Peripheral artery disease is a cardiovascular condition that can seriously affect the health of your feet. When fatty deposits build up in the arteries that serve the legs, the flow of blood to the feet and toes can be restricted. Common symptoms of peripheral artery disease, or PAD, include hair loss and weakness in the legs and feet, brittle or slow-growing toenails, and numbness in the lower extremities. One of the more serious results of PAD is the increased inability of sores or cuts on the feet and ankles to heal normally. If these wounds are not noticed or left unattended, they can become ulcerous. This is a common side effect of diabetes as the result of high levels of blood sugar. Foot ulcers can become gangrenous and increase the danger of losing a limb. Eating a healthy diet, quitting smoking and drinking, along with losing weight can all help to reduce the effects of peripheral artery disease. For help with this condition as it affects the feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with Dr. David Ungar from Personal Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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

The nerve found between the third and fourth toes can be affected by a foot condition known as Morton’s neuroma. This is an ailment that compresses or irritates the nerve and is considered to be benign. The majority of patients who develop Morton’s neuroma have severe pain and discomfort, and it can be difficult to walk. Morton's neuroma may be common in women who frequently wear high heels. These types of shoes have limited room in the toe area and this can cause the toes to shift toward each other, affecting the nerve. The pain is often felt in the ball of the foot and can be noticed while standing and walking. Additionally, a burning or tingling sensation can affect the toes, and it may feel like there is a small pebble in the shoe or sock. If you have pain in this area of your foot, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can perform a diagnosis and offer the proper treatment options.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. David Ungar of Personal Foot Care. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

Any runner knows that preventing a running injury by looking after the health of the feet is an essential part of being a good runner. One way in which a runner can do this is by performing balance enhancing stretches. For example, to improve balance, a runner may consider performing a single leg balance stretch and squat. During this stretch, a runner stands on one leg while slowly and squatting repeatedly. By doing this stretch, a runner can essentially improve the extent to which they land evenly on each foot while running. If you are a runner looking to prevent the onset of running injuries, then it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist today for advice and possible treatment.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. David Ungar of Personal Foot Care. 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 Farmington, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many people with diabetes incur injuries to their feet, but because of nerve damage that causes numbness, these wounds may not be detected. Additionally, peripheral artery damage also caused by high blood sugar levels can make it more difficult for such wounds to heal in a timely fashion. This set of circumstances often results in what is known as a diabetic foot ulcer, which may take weeks or even months to heal. In that case, a podiatrist may perform a technique called debridement to scrape away any dead skin or tissue that has formed. First, the area around the wound is disinfected. Then the sore will be examined to determine its depth and severity. After removing any dead tissue, the ulcer will be washed out. Its color is important to note. If the area is red or pink it is more likely to heal. If it is bluish or purple, it is less likely to heal. After debridement is complete, the podiatrist will suggest treatment options to prevent further ulcers from developing. For more information about foot ulcers, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

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 Dr. David Ungar from Personal Foot Care. Our doctor 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 office located in Farmington, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

It can be easy to confuse strains and sprains because both can cause ankle pain. An ankle sprain is the result of overstretching a ligament. This can happen to anyone, but is especially common among those involved in strenuous physical activity. A strain is the tearing of a muscle or tendon. Strains and sprains frequently occur in tandem, as the result of a sudden injury to the ankle joint. The ankle joint is a complex structure involving bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles that work together to allow the body to move and absorb the stress of that movement. If too much weight is applied or the joint is stretched too far, injuries to any of the elements of the ankle joint can occur. Sprains and strains can range from a slight tear to a complete rupture. Treatment is dependent on the severity of the injury, as is recovery time. In most cases, healing from an ankle injury is likely to take months. If you have experienced an ankle injury, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, a diagnosis, and a course of treatment.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Dr. David Ungar from Personal Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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