Diabetic foot complications are common due to nerve damage, or neuropathy, and poor circulation, which make the feet vulnerable to injuries that may go unnoticed. Even small cuts or blisters can develop into serious ulcers, as high blood sugar levels delay wound healing and increase infection risk. For people with diabetes, regular foot checks are essential to catch injuries early. Wound care is a critical part of managing diabetic foot complications. It involves cleaning, debriding, or removing dead tissue, and protecting wounds to prevent infection and promote healing. In severe cases, advanced treatments like specialized dressings, antibiotics, and even hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be required. By addressing wounds promptly and properly, wound care reduces the risk of severe infections and amputations, making it a vital component in the comprehensive management of diabetic foot health. If you have diabetic-related foot problems, it is strongly suggested that you schedule regular appointments with a podiatrist for routine exams and expert care.

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 Dr. Kirk Sherris from Liberty Bay Foot & Ankle. 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 feel free to contact our office located in Poulsbo, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Preventing running injuries requires a combination of proper warm-up, focused training, and strength-building exercises. Starting each run with a warm-up is essential to prepare the muscles and joints for the physical demands of running. Dynamic stretches such as leg swings, high knees, and lunges help improve flexibility and activate key muscle groups. Running with purpose, by focusing on technique and form, is another critical step. This involves maintaining an upright posture, engaging the core, and avoiding overstriding to reduce unnecessary strain on the body. In addition to running, strength training exercises, such as calf raises, squats, and lunges, can help build stability and endurance. Incorporating drills like strides or short sprints at the end of easy runs can also improve speed and running efficiency. If you are suffering from foot or ankle pain from running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment and injury prevention techniques.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Kirk Sherris of Liberty Bay Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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

During the third trimester of pregnancy, many women experience structural changes in the feet and arches due to the physical demands of pregnancy. As the body prepares for childbirth, hormonal changes, particularly the increase in the hormone relaxin, cause the ligaments in the feet to loosen and become more flexible. This increased flexibility can lead to a flattening of the arches, a condition known as flat feet. Additionally, the added weight from the growing baby places extra pressure on the feet, leading to discomfort, swelling, and sometimes pain. The feet may widen, and the arch may collapse, making it difficult to wear certain shoes or stand for long periods. To manage these changes, it is important to wear supportive shoes, elevate the feet when possible, and perform gentle foot exercises to improve strength and circulation. If you have foot pain or notice concerning changes in your feet during your pregnancy, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief 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 Dr. Kirk Sherris from Liberty Bay Foot & Ankle. Our doctor 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 office located in Poulsbo, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A foot stress fracture is a small crack in a bone that develops due to repetitive force or overuse, often occurring in weight-bearing bones like the metatarsals. These fractures are common among athletes, particularly runners, and can also affect individuals who suddenly increase their physical activity. Key causes include improper footwear, inadequate training techniques, and conditions such as osteoporosis that weaken bones. Symptoms typically manifest as localized pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest. Swelling, tenderness, and bruising surrounding the affected area may also be present. Unlike acute fractures, stress fractures can develop gradually, making early detection challenging. Recognizing the signs and seeking prompt medical attention from a podiatrist is essential for effective treatment, which may include rest and immobilization to promote healing and prevent future injuries. If you have sustained a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you confer with this type of doctor who can effectively diagnose and treat this condition.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Dr. Kirk Sherris from Liberty Bay Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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

Selecting the right running shoe is essential for enhancing performance and preventing injuries. First, consider the type of running you will be doing, whether it is road running, trail running, or track work, as each requires different features. The shoe should fit snugly but not painfully, allowing for about a thumb's width of space between the toe and the end of the shoe. Look for adequate support, especially if you have specific foot needs, such as pronation control. Flexibility is important for natural foot movement, while durability ensures that the shoe can withstand the rigors of regular use. Cushioning is vital for absorbing impact and providing comfort during longer runs. If you enjoy running and have endured a foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer you treatment solutions, and guide you on how to choose proper running shoes.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Dr. Kirk Sherris from Liberty Bay Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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