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When someone experiences peripheral vascular disease, (also called peripheral artery disease, or PAD), the primary cause is a decrease of blood flow to a body part other than the brain or heart. This is usually caused by a buildup of fatty deposits in the artery. Most commonly it affects the legs, feet, and toes causing pain, cramping, numbness, tingling, coldness, and wounds that won’t heal. If left untreated it can lead to more serious conditions, including gangrene. Unfortunately, many symptoms often are noticed only after the condition has become serious. Risk factors include diabetes, obesity, smoking, and sedentary living. Several actions can help reduce symptoms, including managing diabetes and high blood pressure, losing weight, ceasing smoking, exercising regularly, and eating low-fat, high-fiber foods. If pain continues or gets worse, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can review medical treatment and surgical procedures available to widen the blood vessels.
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 doctors from Kitsap Foot & Ankle Clinic. 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 one of our offices located in Bremerton and Port Orchard, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.
When your ankle appears to be larger than normal it may be an indication of fluid retention or an injury. The skin becomes tight and stretched out, and the area may be painful, especially when standing or walking. Causes of swelling may include being overweight, poor circulation, pregnancy, blood clots, arthritis, or injury. Taking certain prescription medication can also be a causative factor. Swelling in the leg or ankle could be caused by inflammation from an injury such as an ankle sprain, a broken bone, a ruptured tendon, or torn ligament. Mild swelling or edema can be caused by pregnancy, premenstrual cramps, consuming too much salt, or standing for extended periods of time. If your ankle is swollen or painful, it is suggested to consult with a podiatrist as soon as possible for a full diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our doctors from Kitsap Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.
Causes
The most common causes of ankle pain include:
Symptoms
Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.
Diagnosis
Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bremerton and Port Orchard, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
If your toenails are discolored, thickened, smell bad, or look deformed, you may have developed a fungal infection. This condition affects about 10 percent of the general population, but it is far more prevalent in seniors, especially those who are 70 or older. This is because nails become drier and more brittle as we age. Poor circulation and a weakened immune system can also be contributing factors. In addition, if you have injured a nail or have diabetes or psoriasis, you may have an increased risk for developing a fungal infection. It is possible to catch a fungal infection through contact with another person, or even from your own body. Sometimes Athlete’s foot, another common fungal infection usually found between the toes, can spread to the toenails as well. If you notice that your toenails are brittle, crumbling, or ragged, it is wise to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to receive proper treatment and to prevent the fungus from spreading further.
If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact one of our doctors of Kitsap Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Symptoms
Treatment
If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.
Prevention
In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.
In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bremerton and Port Orchard, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
If you have sharp pain in the area of the foot between the third and fourth toes, you may have Morton's neuroma. Symptoms include feeling a stabbing, burning pain and experiencing numbness or tingling. For many people, non-surgical treatment can ease these symptoms. Probably the most common cause of Morton's neuroma is ill-fitting shoes that have high heels, pointy toes, and are too tight. These can cause nerve damage and subsequent pain. Simply changing to wider, more comfortable shoes with increased cushioning will likely reduce pain. High impact sports, especially running, are another common cause of Morton’s neuroma. It’s a good idea to rest the feet until the nerves recover before continuing such activity. Orthotic inserts in your shoes can help alleviate symptoms. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroid or anesthetic injections are more-advanced treatments. Finally, surgical intervention may be indicated in severe cases. This procedure can remove some surrounding tissue or parts of the nerve, helping to widen the inflamed area and relieve pressure that causes pain. For more information on treatment for Morton’s neuroma, please consult a podiatrist who can help you determine the best course of action.
Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our doctors of Kitsap Foot & Ankle Clinic. 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 one of our offices located in Bremerton and Port Orchard, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
