Items filtered by date: February 2023

Patients who have peripheral arterial disease (PAD) often experience poor circulation. They may have cold feet or hands, the skin on the feet may become cracked, and the toenails may become brittle. Additionally, patients who smoke may be at risk of poor circulation. Improving eating habits may also help to control this condition. People who have diabetes and elevated blood pressure or cholesterol levels may be prone to developing poor circulation. Many diabetic patients have implemented coping tactics that may help to relieve some of the symptoms. These may consist of having the feet examined regularly, which will include a test for poor circulation. Additionally, performing a gentle exercise routine may help to improve poor circulation. Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels may benefit heart function, improving circulation. If you notice signs of poor circulation in your feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

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 Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. 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 Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, Lexington, and Flemingsburg, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

When you hurt your big toe, it can affect your life dramatically. The big toe absorbs much of the force of every step you take. A sore big toe does not want to be enclosed in a shoe, which can also be a great inconvenience. Big toe pain has numerous causes, including trauma. For example, stubbing the toe on a piece of furniture or dropping something heavy on the toes. Other causes are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. Bunions, ingrown toenails, and fungal toenail infections may also cause big toe pain. The typical symptoms of big toe pain are discomfort while standing or walking, tenderness to the touch, and redness or swelling. If you believe you have broken a bone in the toe or if it appears that an infection has set in, it is essential to get medical help as soon as possible. It is suggested to consult a podiatrist about big toe pain if it has lasted for more than two or three weeks or if it goes away but keeps coming back. A podiatrist can examine the toe and determine the correct treatment plan for a speedy recovery.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. 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 Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, Lexington, and Flemingsburg, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

The cuboid bone is located on the outside of the foot, and cuboid syndrome may happen if it becomes inflamed. An injury can cause this bone to move out of alignment, and it is often accompanied by pain and swelling on this part of the foot. Additionally, the affected foot may have a limited range of motion, and the toes may feel weak. In severe cases, the gait, or walking style, may be altered to compensate for the injured foot. Some of the injuries that can cause this condition may happen from unexpectedly stepping off of a step, or suddenly twisting the ankle. An activity that puts intense strain on the ankle bones and ligaments may also lead to the development of cuboid syndrome, which may be common among people who enjoy running and jumping activities. Some patients may be prone to getting this ailment, including people who wear shoes that do not have adequate support or run on uneven surfaces. Effective treatment begins with stopping the activity that caused the condition, if applicable, followed by frequently resting and elevating the foot as often as possible. If you have pain in this part of your foot, please consult a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with one of our podiatrists from Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, Lexington, and Flemingsburg, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, are common and can affect anyone. However, women are more apt to report this condition than men. Cracked heels are unsightly, can cause discomfort, and if left untreated, can lead to infections. If the cracks run deep, it can hurt to stand and walk, and they may even bleed. Heel fissures are generally a result of dry skin but can also be caused by obesity, standing for long periods, or wearing ill-fitting shoes. Along with the cracks, the skin on the heel can become thick and discolored. Sometimes calluses can develop on the heel edge. A few home remedies one can try are moisturizing treatments, using petroleum jelly, and applying a keratolytic to thickened skin. Using creams, lotions, or ointments can help restore moisture to the skin on the heels. Petroleum jelly can be applied to cracked heels at night, and 100% cotton socks can be worn to keep moisture in, allow the skin to breathe, and prevent bed sheets from getting stained. If this condition does not abate with self-care techniques, is related to a medical condition, or an infection seems to be looming, see a podiatrist who can offer treatment options to restore you to comfort.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, Lexington, and Flemingsburg, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.