A foot wound often needs more than a clean dressing. Each step can pressure damaged skin, slow healing, and deepen the wound. An off-loading device reduces that pressure by shifting weight away from the sore area. A podiatrist can recommend a healing shoe, sandal, or walking boot. A heel-suspension boot is also a choice. Prefabricated sandals and healing shoes differ in their design, materials, and purpose. They can provide better fit, support, and protection than standard choices. However, a ready-made device needs a molded footbed or custom insert to provide proper support and pressure relief.

A podiatrist selects and adjusts the device based on the wound and foot shape. The correct device must fit well and stay in the proper position. A custom insert can have a recessed area under the wound so the sore spot does not bear weight. A metatarsal bar can move pressure away from the front of the foot. A higher boot can give added support to a foot with major shape changes. For a heel wound, a specially cut boot can keep the injured area from touching a bed, chair, or footstool. 

Off-loading works best as one part of professional wound care. A podiatrist can examine the wound, remove unhealthy tissue, and apply an appropriate dressing. Follow-up visits allow the doctor to check healing and adjust the device as swelling or pressure points change. Patients should use the off-loading device exactly as directed, including when walking or resting. A poorly fitted device can rub the skin, shift pressure to a new area, or cause the wound to worsen. Prompt care is especially important if redness, drainage, or swelling develops. Odor can also signal a problem. If you have a foot wound that needs professional care, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can discuss the benefits of off-loading devices with you.

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 Gordon P. Rheaume, DPM from Colorado. 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 contact our office located in Pueblo, CO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout can cause sudden, intense pain in a joint, and the big toe is one of the most frequent areas affected. The condition develops when uric acid builds up in the body and forms tiny crystals inside a joint. These crystals can trigger swelling, redness, and strong tenderness. A gout flare can begin quickly, sometimes reaching its highest level of pain within a day. Gout can also affect the ankle, midfoot, or other joints, making foot pain difficult to identify by symptoms alone. Because several foot problems can cause similar symptoms, a careful evaluation is important.

A podiatrist can assess the painful area and look for signs that fit gout. The evaluation can include a review of symptoms, a physical examination, and testing when the diagnosis is unclear. A blood test can measure urate, which is the form of uric acid found in the blood. However, a normal urate level does not always rule out gout during a flare. In some cases, fluid from the affected joint can be examined for crystals. Imaging tests can also help identify crystal buildup or rule out other causes of joint pain. These steps help guide an appropriate treatment plan and help separate gout from other causes of sudden joint pain.

Treatment for gout focuses on controlling painful flares and lowering the chance of future attacks. A podiatrist can help identify foot and ankle problems related to gout and coordinate care that fits the patient’s needs. Treatment can involve medicines that reduce inflammation during a flare. Long-term care can also involve medicines that lower uric acid and reduce crystal buildup. Managing gout is important because repeated flares can damage joints and lead to firm lumps called tophi, which are collections of urate crystals under the skin. If you have symptoms of gout, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this painful condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Gordon P. Rheaume, DPM from Colorado. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that causes one or more of the smaller toes to bend downward at the middle joint instead of lying flat. The condition most often affects the second toe, although it can occur in other toes as well. In its early stages, the toe may still be flexible. Over time, it can become stiff and more difficult to straighten. Common symptoms include toe pain, swelling, and redness around the affected joint. Some people also develop corns or calluses because the bent toe rubs against footwear. As hammertoe progresses, walking and wearing shoes may become increasingly uncomfortable. A podiatric evaluation is important to identify the severity of the condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Several factors can contribute to hammertoe, including muscle imbalance, arthritis, and previous toe injuries. Wearing shoes that place excessive pressure on the toes may also increase the risk. As the toe remains in a bent position, the surrounding muscles and tendons may tighten, making the deformity more difficult to correct. Ongoing changes in toe alignment can also affect balance and alter normal walking patterns. A thorough podiatry examination helps determine how the deformity is affecting foot function and whether other conditions are contributing to the problem. Early diagnosis allows treatment to begin before the toe becomes permanently rigid.

A podiatrist specializes in diagnosing and treating hammertoe while evaluating the overall structure and function of the foot. Professional treatment focuses on relieving discomfort, improving mobility, and slowing the progression of the deformity. Care is tailored to each patient's condition and may be adjusted as symptoms change over time. Regular follow-up visits also help monitor foot health and address new concerns before they become more serious. If hammertoe is causing pain, limiting your mobility, or making it difficult to wear shoes comfortably, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Gordon P. Rheaume, DPM from Colorado. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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

Selecting the right treadmill shoes is essential for maintaining foot health and improving workout performance. Treadmill shoes are designed to support repetitive forward motion while reducing impact on the feet and joints. The definition of a proper treadmill shoe includes features such as a supple midsole cushioning system, low shock absorption, and a generous toe box. These elements work together to provide stability, comfort, and protection during indoor running or walking routines.

Symptoms of wearing improper shoes on a treadmill may include foot pain, blisters, and joint discomfort. Some individuals may experience arch pain or heel soreness due to poor shock absorption. Tight shoes can cause pressure on the toes, while loose shoes may lead to instability and friction. These issues can affect workout consistency and increase the risk of injury. Recognizing these symptoms early can help prevent long-term foot problems.

Risk factors for treadmill related foot pain include improper shoe fitting, worn out footwear, and lack of proper cushioning. Shoes that do not match foot shape or size can lead to uneven weight distribution. A narrow toe box may compress the toes, while insufficient midsole support may fail to absorb repeated impact. These factors highlight the importance of selecting shoes designed specifically for treadmill use.

Choosing the best treadmill shoes involves proper fitting and attention to key features. A well-fitted shoe should allow space for toe movement while providing a secure heel fit. Supple midsole cushioning helps absorb impact, while low shock design reduces strain on joints. A generous toe box improves comfort and prevents crowding. Regularly replacing worn shoes and monitoring foot comfort can support better outcomes. If you have foot pain from shoes on a treadmill, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief tips, and guidance on choosing the best treadmill shoes for you.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Gordon P. Rheaume, DPM from Colorado. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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