July 2018

If you experience poor circulation in your feet, you may be aware of symptoms that are related to this condition. The most common ways to tell you may be suffering from this ailment may include feeling a tingling sensation or coldness in the feet. Additionally, many people will notice they feel tired despite getting adequate sleep. This may be a result of the blood not having ample oxygen, which may often affect the immune system. You may notice the skin on the feet may appear to be dry even though enough water is consumed during the day. It may be helpful to incorporate walking into your daily routine, which may increase blood flow to the feet and may possibly alleviate certain symptoms. If you feel you have poor circulation, please speak with a podiatrist who can properly evaluate 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 Dr. Michael A. Wood of Foot Health Institute. Our doctor 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 one of our offices located in Lansing, and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

If the joint on the bottom of the big toe is enlarged, this foot condition may be referred to as a bunion. There may be considerable inflammation, which can possibly lead to additional bone growth. Patients who experience bunions often have obvious symptoms including pain, redness and tenderness. If this condition is not treated promptly, arthritis may develop, and this may possibly cause a deformity. Common reasons for bunions to form may be from genetic traits or abnormal foot structures such as flat feet. Choosing to wear poorly fitting shoes may cause a preexisting case of bunions to become even worse. It’s important to speak with a podiatrist who can suggest specific exercises that may treat the symptoms of the bunion in addition to possible removal, which may require surgery.   

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Dr. Michael A. Wood of Foot Health Institute. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Lansing, and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hammertoe may often be the result of a muscle imbalance in the toes. It is typically a painful and uncomfortable foot condition and is generally caused by wearing poorly fitting shoes or an inherited trait. If high heels are frequently worn, the toes may be crammed into an area that may be too small for the toes to move about in. When this happens, the toes may be forced into a flexed position for long periods of a time. If this condition is not treated promptly, they may permanently remain in a bent position, which may require surgery to repair. Additionally, a toe that has been stubbed or broken may be a cause of hammertoe. Other foot conditions such as corns and calluses may develop on top of the toes as a result of hammertoe. If you feel you have hammertoe, it is strongly suggested to speak to a podiatrist who can suggest proper techniques for a successful treatment.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Michael A. Wood of Foot Health Institute. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Lansing, and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The feet are taken for granted by many people who may not be aware of simple steps that can be performed that may yield maximum benefits. When shoes fit properly with enough room for the toes to move about in, the feet will feel comfortable for the majority of the day. Washing the feet daily followed by utilizing a good moisturizer will help the skin to feel smooth, and may prevent a foot condition that is known as cracked heels. It’s imperative to properly trim the toenails, which is done by trimming straight across the nail, as this may prevent ingrown toenails from developing. Research has shown that when shoes are purchased, it’s beneficial to try them on in the middle of the day when the feet are at their largest. Additionally, the importance of changing your socks daily may eliminate certain foot odors. If you would like additional information on how to properly care for your feet, please consult with a podiatrist.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Michael A. Wood from Foot Health Institute. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Lansing, and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.