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Shin Foot And Ankle Specialists - DefaultMarch 2021
Monday, 08 March 2021 00:00
Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral artery disease (PAD), or peripheral arterial disease, is a circulatory problem in which there is a reduction of blood flow to the limbs due to narrowed arteries. When peripheral artery disease develops, the extremities do not receive enough blood flow; this may cause symptoms to develop such as claudication, or leg pain when walking. The legs are the most common site of peripheral artery disease.
Claudication, or leg pain when walking, is one of several symptoms that can develop due to peripheral artery disease. Other symptoms caused by the disease include painful cramping in the hips, thighs, or calves after certain activities; leg numbness or weakness; coldness in the lower leg or foot; sores on the lower extremities that do not heal; hair loss on the lower extremities; and a missing or weak pulse in the lower extremities. In more severe cases, pain may even occur when the body is at rest or when lying down.
Peripheral artery disease is typically caused by atherosclerosis, a condition in which fatty deposits build up in the arterial walls and reduce blood flow. Smoking, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are some of the risk factors for peripheral artery disease.
If you are experiencing pain, numbness, or other symptoms in the lower extremities, see your healthcare professional immediately. Diagnosed peripheral artery disease can be treated with various medications, angioplasty and surgery, exercise programs, or alternative medicine. It is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the best treatment for you.
Monday, 08 March 2021 00:00
Am I at Risk for Peripheral Artery Disease?
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a medical condition that causes poor circulation in the lower limbs due to plaque buildup in the arteries. Plaque buildup causes blockages in the arteries, making them narrow and harden. This makes it more difficult for the blocked off area to receive an adequate blood supply. Certain people are at an increased risk of developing PAD, including people who smoke, have a family history of PAD, heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. Those who are over the age of 50, are overweight, or have diabetes are also at risk. While PAD may be asymptomatic in its initial stages, it can eventually cause leg pain and lead to further complications. If you are at risk for PAD, a podiatrist can screen you for this condition and help you manage it. For more information about PAD, please consult with a podiatrist.
Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with Dr. Jeff Brooks from Oceanside Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.
Symptoms
Symptoms of PAD include:
- Claudication (leg pain from walking)
- Numbness in legs
- Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
- Paleness of the skin
- Erectile dysfunction
- Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
- Coldness in one leg
It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.
Diagnosis
While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.
Treatment
Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Oceanside, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Monday, 01 March 2021 00:00
Gout Pain Can Be Managed
Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.
Monday, 01 March 2021 00:00
Everyday Foot Care
Our feet are arguably one of the most important parts of the body. When it comes to health and beauty routines, the feet and toenails are usually ignored. You should always practice proper footcare to avoid any fungal infections or ailments that can not only ruin the appearance of your feet, but also cause pain. Ignoring any foot problems could potentially lead to an expensive doctor’s visit.
The most important step in proper foot care is to wash your feet daily. You should wash them with soap and water. Doing this will cleanse your feet of dirt, sweat and bacteria. It is crucial that you clean between the toes and pat your feet dry with a towel afterward. Your toenails are also an important part of the feet and you may find that they get dirtier in the summer when you wear sandals. It is important that you practice proper toenail care in addition to cleaning the rest of your feet. When trimming your nails, you should always trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. Trimming in a curved shape may lead to ingrown toenails.
Moisturization is also important for foot care, and you should be moisturizing your feet every day. The best way to prevent dry feet is to rub lotion or petroleum jelly on your clean feet at night and put socks over them. In the morning, your feet should be soft and moisturized.
Another crucial step in proper foot care is to wear the right shoes for whichever activity you are going to partake in. In warmer weather, you should wear shoes that allow your feet to breathe. It is best to avoid shoes such as flip-fops that do not provide arch support. Tight shoes may also be harmful, and they may even cause you to develop bunions.
If you plan on taking a shower in a public area, you should be especially careful, so you do not pick up any fungi. Showers are prone to harboring different types of bacteria and fungi. You should always wear shower shoes or flip flops when walking around in locker rooms and public showers. Avoid sharing shoes with other people because this is another way that fungus may be spread.
If you are experiencing any problems with your feet you should speak with your podiatrist to determine the best method of treatment for you.
Monday, 01 March 2021 00:00
Foot Baths and Moisturizers for Foot Care
Research has indicated that daily foot care is essential in possibly preventing unpleasant foot conditions. Some of these conditions can include cracked heels and calluses. It is beneficial to wash your feet daily, followed by drying them thoroughly. Additionally, it may help to exfoliate and lather them with a good moisturizer. Some patients apply cuticle oil to the edge of the toenails, as this can help to keep the overall foot smooth. Performing weekly buffing routines and monthly peels or foot soaks are necessary in keeping the feet looking their best. If you would like additional information about how to perform everyday foot care routines, please consult with a podiatrist.
Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Jeff Brooks from Oceanside Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Everyday Foot Care
Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.
It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Oceanside, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
