Items filtered by date: March 2022

Do your feet feel cold—even when it is not cold outside— or numb? Have you noticed that your feet look white, red, blue, or purple at times? If so, you may have poor circulation in your feet. This condition develops when the blood vessels that deliver a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients to the feet through blood constrict or harden. Other symptoms of poor circulation include a loss of hair on the feet or legs, foot or ankle wounds that have trouble healing, cracked or dry skin, and weak toenails. Poor circulation in the feet may be caused by various underlying conditions. Raynaud’s disease can cause spasms in blood vessels and a decrease in the amount of blood to the toes. Constricting blood vessels can sometimes be attributed to acrocyanosis, which may turn the toes blue and make your skin feel cold and clammy. Many people with diabetes suffer from poor circulation due to elevated blood sugar levels. This is particularly dangerous, as this condition can make it difficult for the diabetic to detect wounds. High blood pressure can lead to arteriosclerosis, which can cause arteries to harden and restrict blood flow. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a buildup of plaque in the arteries, which also restricts blood flow. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms described here, it is suggested that you make an appointment as soon as possible with a podiatrist.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Dan Kirk, DPM of Bluffton Foot & Ankle. 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 our offices located in Bluffton and Celina, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Keeping your feet as healthy as possible through proper foot care can help you maintain your mobility into old age. Your body weight plays a big role in your foot health, and the pounds can add up as we age. This extra weight not only places more strain on your feet, but makes you more susceptible to developing conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and circulatory issues that affect the feet. So, it is important to do all you can to reach and maintain your ideal weight. Doing simple things like keeping your feet clean, dry, and moisturized can help prevent conditions such as calluses, cracked heels, and more. Keeping your toenails trimmed straight across, but not so short that they grow into surrounding skin, will help prevent ingrown toenails. Wearing supportive footwear that fits well is another important component to protecting your feet and maintaining your mobility. Stretching your feet and Achilles tendon will keep your feet, ankles, muscles and connective tissues flexible and strong. Getting your feet checked regularly by a podiatrist will help keep your feet healthy and also allow you to gain more knowledge about how to improve and maintain your mobility. 

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dan Kirk, DPM from Bluffton Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

When a fungal infection develops in your toenails the effects are usually easy to spot. The toenail typically changes both in color and consistency – appearing thickened, yellowish, crusty, and brittle. Several anti-fungal creams are available over the counter, although they may take many months to eradicate the infection. Nail-softening creams can allow you to scrape off the infection, though caution is recommended because fungal infections are highly transmissible and can spread to other parts of your body, such as your fingernails. In the meantime, try to keep your feet clean and dry, avoid sharing towels, change your socks daily, and wear protective foot coverings in locker rooms, pools, and showers. If the infection persists or worsens, it’s a good idea to consult a podiatrist who can prescribe stronger medication, check if any underlying conditions may be exacerbating the infection, and determine further treatment options.

For more information about treatment, contact Dan Kirk, DPM of Bluffton Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Bluffton and Celina, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Your feet take a pounding every day, and thankfully, the strong band of connective tissue on the sole of the feet (plantar fascia) is there to absorb a lot of this stress. However, the plantar fascia can eventually become overly stressed or damaged, and even suffer micro-tears where it attaches to the heel. This condition, known as plantar fasciitis, causes inflammation in the tissue and a great deal of heel pain. This pain may come on gradually and is usually at its worst first thing in the morning or after periods of rest. Once you start moving around the pain typically subsides, but eventually returns as the day progresses. What causes the plantar fascia to become damaged? There are many possible factors that can lead to plantar fasciitis such as: obesity, age, ill-fitting or non-supportive footwear, standing for long periods of time, excessive strain during exercise, tight Achilles’ tendons or calf muscles, running on hard surfaces, and certain foot disorders like flat feet or high arches. There are a variety of treatments that a podiatrist can administer to relieve the pain and reduced mobility associated with plantar fasciitis. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dan Kirk, DPM from Bluffton Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

There are a variety of complications to the feet that diabetes can cause, and some of them can even lead to amputation. These problems occur because diabetic patients are prone to losing the sensation in their feet, making it difficult to notice problems in their early stages. Diabetes can also cause poor blood flow in the feet, which ultimately leads to both numbness and a slower healing process for wounds. This is why it is important for diabetic patients to develop a foot care routine that includes checking the feet every day for wounds and sores, keeping the feet clean, keeping the skin soft and smooth, and finding properly fitting footwear. Regular checkups with a podiatrist are also suggested for diabetic patients. Anyone with diabetes who has further questions or concerns shouldn’t hesitate to consult with a podiatrist near them.   

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Dan Kirk, DPM from Bluffton Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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