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Wounds on the feet can take longer to heal than injuries in other areas because of constant pressure, friction from shoes, and the distance from the heart, which can affect circulation. Even a small cut or blister can become a concern if it is not cared for promptly, especially for individuals with diabetes, poor circulation, or nerve changes that reduce sensation. Keeping the area clean, protected, and free from pressure allows new tissue to form more effectively. Paying attention to signs such as redness, warmth, swelling, or drainage helps catch problems early before the wound becomes deeper or infected. Choosing supportive footwear and monitoring the skin daily can make a meaningful difference in recovery. If a wound does not show steady improvement or becomes more painful, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper assessment and appropriate 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 one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. Our doctors 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 offices located in Woodbury, West St. Paul, and Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Flat feet occur when the arches sit lower than usual or collapse when standing, causing the entire sole to rest more fully on the ground. Some people are born with this structure, while others develop it over time due to tendon weakness, aging, injury, or extra stress on the feet. Low arches can lead to tired feet, aching ankles, or discomfort that travels into the knees or lower back because the body works harder to stay aligned. Many individuals also notice shoes wearing unevenly or feeling less supportive during long periods of standing or walking. Wearing supportive footwear, gentle strengthening, and early attention to soreness can improve comfort and prevent further strain. If you have persistent fatigue, instability, or pain related to low arches, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a personalized evaluation.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain that occurs when the thick band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes becomes inflamed. This is often due to overuse, improper footwear, obesity, or high impact activities, such as running or jumping. It may not be visibly obvious, but the heel can feel tender, stiff, or swollen, and many individuals describe sharp, stabbing pain with the first steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of sitting. Pain may decrease slightly with movement but often returns later in the day. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition through a physical examination, gait analysis, and imaging if needed. Treatment options include stretching exercises, supportive footwear, custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory therapies, or advanced interventions for chronic cases. Early professional care helps reduce pain and prevent long-term complications. If you experience persistent heel discomfort, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

Foot-ankle deformities in children can interfere with proper growth and walking patterns. One example is metatarsus adductus, where the outside border of one or both feet curves inward, giving the foot a bean-like shape. This can develop from the position of the baby in the womb and may affect balance as the child begins to walk. Some children have flexible feet that straighten over time, while others develop stiffness that limits movement. A podiatrist can examine the foot’s flexibility, use imaging if needed, and monitor how the bones and joints are forming. Supportive shoes, orthotic inserts, and stretching exercises can help realign the foot and improve function. In more serious cases, casting or surgery may be required. Early evaluation helps ensure proper development and prevents long-term walking issues. If your child was born with a foot-ankle deformity, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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