If you are a person who is at risk of peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition that is characterized by poor blood flow to the lower limbs, then you may need to undergo an Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) test. The ABI is a screening measure that many podiatrists use to identify PAD in their patients. To do this test, the doctor measures your blood pressure at your arms and at your ankles and then compares the two numbers to calculate a ratio. If the resulting ratio is between 1.0 and 1.4, you likely do not have PAD. If the number is between 0.91 and 0.99, then you may have borderline PAD. If the ratio is below 0.90, then you likely do have PAD. To learn more about the ABI test and other tools used to assess circulation in your lower limbs, please see a podiatrist.
Vascular testing plays an important part in diagnosing disease like peripheral artery disease. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, or diabetes, consult with one of our podiatrists from Lovely Foot Associates, PC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Vascular Testing?
Vascular testing checks for how well blood circulation is in the veins and arteries. This is most often done to determine and treat a patient for peripheral artery disease (PAD), stroke, and aneurysms. Podiatrists utilize vascular testing when a patient has symptoms of PAD or if they believe they might. If a patient has diabetes, a podiatrist may determine a vascular test to be prudent to check for poor blood circulation.
How Is it Conducted?
Most forms of vascular testing are non-invasive. Podiatrists will first conduct a visual inspection for any wounds, discoloration, and any abnormal signs prior to a vascular test.
The most common tests include:
These tests are safe, painless, and easy to do. Once finished, the podiatrist can then provide a diagnosis and the best course for treatment.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Johnstown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
When friction from a shoe or sock rubbing against your skin causes the epidermis (top) layer and dermis (underlying) layer of skin to move in opposite directions, the skin becomes irritated, red, and inflamed. Continued friction will cause the epidermis and dermis to separate and fill with fluid or blood, and a blister is formed. Pain from a blister is caused when nerves are stimulated by the fluid. You can help stop blisters from occurring by wearing shoes that fit properly and don’t allow your feet to slip around or rub against them. New shoes or boots should be worn in properly and gradually—before wearing them all day. If you are planning a long walk or hike, you can try taping areas on the foot that are prone to blisters such as the back of the heel, the big toe and the little toe. A podiatrist can show you how to tape your feet properly and also create custom orthotics designed specifically to keep your feet from developing blisters. They can even suggest appropriate footwear for walking and running.
Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Lovely Foot Associates, PC. Our doctors 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 our office located in Johnstown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition in which the arteries that supply blood to your limbs become narrow and hardened due to a buildup of plaque along the artery walls, leading to poor circulation. This condition is unfortunately quite common, affecting up to 200 million people worldwide. Often, people are not even aware that they have PAD because it does not always produce noticeable symptoms. When symptoms are apparent, they may include pain, cramping, tightness, or fatigue in the lower limbs. These symptoms often become worse with exercise or physical exertion. More advanced PAD can cause pain in the legs even without physical activity, as well as numbness, coldness, and discoloration of the lower limbs. In some cases, wounds that heal poorly may appear on the feet and legs. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of PAD, or if you are older and at risk of developing this condition, please seek the care of 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 one of our podiatrists from Lovely Foot Associates, PC. Our doctors 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:
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 Johnstown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Hyperhidrosis is a condition where overactive sweat glands cause an individual to sweat excessively in certain areas of the body, including the feet. If your child’s feet sweat profusely—even if your child is not hot or doing something strenuous—or their feet regularly emit an unpleasant odor, they may have hyperhidrosis. This condition can be quite uncomfortable, embarrassing, disruptive to normal activities, and may even make them more prone to developing a fungal infection due to continuously wet skin. Hyperhidrosis can be caused by physical stress or anxiety, certain medications, infections, fever, or even an underlying medical condition. You may be able to help your child manage the symptoms of hyperhidrosis by having them keep their feet clean, applying cornstarch or powder, choosing breathable materials in shoes, and wearing cotton socks that are switched out regularly. If these practices do not offer adequate relief, a podiatrist may be able treat your child’s hyperhidrosis with various procedures and medicinal therapies.
The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Lovely Foot Associates, PC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Johnstown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Diabetes can create a perfect storm of complications which sometimes leads to ulcers on the feet that go undetected and don’t heal. While the overwhelming majority of foot ulcers heal with proper foot care and treatment, a foot ulcer that does not heal may lead to infection, tissue necrosis (dead tissue), and—in severe cases—amputation. Diabetic limb salvage is a complex process involving a variety of procedures and techniques with the goal of preserving the limb as much as possible, and reducing the risks of future infections and ulcerations. If you have questions about diabetic foot conditions or would like to know more regarding limb salvage, it is highly suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist.
Limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have diabetes, cancer, or any other condition that could lead to foot amputation if left unchecked, consult with one of our podiatrists from Lovely Foot Associates, PC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Limb Salvage?
Limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Those with diabetes experience poor blood circulation, which prevents proper healing of an ulcer. If the ulcer is left uncheck, it could become infected, which could result in the need for amputation.
However, there are other causes as well, such as cancer and traumatic injury. Links between higher mortality rates and amputation have been found. This translates into higher healthcare costs, and a reduced quality of life and mobility for amputees. Podiatrists have attempted to increase the prevalence of limb salvage in an attempt to solve these issues.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Limb salvage teams have grown in recent years that utilize a number of different treatments to save the infected limb. This includes podiatrists that specialize in wound care, rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery. Through a combination of these methods, limb salvage has been found to be an effective treatment for infected limbs, and as an alternative to amputation. Podiatrists will first evaluate the potential for limb salvage and determine if the limb can be saved or must be amputated.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Johnstown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Painful deformities, such as hammertoes, can be treated. Stop living with foot pain, and have beautiful feet again!
A broken toe can sometimes feel similar to a sprained or strained toe. You can break your toe by dropping something on it, stubbing it severely, or it can break as part of a larger injury. When a toe breaks, the bone bleeds. This may become visible under the toenail and eventually, a bruise may form on the skin. There will be swelling, and the toe may become misshapen if the bone is displaced or the joint is fractured as well. This is particularly troublesome if the break occurs in the big toe, which bears the weight of the body, making it difficult to walk. With proper care, broken toes typically take 2-6 weeks to heal. Healing can be especially difficult for people with diabetes, heart failure, or peripheral arterial disease. If you have any pain in your toes, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist.
Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Lovely Foot Associates, PC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Is a Broken Toe?
A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.
Symptoms of a Broken Toe
Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Johnstown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Morton’s neuroma is a foot problem in which the nerves that run between the toes are irritated or thickened due to compression, stretching, or other damage to the nerves. This may be caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes, participating in high-impact sports like running, or abnormalities in the structure of your feet. Morton’s neuroma is five times more common in women than it is in men, and middle-aged women appear to be most at risk. Morton’s neuroma is also common in athletes. Nevertheless, this condition can affect anyone of any age or gender, and is not always caused by sports injuries. If you are experiencing symptoms such as severe pain between the toes, a tingling sensation, or sharp, shooting, or burning pain, please seek the care of a podiatrist.
Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Lovely Foot Associates, PC. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.
Morton’s Neuroma
Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.
What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Johnstown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
As the spring and summer months begin and bring warm weather with them, you may feel tempted to wear a pair of flip-flops. While these shoes are easy to slip on, they also make it easier to slip, leading to potential foot and ankle injuries. Furthermore, wearing flip-flops often can make you alter your gait or walking pattern. When you wear flip-flops, you tend to point your ankles inwards and curl your toes to keep the shoes on your feet. This unnatural walking pattern can lead to all sorts of foot problems, from hammertoes to heel spurs. Flip-flops also offer no arch support, which can lead to arch pain and plantar fasciitis. When the weather is warm, opt instead for sandals with heel straps, which will keep your foot in place. For more information about avoiding foot and ankle problems caused by footwear, please consult with a podiatrist.
Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Lovely Foot Associates, PC. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
Flip-Flops and Feet
When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops. Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer. However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.
How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?
Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?
Yes. Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections. Common injuries and ailments include:
I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?
When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet. These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Johnstown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.
