socks, and safe foot elevation techniques. They can also identify symptoms that require medical attention. If you notice your feet and ankles are swollen during your pregnancy, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can identify the cause and offer effective relief and management tips.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Pima Foot and Ankle Surgery. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. Common risk factors include wearing tight shoes, improper nail trimming, injury to the toe, or genetic predisposition. Symptoms often include tenderness along the nail edges, throbbing pain, and drainage, if an infection develops. Left untreated, ingrown toenails can worsen and interfere with daily activities such as walking or exercise. A podiatrist can provide effective treatment, from careful removal of the ingrown portion of the nail to guidance on proper nail care and footwear choices. If you are experiencing pain or signs of an infected ingrown toenail, it is strongly suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Pima Foot and Ankle Surgery. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

External fixation of an ankle fracture is a surgical treatment that uses a frame outside the leg connected to pins or wires that are placed into the bone. This method stabilizes the fracture and allows proper healing, especially when swelling or severe trauma prevents immediate internal fixation. Ankle fractures can result from falls, sports injuries, or accidents, leading to pain, swelling, and instability. During surgery, the podiatric surgeon places pins into the bone above and below the fracture, attaching them to an external frame to keep the bones aligned. A podiatrist helps guide recovery, monitor healing, and manage long-term function. If you have sustained an ankle injury, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can provide you with effective treatment solutions, which may include this type of surgery. 

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Pima Foot and Ankle Surgery. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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