Patients who have poor circulation may have existing health ailments. This condition can be indicative of serious maladies that may include diabetes, kidney damage, or heart disease. People who sit for the majority of the day may be susceptible to developing poor circulation, but this condition may be avoided by gently stretching during the day. Additionally, eating foods that are unhealthy may put people at an increased risk for poor circulation. Some of the signs people notice can include leg cramps, cold feet, and patients may become unusually tired. If you feel you have this condition and are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is advised that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat poor circulation.

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 Dr. Thomas Madden of Advanced Foot Care Center. 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 Killeen, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken toe is considered to be one of the most common types of fractures. The toes consist of several small bones, which can easily become broken. It can happen from dropping a heavy object on your toe, or from possibly stubbing it against a piece of furniture. A broken toe generally causes difficulty walking, and can take between four to six weeks to completely heal. Many patients choose to use a treatment method that is referred to as buddy taping, which may be effective for mild fractures. This consists of taping the affected toe to the toe next to it. This treatment method can provide the support that is needed as the healing process occurs. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can treat mild or severely fractured toes.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Thomas Madden from Advanced Foot Care Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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

Corns are small, thick, and hardened layers of skin that can grow inward on the bottom of the feet. Additionally, corns can form between the toes, and can cause general pain and discomfort. These typically occur as a result of wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, and can appear on the pressure points of the foot. Mild relief may be felt when there is a protective pad worn over the corn. Corns that are bigger, which alter the style of walking, may need to be removed by a podiatrist, who can also recommend wearing orthotics to help to prevent corns from developing in the future. 

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Thomas Madden of Advanced Foot Care Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Research has indicated the chances may increase for children who are obese to have difficulty in walking. The feet may be affected by the additional weight, and this may cause the gait to change. Additionally, it may be more difficult for overweight children to balance, possibly as a result of weakened muscles in the feet. Flat feet is common among obese children. This may lead to general fatigue in the body, and it can become difficult to maintain activity levels. If you would like more information about how obesity can affect your children’s feet, it is advised that you consult with a podiatrist.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Dr. Thomas Madden from Advanced Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

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

Many women enjoy wearing high heels. They can make the feet and legs look slender, as well as add style to many clothing choices. Despite their popularity, they have been linked to causing damage to the feet. It may be easier to trip and sprain an ankle while wearing this type of shoe, and the muscles in the feet may become strained as well. Additionally, wearing high heels that do not have ample room for the toes to move freely in may cause bunions or hammertoes to develop. Some of these conditions may be prevented by alternating between high heels, and shoes that have adequate support. If you would like more information about how high heels can affect the feet, please consult with a podiatrist.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Thomas Madden from Advanced Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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

Severe cases of the condition known as cracked heels can cause extreme pain and discomfort. They are deep cracks in the skin that are known as fissures, and generally occur on the outside of the heel. It is an ailment that develops gradually, and will be manageable with prompt treatment. Some of the symptoms of cracked heels can include flaky and peeling skin, hardened and red skin, and the area may itch. Common causes of this condition can consist of standing for extended periods of time throughout the day, and wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Additionally, certain medical conditions such as psoriasis and thyroid disease may play a significant role in developing cracked heels. Relief may be temporarily felt when a good moisturizer is applied to the affected area. If you would like more information about how to treat and prevent cracked heels from developing, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist.

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 Dr. Thomas Madden from Advanced Foot Care Center. 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 Killeen, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.