Items filtered by date: August 2022

People with diabetes can also suffer from peripheral arterial disease (PAD). This is a disease in which elevated blood glucose levels cause your arteries to narrow. A narrowing of the arteries can restrict the flow of blood to the extremities,  otherwise known as poor circulation. PAD symptoms include numb or cold feet, intermittent claudication (leg pain that goes away when resting), bluish colorization in the skin of the legs, loss of hair on the legs or feet, brittle toenails and more. One of the more serious symptoms of PAD is an impaired ability to heal wounds and sores, which can be potentially dangerous for the diabetic patient. As a diabetic, it is wise to be under the care of a podiatrist. They will be able to determine if you have PAD with a non-invasive test of the blood flow in your feet called a brachial pressure index test, or ABPI test. If you have been diagnosed with PAD, your podiatrist will be able to help manage your symptoms and help prevent complications from arising.

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 Leonard Talarico, DPM of Georgia. 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 Pooler, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Poor Blood Circulation in the Feet
Tuesday, 23 August 2022 00:00

Figure and Ice Skating Foot Injuries

Ice skating requires balance, flexibility, strength, and power. In the 1990s, patterns that generated shapes like circles and figure eights were replaced with more physically demanding jumps and spins. As expected, skating can stress the muscles, bones, and joints of the feet and ankles. Injuries in skating often happen from falls. A skater’s feet are tightly bound in leather or synthetic composite boots so the feet and ankles bear the brunt of various motions performed. Problems can arise from repetitive stretching of the Achilles tendon, located at the heel of the foot, and a skater can get Achilles tendinopathy, tendonitis in the ankle, plantar fasciitis, bunions, calluses, hammertoes, or other foot and ankle problems. Skaters should warm up and stretch before skating to loosen stiff muscles and wear properly fitting boots. If you are a skater and have sports-related pain in your feet or ankles that is not relieved with rest, see a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Leonard Talarico, DPM from Georgia. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

  • Achilles Tendonitis
  • Achilles Tendon Rupture
  • Ankle Sprains
  • Broken Foot
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Stress Fractures
  • Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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

Read more about Sports Related Foot And Ankle Injuries
Tuesday, 16 August 2022 00:00

Foot Care Concerns for Trail Runners

Most runners have some form of foot pain at some point. Complaints range from blisters to plantar fasciitis, and even stress fractures. Taking care of the feet is sometimes overlooked by runners who concentrate more on other body parts. For trail runners who traverse uneven, wet, or slippery terrain, attention to foot health can be paramount. First and foremost for any runner is proper footwear. Be sure to find shoes that are made specifically for natural terrain and fit well. Socks can be just as important as shoes. Look for socks that wick moisture and prevent blisters. Try to keep your feet dry, if at all possible. Some runners tend the calluses on the sole of the feet with a pumice, but it’s a good idea to see a podiatrist if they cause pain or gait problems. Orthotics may be a solution to avoiding them. Other ways that trail runners can care for their feet are to keep toenails carefully trimmed, give your feet a massage, and pamper them after a run. If you experience foot pain or problems caused by running, please visit a podiatrist for more information. 

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Leonard Talarico, DPM of Georgia. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

  • Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
  • Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
  • “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
  • Cross-Training is Crucial
  • Wear Proper Running Shoes
  • Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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

Read more about How to Prevent Running Injuries
Tuesday, 09 August 2022 00:00

Causes of Burning Feet

The sensation of burning feet, also called Grierson-Gopalan syndrome, can often be worse at night though it may taper off during the day. It is often felt on the soles of the feet but can spread to other parts of the foot and ankle as well as the lower legs. Causes of burning feet syndrome include nerve damage, such as peripheral neuropathy or tarsal tunnel syndrome. Among other conditions that may be involved are Morton’s neuroma, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disorder, and a regional pain disorder that sometimes follows surgery. Still, other causes include allergies, wearing shoes that are too tight, stress from an injury, and side effects of diabetes. While there is no way to prevent burning feet syndrome, it is possible to lessen the effects. It is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a physical examination. Blood and nerve function testing may be done to uncover the underlying cause. If burning foot pain persists or gets worse, it is very important to see your podiatrist for treatment options. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Leonard Talarico, DPM from Georgia. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Read more about Foot Pain

If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.

Tuesday, 02 August 2022 00:00

Numbness in the Feet During Pregnancy

It is very common for women who are pregnant to experience certain complications or discomfort in their feet. This is essentially because during a pregnancy, a woman’s body experiences bodily changes that oftentimes will have some sort of effect on the feet. One condition a woman might experience during her pregnancy is numbness in the feet. Sometimes referred to as a “pins-and-needles” feeling, numbness in the feet can be uncomfortable and make walking difficult. Numbness in the feet can occur during a woman’s pregnancy because as the fetus grows, the woman’s body gets increasingly swollen. This swelling at the ankles and throughout the lower legs can put pressure on nerves that can ultimately make the feet go numb. It is important to note that in addition to the feet, numbness can also affect a woman’s hands during her pregnancy. You can reduce the severity of the numbness by increasing blood flow and circulation to the lower legs and feet. If you are pregnant, or are planning to be, consider contacting a podiatrist who can offer you guidance on maintaining proper foot health throughout your pregnancy.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Leonard Talarico, DPM from Georgia. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

  • Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
  • Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
  • Wear shoes with good arch support
  • Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
  • Elevate feet if you experience swelling
  • Massage your feet
  • Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

Read more about Foot Care for Pregnant Women

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