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Effects of Peripheral Artery Disease on the Feet

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, affects the blood vessels that carry blood to the legs and feet. It develops when arteries in the legs become narrowed, reducing the amount of blood that reaches nearby tissues. A common cause is atherosclerosis, which occurs when fatty material called plaque builds up along artery walls. Reduced circulation means the muscles may not receive enough blood and oxygen during activity. As PAD becomes more severe, circulation can remain limited even while a person is resting. Diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol can increase the risk of developing PAD.

 

Poor circulation from PAD can cause noticeable symptoms in the lower legs and feet. Pain, aching, or burning may occur during walking or exercise and improve after several minutes of rest. Some people develop numbness in the legs or feet while resting. The affected foot may also feel cool or appear pale. As the condition progresses, pain may begin with less activity and eventually occur at rest. Severe PAD can cause slow-healing sores on the feet or toes. Skin discoloration and changes in the toenails may also develop. These symptoms are important because reduced circulation can make it harder for damaged tissues to heal properly.

 

A podiatrist can examine the feet for signs that may be associated with poor circulation and determine when further medical evaluation is necessary. An examination may reveal a weak pulse, skin changes, or slow-healing sores. PAD can be evaluated with tests that compare blood pressure in the arms and legs or examine blood flow through the arteries. Because severe PAD can lead to serious complications, changes such as new foot sores should not be ignored. A foot that suddenly becomes cool, pale, or numb also requires medical attention. If poor circulation is causing persistent foot pain or noticeable changes in your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate care 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 Dr. Joshua David Scoll of Pennsylvania. Our doctor 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 Philadelphia, Bensalem . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Poor Blood Circulation in the Feet

Treatment of Foot Puncture Wounds

A foot puncture wound occurs when a pointed object pierces the skin and leaves a small entry hole. Nails, glass, and needles are frequent causes. Unlike a cut, a puncture can extend deep into the foot while looking minor at the surface. The object can also push dirt, pieces of sock, or shoe material into the wound. These trapped materials can damage soft tissue and raise the risk of infection. Walking barefoot increases exposure to sharp objects, but a puncture can also pass through a shoe. The wound’s depth and the object’s cleanliness both affect its severity.

Prompt evaluation is important because patients cannot always tell how deeply an object has entered the foot. A retained piece of material can remain hidden beneath the skin. Infection can develop in the skin and spread to a joint or bone. Warning signs include increasing pain, redness, and swelling. Drainage, warmth, or fever can also signal a problem. Diabetes, poor circulation, and reduced feeling in the feet increase the chance of serious complications. A wound that seems small can therefore require urgent attention, especially when the object broke off inside the foot or was dirty.

A podiatrist can examine the wound, determine its depth, and look for damage to nearby structures. The podiatrist can clean the injured area and remove material left beneath the skin. X-rays can reveal foreign objects or bone damage. Other imaging tests can locate materials that do not appear on an X-ray. Treatment includes protecting the foot from pressure and monitoring the wound. The podiatrist can check for infection and decide whether further care or surgery is required. Follow-up visits help confirm that healing is progressing and no hidden material remains. Early care lowers the risk of infection, painful scarring, and lasting damage. If you have a puncture wound on your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Dr. Joshua David Scoll from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Philadelphia, Bensalem . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Wound Care

Hiking Foot Blisters and Preventing Painful Skin Damage

Foot blisters from hiking are fluid-filled pockets that form when repeated friction irritates the skin. They commonly appear on the heel, toes, or ball of the foot while walking. Symptoms include tenderness, redness, and a raised fluid-filled area. The first few days of hiking are important because your feet are adjusting to increased distance and footwear. Blisters often develop in the same spot when friction continues against vulnerable skin. Recognizing early irritation can help prevent a hiking blister from worsening.

Poorly fitting hiking boots can allow foot movement, while tight shoes can create pressure points. Moisture from sweat can soften the skin and increase friction. Rough socks, longer hikes, and sudden increases in mileage may also contribute. Uneven trails can cause your feet to slide inside footwear, creating repeated rubbing. A blister may recur because that area remains vulnerable to friction. Properly fitted boots can lower risk.

 

If a blister develops, protect the area and avoid popping it to avoid an infection. Keep the area clean and covered. A podiatrist can examine the blister, check for infection, and determine whether drainage is needed. If necessary, the podiatrist can clean the area using sterile techniques. The podiatrist may recommend padding or footwear changes to reduce friction while healing. Increasing redness, swelling, or pain should receive prompt attention.

 

Preventing hiking blisters starts before hitting the trail. Break in hiking boots gradually and watch for hot spots. Stop when you notice rubbing and adjust your footwear. Keep feet dry and use padding over blister-prone areas. Inspect your feet after hiking and allow irritated skin to recover. If you frequently have foot blisters from hiking, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and prevention tips.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. Joshua David Scoll of Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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

Read more about Blisters on the Feet

How a Podiatrist Treats a Broken Ankle

A broken ankle occurs when one or more bones in the ankle joint fracture. The ankle supports the body’s weight and handles strong forces while walking, running, and jumping. A fracture can follow a fall, sports injury, or forceful twist. Symptoms can include immediate pain, swelling, and bruising. Tenderness and difficulty putting weight on the injured ankle are also possible. Some patients can still walk with a fracture, so being able to take steps does not always rule out a broken bone.

Ankle fractures can range from stable breaks to injuries that leave the joint unstable. A severe injury can also cause the ankle to look deformed. Because fractures and serious sprains can produce similar symptoms, a careful evaluation is important. The ankle contains the tibia, fibula, and talus, and a fracture can affect one or more of these bones. Treatment depends on the location of the break and whether the ankle remains stable. Some fractures require immobilization, while unstable or displaced fractures can require surgery to restore proper alignment.

A podiatrist can evaluate an injured ankle by checking tenderness, swelling, and the ability to put weight on the foot. The examination can also assess the foot for related injuries and signs that circulation or nerves are affected. Imaging can help confirm a suspected fracture and show the position of the broken bone. A podiatrist can determine an appropriate treatment plan based on the injury and ankle stability. Follow-up care can monitor healing, joint movement, and lingering swelling. Proper care is important because complications can include lasting pain, stiffness, and reduced ankle function. If you have symptoms of a broken ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Joshua David Scoll from Pennsylvania. Our doctor 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 one of our offices located in Philadelphia, Bensalem . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Broken Ankle Causes, Differences, Symptoms and Treatments

Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

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