Items filtered by date: February 2022

Peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition that causes poor blood flow in the lower limbs, affects both men and women. After age 60, prevalence of PAD is higher in men than in women, yet women tend to be underdiagnosed and undertreated. This is because women are more likely to present with atypical symptoms, such as lower limb pain while exercising and while at rest. Many women present with no symptoms at all. For this reason, it is particularly important for women to undergo vascular testing to determine if they may have PAD. To learn more about this condition and get tested, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist near you.

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. Richard T. Bauer from Summit Foot & Ankle. 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 Latham, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A bunionette, also called a tailor’s bunion, is a bony outgrowth along the outside of the foot, at the base of the pinky toe. Bunionettes are thought to form due to inherited mechanical structure defects in the foot. When the area at the base of the pinky toe is put under excessive pressure and friction, usually from wearing shoes that are too narrow and rub against the toe, a bony outgrowth develops in this area. This deformity grows outwards and pushes the pinky toe inwards, toward the other toes. Bunionettes cause symptoms such as redness, swelling, and pain at the site of the bunionette, as well as a visible foot deformity that can make it difficult to wear certain types of shoes. If you have a painful bunionette, please seek the care of a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Dr. Richard T. Bauer of Summit Foot & Ankle. 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 Latham, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cracked heels develop when the skin on the heels become dry and callused, and pressure from standing and walking create splits in the skin. Cracked heels can be caused by wearing shoes that expose the heels to the elements, aging skin, genetics, certain skin conditions or vitamin deficiencies, a lack of moisture in the skin, pressure from standing for prolonged periods of time, obesity, and more. Keeping your feet clean and moisturized, while improving the quality of skin through proper nutrition can help prevent cracked heels from occurring. If you have developed cracked heels that are not getting better or are deepening or bleeding, contact a podiatrist for treatment.

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. Richard T. Bauer from Summit Foot & Ankle. 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 Latham, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Although the term plantar fasciitis sounds unusual, the condition it describes is the most common form of heel pain. “Plantar” has to do with the sole of the foot, while “fascia” is a fibrous band of tissue. “Itis” is a suffix used to indicate inflammation. Put those three things together and you are describing an inflammation of the fibrous tissue on the sole of the foot — otherwise known as plantar fasciitis. It can cause a stabbing pain near the heel, which is worst in the morning as you take your first steps, or after periods of rest. This pain can subside as your feet become warmed up. Although runners often develop plantar fasciitis, it can also be common in people who are obese or who wear shoes without adequate support. If you believe you have plantar fasciitis, it is a good idea to contact a podiatrist right away to receive an accurate diagnosis and begin proper treatment as soon as possible.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Richard T. Bauer  from Summit 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 the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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