Items filtered by date: February 2024

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a vascular condition characterized by narrowed arteries, limiting blood flow to the extremities. Recognizing the signs of PAD, particularly in the feet, is essential for early detection and treatment. One notable symptom is intermittent claudication, causing pain or cramping in the legs during physical activity. Reduced blood flow can result in coolness or numbness in the feet, along with weakened or absent pulses in the ankles and feet. Slow-healing wounds or sores, especially on the feet, may indicate compromised circulation. Changes in skin color, such as paleness or a bluish tint, could also be observed. Additionally, individuals with PAD may experience hair loss on their feet and legs, as well as shiny or thin skin. Ignoring these signs can lead to serious complications, including tissue damage and an increased risk of amputation. If you have PAD, and your feet are affected, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with one of our podiatrists from Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Media, Glen Mills, Riddle Memorial Hospital, and Concordville, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Stress fractures are hairline fractures in the foot that are caused by repetitive activity, such as running on hard surfaces. These tiny cracks, that can affect various foot bones, often cause pain and further complications if left untreated. Calcaneal stress fractures affect the heel bone, and are common among soldiers and runners. Symptoms include gradual heel pain worsened by weight-bearing activities. Calcaneal stress fractures often require bone scans or an MRI for diagnosis. Navicular stress fractures are more prevalent in sprinters and jumpers. They cause a midfoot ache that worsens with exercise and is accompanied by tenderness over the navicular bone. Metatarsal stress fractures, particularly in the second metatarsal, arise from overuse and poor biomechanics. Symptoms include gradual foot pain and swelling but they are difficult to identify, necessitating advanced imaging for diagnosis. Jones fractures, occurring in the fifth metatarsal after sudden trauma or ankle twisting, cause acute pain, tenderness, and weight-bearing difficulty. If you have foot pain that may be caused by repetitive activities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can conduct a thorough examination and suggest correct treatment options.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Media, Glen Mills, Riddle Memorial Hospital, and Concordville, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pregnancy brings about numerous changes in a woman's body, and one area that often transforms is the feet. As the body prepares for childbirth, hormonal fluctuations, particularly the hormone relaxin, contribute to increased flexibility in ligaments and tendons. This heightened flexibility can lead to changes in the arch of the foot, causing it to flatten or develop a more pronounced arch, depending on the individual. Additionally, the added weight and pressure on the feet can result in swelling and a potential increase in shoe size. These changes are not uniform, and each woman may experience variations in foot structure during pregnancy. As a result, expectant mothers need to prioritize comfortable footwear, adequate support, and regular foot care to alleviate any discomfort. If you have foot pain during your pregnancy or would like additional information on how your foot structure may change, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Media, Glen Mills, Riddle Memorial Hospital, and Concordville, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A broken pinky toe, though seemingly inconsequential, can result from a variety of unsuspecting factors. Accidental trauma, a common instigator, occurs when the toe collides with a hard surface or is subjected to sudden impact, often during missteps or collisions. Stubbing the toe, a seemingly minor occurrence, can also lead to fractures due to the vulnerability of the small bones in the pinky toe. Inadequate footwear, such as flip flops, provides little protection and leaves the toe vulnerable to injuries. Certain sports activities, where rapid direction changes or forceful impacts are common, increase the risk of pinky toe fractures. Additionally, underlying conditions such as osteoporosis, which weakens bones, may exacerbate the susceptibility to fractures. If you have endured a broken pinky toe, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer the treatment options that are correct for you.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Media, Glen Mills, Riddle Memorial Hospital, and Concordville, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.