There are several reasons why many people experience poor circulation in the feet. Smoking has been known to cause the arteries to narrow in addition to a lack of exercise. When lifestyle changes are implemented, poor circulation may be controlled. Ingesting a healthy diet may benefit blood flow in the body, and circulation issues may be improved. People who live a sedentary lifestyle may feel symptoms of this condition, and research has shown the importance of stretching every few hours, which may loosen the muscles and tendons and improve blood flow. There are several symptoms that are indicative of poor circulation, including feeling a cold sensation in the toes most of the time regardless of outdoor temperature, experiencing frequent dizzy spells, and a tingling feeling, or pins and needles in the feet. It’s suggested to confer with a podiatrist if you are experiencing any of these symptoms for a correct diagnosis.

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 PA Foot & Ankle Associates. 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 Allentown, Easton, Northampton, and Chew Street in Allentown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The plantar fascia is a long ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot. This ligament is responsible for connecting the heel to the front of the foot, and it supports the foot’s arch. Plantar fasciitis is the number one cause of heel pain. It has been estimated that approximately 2 million people each year are treated for this condition. You will be more likely to develop plantar fasciitis if you are obese, have a high foot arch, are involved in sports, or have tighter calf muscles. Many people who have plantar fasciitis also have heel spurs, but heel spurs are not the cause of plantar fasciitis. Symptoms of plantar fasciitis include pain near the heel, pain after getting up in the morning, and pain after exercising. If you suspect that you may have plantar fasciitis, you should speak with your podiatrist to explore treatment options that could potentially work for you.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from PA Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

Rookie Zhaire Smith of the Philadelphia 76ers suffered a foot fracture during a developmental camp in Las Vegas. The injury was determined to be a Jones fracture in his left foot. In regards to the injury, sports reporter Shams Charania tweeted, “Smith had MRI/imaging in Philadelphia today revealing a Jones fracture -- with surgery scheduled for later this week, league sources said. He also will see another specialist in Philadelphia.” If you are suffering from a fracture in your foot, be sure to see your podiatrist to learn more about your injury and to receive the best treatment for your foot.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from PA Foot & Ankle Associates. 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 one of our offices located in Allentown, Easton, Northampton, and Chew Street in Allentown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

If you find that your child complains of pain in the heel area of the foot, you may want to see if a plantar wart is present. A wart that develops and grows on the heel of the foot is referred to as a plantar wart. Despite the fact that it is known to be a harmless skin growth, it may generate severe pain and discomfort while walking. While many types of warts are visible on other parts of the body, a plantar wart grows inward as a result of the pressure the heel endures while walking, and may be difficult to notice. It is generally contagious, and may easily spread to other parts of the body. It’s suggested that your child refrains from sharing towels in addition to wearing protective shoes in public pools and shower areas. If your child develops a fever or if you notice liquid that drains from the wart, it’s advised to consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible to learn about correct treatment options.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from PA Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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