Items filtered by date: December 2023

Poor circulation in the feet, often a symptom of underlying health conditions such as diabetes or peripheral artery disease, can lead to a variety of foot-related issues. Symptoms can include cold feet, numbness, changes in skin color, and slow wound healing. Without adequate blood flow, feet may not receive enough oxygen and nutrients, which can cause discomfort and increase the risk of infections and ulcers. It is important to manage underlying conditions, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and regularly check your feet for any changes or signs of problems. If you have symptoms of poor foot circulation, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can diagnose what the cause is, and offer effective treatment options.

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 North Penn Podiatry. 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 our offices located in Lansdale, and King of Prussia, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Peroneal tendonitis, a source of pain surrounding the ankle, often targets individuals engaged in rigorous physical activities, particularly runners and athletes who intensify their training routines. This condition typically evolves gradually, progressing from mild discomfort to persistent pain around the ankle. The primary culprit behind peroneal tendonitis is overuse. Sudden spikes in training intensity, coupled with inappropriate footwear or flawed training techniques, frequently trigger this ailment. Sports that demand quick pivoting movements, such as basketball, football, and gymnastics, are particularly associated with the development of tears in the peroneal tendons. Runners who frequently traverse sloped or uneven surfaces, causing the foot to excessively roll out into eversion, face an elevated risk of peroneal tendonitis. Anyone with a history of ankle injuries or recurrent sprains may be more susceptible to peroneal tendon problems. The continuous damage to the ligaments supporting the foot and ankle results in weakened stability, placing increased strain on the peroneal tendons. An abnormal foot position, where the heel is turned slightly inward or if the arch is too high, heightens the risk of peroneal tendonitis. These conditions force the peroneal muscles and tendons to work harder, which contributes to their overuse and potential inflammation. Tight calf muscles combined with weakness in the calf and peroneal muscles may be factors leading to tendonitis. If you are experiencing ankle pain that may be a sign of peroneal tendonitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a full exam and diagnosis.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from North Penn Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Lansdale, and King of Prussia, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Bunions are bony protrusions that form at the base of the big toe due to prolonged stress on the metatarsophalangeal joint. Detecting them is relatively straightforward through visual inspection, often supplemented by X-rays to assess their severity. For runners, bunions can pose significant challenges, exacerbated by poorly fitting running shoes. Many running shoes, characterized by tapered toe boxes and raised heels, can contribute to bunion development over time. Treatment options range from the simple act of changing shoes and employing pain management techniques, such as medication, to using toe spacers and performing bunion massages. If conservative approaches fall short, surgical intervention may be an option, although it is not always a permanent fix. If you are a runner and have a bunion that is causing you pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss pain management techniques that might help you.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of North Penn Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Lansdale, and King of Prussia, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel spurs, bony outgrowths at the bottom of the heel bone, can be a source of persistent foot discomfort. Formed due to calcium deposits, heel spurs often accompany conditions like plantar fasciitis. The pain associated with heel spurs typically arises during weight-bearing activities, especially after rest periods. While rest and proper footwear are important components of managing heel spurs, specific exercises can provide relief. Stretching exercises, such as calf stretches and towel curls, may help to alleviate tension in the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia. Rolling a frozen water bottle under the foot can reduce inflammation. Strengthening exercises, like toe-tapping and marble pickups, enhance foot and ankle muscles, promoting better support. A podiatrist treats heel spurs. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you visit this type of doctor who can help you with appropriate treatment and guide you toward additional stretches. 

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from North Penn Podiatry. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our offices located in Lansdale, and King of Prussia, PA . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.