Poor circulation in the feet occurs when blood flow is restricted, often leading to discomfort, numbness, or a cold feeling. Causes include peripheral artery disease, diabetes, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle. Risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity. Symptoms of poor circulation include tingling in the feet and toes, swelling, discoloration, or slow-healing wounds. These signs should not be ignored, as they may indicate more serious health conditions. A podiatrist can evaluate circulation, perform diagnostic tests, and recommend treatments such as compression therapy and lifestyle changes. If you experience persistent foot discomfort or signs of poor circulation, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a thorough evaluation and personalized care plan to improve your foot health and overall well-being.

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 Frederick Matthews, DPM of Innovative Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctor 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 office located in Plano, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Specific ways of walking, known as gait, affect how the feet, toes, and ankles bear weight. When pain appears in one area, such as toes, forefoot, midfoot, or heel, the body often shifts pressure to other areas without conscious effort. For instance, heel pain may lead to less pressure at the back of the foot but more under the forefoot. Pain in the arch can cause more force through the middle of the foot to maintain balance. If toes or the ball of the foot hurt, the push-off of each step becomes weaker causing other parts of the foot to take over. This can lead to discomfort in the feet or ankles. A podiatrist can carefully evaluate your gait, or walking pattern, identify where pressure is uneven, and recommend treatment to bring balance back to your foot function. If you have foot pain that may be related to changes in gait, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Frederick Matthews, DPM from Innovative Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

Cracked heels occur when the skin on the bottom of the feet becomes excessively dry and thick, leading to painful splits or fissures. Dry skin can be caused by prolonged standing, wearing open-back footwear, cold weather, or lack of moisture. Over time, the dryness may worsen and the skin loses elasticity, eventually leading to deep cracks that can cause discomfort, bleeding, or infection. Symptoms include rough patches, flaking, redness, and pain while walking. A podiatrist can assess the severity, remove thickened skin safely, recommend moisturizing treatments, and address any complications. If you are experiencing discomfort from having cracked heels, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist to restore smooth, healthy skin, and prevent further damage.

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 Frederick Matthews, DPM from Innovative Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctor 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 office located in Plano, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot blisters while hiking are caused by friction, heat, and moisture building up between the skin and footwear. Common symptoms include redness, tenderness, and fluid-filled pockets. Risk factors include wearing ill-fitting shoes, sweaty feet, and long treks without breaks. Prevention involves wearing moisture-wicking socks, properly fitted hiking boots, and using blister pads or foot powders. Keeping feet dry and taking regular rest breaks can also reduce risk. If a blister becomes painful or shows signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or pus, it is important to seek medical attention. A podiatrist can clean and treat the area, prevent complications, and offer guidance for future hikes. If you have developed a foot blister that shows signs of infection, it is suggested that you consult this type of doctor who can safely treat foot blisters, and offer prevention tips.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Frederick Matthews, DPM of Innovative Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can 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.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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

Bunions can affect teenagers, not just adults. A bunion is a bump that forms at the base of the big toe when the joint moves out of place. In adolescents, this often happens because of inherited foot structure or tight shoes. The condition may cause pain, swelling, or difficulty wearing certain shoes. Treatment usually begins with simple steps like changing footwear, using pads or cushions, and trying custom shoe inserts to ease pressure on the joint. If the bunion causes ongoing pain or affects walking, surgery may be considered. One option is a minimally invasive surgical technique that realigns the bone near the big toe joint using small incisions. It is often used in adolescents to correct bunions with less tissue disruption and faster recovery than open surgery. This allows for less disruption to the surrounding tissue and a quicker recovery. If your teen has a bunion that is not improving with conservative care, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist to explore the best treatment approach.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Frederick Matthews, DPM of Innovative Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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