June 2024

Poor foot circulation is a serious issue that can lead to various health complications if left untreated. Common warning signs include persistent coldness in the feet, even in warm environments. Numbness or tingling sensations, often described as pins and needles, can indicate circulation problems. Discoloration, such as a bluish or pale hue, may also be a sign of reduced blood flow. Swelling in the feet and ankles is another common symptom. Additionally, slow-healing sores or wounds on the feet can indicate poor circulation, as the necessary nutrients and oxygen are not efficiently reaching the area. Cramping or pain in the legs and feet, especially during physical activity, is another key indicator.  Poor foot circulation can indicate serious health issues. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can determine what the reason is, and offer effective management tips.

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 Family Foot Care. 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 our offices located in Valatie and Albany, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot ulcers are open wounds that develop on the feet, often affecting individuals with diabetes or impaired circulation. They typically occur due to a combination of factors, including neuropathy, which is nerve damage, poor blood flow, and pressure from footwear. Foot ulcers can vary in severity, from shallow sores to deep craters, and if left untreated, they can lead to serious complications such as infection and possibly amputation. The primary cause of foot ulcers is prolonged pressure or friction on the skin, which can result from wearing ill-fitting shoes, walking barefoot, or excessive rubbing. In diabetic individuals, high blood sugar levels can further exacerbate the risk by damaging nerves and blood vessels, impairing the body's ability to heal. Other contributing factors may include poor hygiene, smoking, obesity, and a history of foot problems. Recognizing the signs of a foot ulcer, such as redness, swelling, or drainage, is vital for prompt treatment and prevention of complications. If you have a foot wound, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can diagnose its severity, and offer treatment options that are right for you.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Valatie and Albany, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Minor foot surgery encompasses a range of procedures aimed at addressing common foot problems with minimal invasiveness. These surgeries are often performed to correct issues like ingrown toenails, bunions, hammertoes, and plantar warts. Ingrown toenail surgery involves removing part or all of the affected nails to relieve pain and prevent infection. Bunion surgery, or a bunionectomy, involves realigning the bone, ligaments, and tendons to correct the deformity. Hammertoe surgery aims to straighten the bent toe by removing a portion of the bone or releasing the tendon. Plantar wart removal can be performed using various methods, including excision, laser therapy, or cryotherapy. These procedures are typically done on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia, allowing for quick recovery and minimal downtime. If you have any sort of foot problem, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. After a thorough examination and imaging tests, the best treatment, which may include minor surgery, will be discussed.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Care. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Valatie and Albany, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle stretches play a pivotal role in maintaining optimal foot and lower limb health, offering a multitude of benefits for individuals of all ages and activity levels. These stretches help improve ankle flexibility, range of motion, and proprioception, reducing the risk of injuries such as sprains and strains. Additionally, ankle stretches alleviate tightness in the calf muscles and Achilles tendon, promoting better posture and gait mechanics. Performing ankle stretches can also enhance balance and stability, vital for activities like walking, running, and sports participation. To perform a basic ankle stretch, sit on the floor with your legs extended, then loop a resistance band or towel around the ball of one foot and gently pull it toward you, feeling a stretch in the calf and ankle. Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds, then switch sides. Another effective stretch involves standing with one foot behind the other, bending the back knee slightly to stretch the calf and ankle. By incorporating these stretches into a regular routine, individuals can reap the benefits of improved ankle flexibility and function. If you have foot pain that may be impacted from having stiff ankles, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous one, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Valatie and Albany, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.