Your feet are under the constant stress of weight, they are far from your heart, and if you wear shoes, they’re encased in a dark, moist place for many hours of the day.

For most people, blisters and other foot injuries heal in a week or two.

But for people who suffer from diabetes or high blood sugar levels, even minor problems can lead to chronic wounds or ulcers on their feet. People with undiagnosed diabetes can find themselves in a troublesome situation if blisters or sores do not heal.

Any foot wound or open sore can lead to infection without proper treatment.

The warm moist environment found in most shoes is perfect for bacteria growth.

That’s why it is essential to treat wounds on the foot as soon as possible. Without treatment, foot sores can quickly progress to an extremely serious condition that is hard to control.

If you have sores on your feet that will not heal, make an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

What does a podiatrist do?

If you have ever asked yourself that question, then you’ve come to the right place.

A podiatrist is a specialized medical doctor dedicated to the study, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions that affect the feet, ankles, and lower legs.

They treat painful foot problems such as bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, or ingrown toenails. They also diagnose and treat foot and ankle pain, fractures, and other injuries.

Podiatrists help you keep your feet healthy.

When it comes to diabetic foot care, podiatrists are an important part of your health care team. They treat complications of diabetes, including:

  • Neuropathy or nerve damage. This condition causes pain, numbness, and loss of feeling in your feet and toes. Losing sensation may be one of the more insidious effects of diabetes. It can mask a cut or sore that needs treatment.
  • Charcot. Untreated nerve damage can also weaken the bones, leading to fractures and deformities in the feet.
  • Foot sores and ulcers. Sores on the feet that do not heal or grow larger need immediate treatment to prevent further infection. These types of sores can lead to gangrene, which may require amputation.

If your feet swell, peel, crack, or change color, or if you experience numbness, tingling, or pain in your feet or legs, or you notice bleeding or open sores on your feet, don’t wait another minute. Contact a podiatrist today.

Bone & Joint’s podiatrists, Thomas Staysniak, DPM, and Paul Strobel, DPM, see patients in Medford, Merrill, and Wausau.

They can examine your feet, ankles, legs, and joints to diagnose specific problems and recommend treatments. They work with Adam Halverson, DO, central Wisconsin’s only fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon, and a highly skilled physical therapy team to provide total foot and ankle care.