Puncture wounds on the feet occur when sharp objects such as nails, glass, or animal teeth pierce the skin and penetrate into deeper tissues. While puncture wounds may seem minor, they often create narrow entry points that drive bacteria and debris beneath the surface, which increases the risk of infection. Because the foot bears weight and is exposed to the ground, puncture wounds in this area can be more complicated than similar injuries elsewhere. Complications may include abscess formation, damage to tendons or bones, or serious infection requiring advanced care. A podiatrist can evaluate the extent of the puncture wound, ensure that any foreign material is safely removed, and determine whether imaging or surgery is necessary. Proper medical care can help prevent long-term problems, such as tissue damage, joint involvement, or in severe cases, limb loss. If you have sustained a puncture wound on the foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

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 Bryan Sullivan, DPM from Mississippi Foot Center . 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 Jackson, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A foot corn is a thickened area of skin that develops as a protective response to pressure or friction, usually on the toes or soles. Corns form when repeated stress causes layers of skin to build up, leading to a dense, often painful core that presses into deeper tissues. They can cause discomfort while walking, tenderness, and visible hardened skin. Causes include wearing poorly fitting shoes, abnormal gait, or prolonged standing. Risk factors involve foot deformities, high activity levels, and certain occupations. A podiatrist can help by safely removing corns, addressing underlying causes with orthotics or footwear changes, and helping to prevent recurrence. Foot corns can be painful and may cause difficulty in completing daily tasks. If you have developed this uncomfortable condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief solutions. 

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Bryan Sullivan, DPM of Mississippi Foot Center . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Color changes in the feet, such as redness, blue tones, or pale patches, can be an early indicator of autonomic involvement in systemic sclerosis, a rare autoimmune disorder. Systemic sclerosis affects blood flow by tightening blood vessels and altering circulation, which can cause noticeable color shifts in response to temperature or stress. Feet may appear blue due to reduced oxygen, red with increased blood flow, or pale when circulation is restricted. These color changes may also come with symptoms like numbness, tingling, or sensitivity to cold, signaling an underlying problem with the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary functions, including blood vessel dilation. If you have this condition and it affects your feet, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist to manage symptoms and prevent complications. These foot specialists can assess circulation, suggest protective strategies for temperature changes, and work with other specialists to ensure proper blood flow and nerve function, ultimately helping to maintain foot health.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Bryan Sullivan, DPM of Mississippi Foot Center . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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

When circulation is compromised, the feet, ankles, and legs are often the first to show signs of trouble. Vascular disease restricts the flow of oxygen-rich blood, which can slow healing, weaken tissues, and increase the risk of infection. Even minor cuts, scrapes, or blisters may linger and become chronic wounds because the body is unable to deliver the nutrients needed for repair. Over time, this reduced circulation can also cause skin discoloration, cramping, and a heavy or tired feeling in the legs. People with diabetes or peripheral artery disease face even greater risks, as poor blood flow can lead to ulcers or more serious complications. Protecting the lower limbs means monitoring for changes, avoiding injuries, and seeking care quickly if a wound does not heal. It is suggested that you see a podiatrist for proper diagnosis, management, and treatment.

Vascular testing plays an important part in diagnosing disease like peripheral artery disease. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, or diabetes, consult with Bryan Sullivan, DPM from Mississippi Foot Center . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Vascular Testing?

Vascular testing checks for how well blood circulation is in the veins and arteries. This is most often done to determine and treat a patient for peripheral artery disease (PAD), stroke, and aneurysms. Podiatrists utilize vascular testing when a patient has symptoms of PAD or if they believe they might. If a patient has diabetes, a podiatrist may determine a vascular test to be prudent to check for poor blood circulation.

How Is it Conducted?

Most forms of vascular testing are non-invasive. Podiatrists will first conduct a visual inspection for any wounds, discoloration, and any abnormal signs prior to a vascular test.

 The most common tests include:

• Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) examination
• Doppler examination
• Pedal pulses

These tests are safe, painless, and easy to do. Once finished, the podiatrist can then provide a diagnosis and the best course for treatment.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Jackson, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.