Items filtered by date: July 2021

Poor circulation in your lower limbs means that there is reduced blood flow to the feet and ankles. This can produce a variety of symptoms. Some of the more common signs of poor blood flow is numbness, tingling, or a pins and needles sensation in the feet. Reduced blood flow can also make the feet colder than the rest of the body. Edema, or swelling due to a buildup of fluids in the lower limbs, is also common. When your lower limbs swell, they may feel heavy, stiff, painful, and warm. Other signs of poor circulation include joint pain, muscle cramps, skin discoloration, varicose veins, and poorly healing wounds on the lower limbs. Sometimes, however, poor circulation in the lower limbs can be asymptomatic and require vascular testing to detect it. If you are experiencing any symptoms of poor circulation in your feet and ankles, or if you are older and are at a higher risk of developing poor circulation, please seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat this condition. 

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Pennsylvania Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

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 one of our offices located in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, Port Richmond, Philadelphia, and Hamilton, New Jersey . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Onychomycosis is a contagious fungal infection of the toenails. Infected nails may appear discolored, thickened, brittle, and crumbly. Onychomycosis often affects the big and little toenails, but can affect any nail. Certain people are more at risk of contracting a fungal toenail infection than others. Since the fungus responsible for toenail infections thrives in warm and moist environments, those who live in hot, humid climates, sweat excessively, wear shoes and socks with poor ventilation, experience prolonged exposure to water, or frequent areas like public swimming pools and locker rooms, are more likely to incur an infection. People who are older or have underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or psoriasis, are also at an increased risk. Having certain pre-existing foot problems, including athlete’s foot, a fungal skin infection of the feet, or a previous toenail injury can also make you more susceptible to a fungal nail infection. If you suspect that you may have onychomycosis, please seek the care of a podiatrist.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Pennsylvania Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, Port Richmond, Philadelphia, and Hamilton, New Jersey . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Compression or irritation of the nerve between the third and fourth toes can cause the nerve to thicken and become painful. This is known as Morton’s Neuroma.  Along with pain in the ball of the foot, symptoms may include tingling, numbness, burning, or the feeling of a pebble being stuck in your shoe. Morton’s Neuroma can be caused by injuries to the area, high heels and other footwear with a narrow toe box, or physical activities that cause repetitive stress on the ball of the foot such as running and tennis. Foot conditions such as hammertoes, flat feet, and bunions may increase the chances of developing Morton’s Neuroma. Early detection and treatment such as activity and shoe modification, injection therapy, icing, padding, and the use of orthotic devices can help avoid more invasive treatments or surgery. If you believe you may have Morton’s Neuroma, make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Pennsylvania Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, Port Richmond, Philadelphia, and Hamilton, New Jersey . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.