Items filtered by date: July 2025

A foot ulcer is an open sore that can affect the surface skin or extend deep enough to reach tendons, bones, or other structures. People with diabetes, poor circulation, nerve damage, or foot deformities face a higher risk of developing ulcers. Nerve damage can make it hard to notice injuries like cuts or pressure spots, especially when wearing shoes that rub against the skin. Poor circulation slows healing by limiting the oxygen that reaches tissues in the foot. If left untreated, a foot ulcer may become infected, sometimes leading to an abscess, cellulitis, or a bone infection. In severe cases, it can cause tissue death or result in limb loss. Early care by a podiatrist focuses on diagnosing the cause of the ulcer, removing dead tissue, if needed, and helping to prevent infection. If you have developed a foot ulcer that will not heal, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

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 Kentston Cripe, DPM from Roseville 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 Roseville, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toenail loss can occur after trauma, fungal infection, or medical removal, and regrowth typically follows a slow, staged process. The new nail begins forming beneath the skin at the nail root. In the early stage, a protective layer of skin covers the exposed nail bed while new keratin cells begin pushing forward. As these hardened cells form the visible nail, a thin, soft nail plate appears within a few months. Over time, this nail thickens and extends, gradually resembling the original toenail. The entire process may take up to 18 months, depending on the cause. For instance, regrowth may be slower after severe trauma or chronic infection. If the nail matrix is damaged, the new nail may have an irregular shape or texture. A podiatrist can evaluate the nail bed, monitor the regrowth progress, and recommend treatment if complications arise. If you have endured the loss of a toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment plan.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Kentston Cripe, DPM of Roseville Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Roseville, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Fungal toenail infections are caused by fungi that thrive in warm, damp environments. These fungi often enter through small cracks in the nail or surrounding skin. Toenails are more frequently affected than fingernails, due to prolonged exposure to enclosed footwear. Symptoms of fungal toenails include thickening, yellow or white streaks, brittle texture, a distorted nail shape, or separation from the nail bed. Risk factors include diabetes, poor circulation, increased age, and frequent exposure to public pool areas. Nail injuries, a weakened immune system, and prolonged moisture around the toes are other risk factors. Wearing tight, enclosed shoes for extended periods may also encourage fungal growth. Diagnosis of the type of fungus requires lab testing or microscopic examination. Common types of toenail infections include distal subungual, white superficial, and proximal subungual, each affecting the nail differently. If you have developed a toenail infection, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and proper treatment.

For more information about treatment, contact Kentston Cripe, DPM of Roseville Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Roseville, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

When foot pain does not improve with conservative care, surgery may be considered to restore comfort and function. For those with arthritis, procedures may involve removing damaged tissue, fusing joints to limit painful motion, or replacing the joint entirely. Hammertoe correction often includes straightening the toe by releasing tight tendons or removing part of the bone to improve alignment. In more severe cases, small implants or joint fusion may be used. Heel-related surgeries can address chronic conditions such as heel spurs or plantar fasciitis by removing bony growths or releasing tight tissue that causes strain. Each procedure is selected based on the individual’s condition, level of discomfort, and response to non-surgical treatments. Recovery times and outcomes vary, but many patients experience significant improvement in movement and pain relief. If foot pain from conditions such as arthritis, deformity, or chronic heel issues is interfering with your daily life, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for evaluation and appropriate care.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Kentston Cripe, DPM of Roseville Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Falling at home can lead to serious foot injuries such as sprains, fractures, or even long-term joint damage. The feet often take the brunt of a fall, especially when tripping over objects or slipping on wet surfaces. To reduce this risk, eliminate loose rugs, install handrails in stairways and bathrooms, and keep extension cords and clutter out of walkways. Place non-slip mats in bathrooms and use night lights to improve visibility at night. A podiatrist can help by treating injuries, assessing balance and gait, and recommending supportive footwear or orthotics to improve stability. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury from falling, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Kentston Cripe, DPM from Roseville Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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