Items filtered by date: November 2021

Poor circulation refers to inadequate or limited blood flow. The lower limbs, and particularly the feet, are often affected. There are various medical conditions that can cause poor foot circulation. These include Raynaud’s disease, acrocyanosis, diabetes, arteriosclerosis, and peripheral artery disease. People who have a sedentary lifestyle, smoke, or have high cholesterol or high blood pressure are at an increased risk of developing poor lower limb circulation as well. If you have symptoms of poor circulation, such as coldness, numbness, discoloration, dry or cracked skin, hair loss, weak toenails, and poor wound healing on your feet, it is strongly suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist. 

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Health Center. Our doctors will treat your foot care needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

If your child is experiencing heel pain, it could be a sign of Sever’s Disease. This condition often occurs when a child is starting a new sport or activity. Children are at most risk of Sever’s Disease during puberty or a growth spurt. Telltale signs include limping or tiptoeing to avoid putting pressure on the heel, increased pain when running or jumping, and redness or swelling in the heel. If your child has these symptoms, please see a podiatrist a soon as possible for proper treatment.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot pain, see one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Health Center. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot care needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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

Read more about Sever's Disease

Gout is a type of arthritis that typically attacks the foot, ankle and knee, causing swelling, redness, and pain. It is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the body. Flare-ups can last three to 10 days before they subside, only to recur sometimes months or years later. The most common symptom of acute gout is extreme pain, especially in the big toe. Medical treatment, along with a number of lifestyle and dietary changes, can help reduce the frequency and severity of gout attacks. If you experience sudden pain and swelling in the big toe or ankle, please consult a podiatrist as soon as possible. When caught and treated early, people with gout can live a relatively normal life.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Health Center. Our doctors will treat your foot care needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

There are a variety of bones, ligaments and tendons in the foot, and any condition that affects these can be very painful. Foot pain can ruin daily life and become very complicated. Depending on the area of the foot that hurts, a variety of different injuries may be considered. Heel pain, which is one of the most debilitating forms of foot pain, is often a sign of heel spurs or plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the tissues along the bottom of the foot). Conditions such as sesamoiditis, metatarsalgia, or Morton’s neuroma, which is a thickening of tissues around the nerves, can lead to pain in the ball of the foot. Patients who are experiencing pain in the arch of the foot may be suffering from flat feet or fallen arches. Other issues such as gout, bunions, hammertoes, and turf toe can cause pain in the toes. Patients who are struggling with foot pain should consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.   

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Health Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Athlete’s foot is a very contagious fungal infection that often thrives in warm moist environments such as showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools, and it can spread from things such as towels, floors, and clothing. Unless the feet have been washed and dried thoroughly, fungal spores can penetrate any fissures or sores and begin to spread. The infection may also spread by hand to other parts of the body when it is scratched or touched. Because of how easily it spreads, good foot hygiene is one of the most important factors to prevent Athlete’s foot. As a result of Athlete’s foot, the feet can become dry and flaky, and they will get itchy and scaly. Patients who have Athlete’s foot should visit a podiatrist to properly treat the infection. 

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Health Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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