Caring for diabetic feet is vital to prevent complications and maintain mobility. Pressure redistribution through supportive footwear and custom inserts helps reduce strain on sensitive areas. If a foot ulcer develops, proper cleaning and dressing are important steps, and antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection. Making regular podiatry appointments ensures early detection and treatment of issues before they become severe. A podiatrist can guide you in selecting the right shoes, provide wound care, and monitor circulation and nerve health to protect your feet long-term. If you are living with diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.

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 Joseph Creswell, DPM from Practice. Our practitioner 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 office located in Wallace, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Metatarsal stress fractures are tiny breaks that develop in the long bones of the foot, usually from repetitive impact rather than a single injury. Unlike sudden fractures, these small cracks build over time, often starting as a mild ache that worsens with activity. Runners, dancers, and athletes who spend hours on their feet are especially vulnerable, but anyone who suddenly increases activity or wears shoes lacking adequate support can be at risk. Because the pain often begins subtly, many people mistake it for a bruise or simple soreness. Left untreated, stress fractures can progress into more serious injuries that take longer to heal. Rest, wearing protective footwear, and sometimes immobilization are key to recovery. Gradual return to activity under a podiatrist’s guidance helps ensure proper healing and prevents re-injury. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist when it first starts for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Joseph Creswell, DPM from Practice. Our practitioner 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 contact our office located in Wallace, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle injuries are common, and it can be difficult to tell the difference between a sprain and a break. A sprained ankle occurs when the ligaments are stretched or torn, often from twisting or rolling the foot during sports or walking on uneven ground. A broken ankle, or fracture, happens when one or more bones in the ankle joint break, usually from a fall, direct impact, or severe twisting injury. Symptoms of both include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. However, a break may cause more intense pain, visible deformity, or an inability to bear weight at all. The area might feel tender to the touch and appear misshapen or unstable. A podiatrist can perform a physical exam, take X-rays, and determine whether the injury is a sprain or fracture. Treatment may involve rest, bracing, targeted exercises, or, in some cases, surgery. If you have injured your ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Joseph Creswell, DPM from Practice. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

A bunion forms when the joint at the base of the big toe gradually shifts, creating a bony bump that can become sore, inflamed, and irritated by footwear. Podiatrists evaluate the degree of the deformity and tailor care to relieve discomfort and prevent it from worsening. Supportive shoes with ample toe space, cushioning to reduce rubbing, and custom orthotic inserts can help improve foot mechanics. Cold therapy and anti-inflammatory treatments may ease swelling and tenderness. In cases where pain limits activity or the bunion continues to progress, surgery may be recommended to realign the joint. Addressing the problem early often makes it easier to manage and helps maintain comfortable movement. If you have persistent pain or difficulty wearing shoes due to a bunion, it is suggested you arrange an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management tips.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Joseph Creswell, DPM of Practice. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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