Items filtered by date: January 2023

Many people suffer from poor circulation as the aging process occurs. It may also happen from specific health conditions including diabetes, obesity, and hardened arteries. Additionally, having a sedentary lifestyle and smoking can contribute to developing poor circulation. Common symptoms can consist of pain, numbness, or a tingling sensation in the feet. Some patients have cold feet, and may notice they have become discolored. This condition can show moderate improvement by incorporating exercise and stretches into the daily routine. Walking is an effective form of exercise, and it is beneficial to drink plenty of water. It is advised to include foods such as fatty fish, leafy greens, and cinnamon into daily eating habits, which is thought to be linked to possibly improving poor circulation. If you are experiencing the above symptoms, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you to manage and treat poor circulation.

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 North Penn Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle 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 offices located in Lansdale, and King of Prussia, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A broken or fractured ankle happens when one or more bones in the ankle joint break. The ankle joint comprises the tibia or shinbone, the fibula or calf bone, and the talus between these two bones. A broken ankle is painful. When one breaks their ankle, they might hear a snapping or grinding noise, and experience swelling, tenderness, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight and walking. If a bone is sticking out of the skin and is bleeding, it should be considered an emergency and requires immediate medical care. An examination and imaging test will be performed to determine the type of fracture. It will be essential to stay off your foot. Depending on the severity of the break, you will be directed to wear a walking boot, cast, or splint, and possibly to use crutches. Surgery might be necessary and physical therapy might be prescribed. Broken ankle recovery time is typically six to 12 weeks. If you think you have broken your ankle, visit a podiatrist for a correct diagnosis and treatment.

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

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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.

The 26 bones that are found in each foot are grouped into three categories. The talus and the calcaneus comprise the hindfoot, which represents the heel and where the foot attaches to the leg bone. The midfoot houses five small bones that are found between the ankles and toes, and they are referred to as the cuboid, navicular, and cuneiform bones. The bones that are between the foot and the toes are in the forefoot category and have 19 bones. Any of these bones can endure an injury, and a broken foot can happen when a bone is bent abnormally or twisted from a sudden accident. A broken heel can happen from landing after jumping from an elevated height. Common symptoms that many people experience with a broken foot consist of immediate swelling, bruising, and tenderness. Additionally, in bad fractures, the bone may protrude through the skin, causing severe pain. This can make it difficult or impossible to walk. If you have broken your foot, it is strongly advised that prompt medical attention is sought from a podiatrist who can perform a correct diagnosis and offer the best treatment solution for you.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from North Penn Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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 and ankle needs.

Toe pain can make every single step excruciating. Toe pain can have many different sources, including injuries, arthritis, and hammertoe. Some of these things can be treated with home care, and some need additional medical intervention. Gout is a form of arthritis that commonly affects the big toe. It is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream, and crystals form, which settle in certain joints. It causes severe pain at the base of the big toe, redness, and swelling. Hammertoe is a deformity where toes bend abnormally in the middle joint. The downward flex of the joint looks like a hammer, thus its name. It is most common in the second, third, and fourth toes. A hammertoe can make it difficult to walk, and stretching and moving the toes can be impossible. If you have toe pain, see a podiatrist for medical treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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 Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.