Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, develops when narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the legs and feet. Fatty deposits inside these blood vessels are usually responsible for this narrowing. Without enough oxygen-rich blood, the feet may become painful and slow to heal. Signs include cramping in the calves when walking, cold feet, and a weak pulse in the lower legs. The skin may look pale, shiny, or bluish. Toenails can grow slowly, and hair on the feet or legs may decrease. As the condition advances, some patients also develop numbness or pain while resting.

Several factors raise the risk of developing PAD. Smoking, diabetes, and high blood pressure are major concerns. High cholesterol and older age can also increase risk. Because reduced circulation limits healing, a small blister or cut can become a serious wound. An untreated wound may develop an infection, tissue damage, or limb loss. People with diabetes face added danger because nerve damage can make an injury difficult to feel. Changes should not be ignored, even when they seem minor. A sore that does not heal, a change in skin color, or sudden foot pain requires prompt medical attention.

A podiatrist can examine the feet for circulation problems and check the skin, nails, and pulse. The examination can also identify wounds that require careful treatment. Tests that compare blood pressure at the ankle and arm can help measure blood flow. A podiatrist can clean and protect wounds, remove damaged tissue, and reduce pressure on sore areas. Regular foot examinations can help detect problems before they become severe. A medical team approach can help manage PAD and protect foot health. In severe cases, procedures or surgery may be considered to improve circulation. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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 Carrie Frame, DPM from West Virginia 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 Charleston, WV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A heel bone fracture can happen when a powerful force drives the heel against a hard surface. Falls from heights and motor vehicle crashes are leading causes. A severe ankle twist can also crack the heel bone, called the calcaneus. Pain, swelling, and bruising can develop quickly. Some patients cannot place weight on the foot, while those with a minor fracture may walk with a limp. The heel can look wider, shorter, or misshapen when pieces of bone move out of position. Because the force may injure other areas, a complete medical evaluation is needed.

A podiatrist examines the foot and ankle for tenderness, skin damage, and changes in heel shape. This also includes checking blood flow, feeling, and toe movement. X-rays can confirm the break and show whether bone pieces have shifted. A CT scan creates detailed pictures and helps the podiatrist understand the fracture pattern. Treatment depends on the injury, the position of the broken pieces, and tissue damage. A cast, splint, or brace can hold a stable fracture in place. Patients must avoid placing weight on the injured foot while the bone heals. When fragments have moved or the heel has lost its normal shape, surgery may be required to realign and secure the bone.

Recovery from a heel bone fracture can take several months, especially after a high-impact injury. The podiatrist monitors healing with examinations and imaging, then advises when weight-bearing can increase. Custom orthotics may improve support and reduce pressure inside the shoe. After treatment, some patients develop stiffness, swelling, or pain. Arthritis can form if the fracture damages the joint below the ankle. These problems may affect balance on uneven ground and make demanding work difficult. Prompt diagnosis helps the podiatrist protect the skin, restore heel alignment, and reduce further problems. If you have injured your heel, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Carrie Frame, DPM of West Virginia Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

Diabetes can affect more than blood sugar. It may damage nerves, blood vessels, and other tissues in the feet. These changes can create diabetic foot complications that range from dryness and irritation to serious ulcers. Symptoms may include numbness, tingling, or changes in skin color. Diabetic neuropathy can reduce sensation. Recognizing changes early is important because a small foot injury can become difficult to heal when diabetes affects circulation and nerve function.

Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by prolonged high blood sugar. Reduced sensation can make it harder to notice blisters, cuts, or burns. Diabetes can cause skin changes, including dryness, cracking, and thickened areas. Poor circulation may limit oxygen reaching injured tissue. Risk factors include uncontrolled blood sugar, long-term diabetes, and foot problems. Wearing poorly fitting shoes or walking with pressure can increase the risk of injury and skin breakdown.

A diabetic foot ulcer is an open wound that may develop after pressure, friction, or unnoticed injury. Ulcers occur beneath the foot or around areas exposed to pressure. A podiatrist will examine the skin, check sensation and circulation, and evaluate the wound. Treatment may involve cleaning and protecting the ulcer, reducing pressure, and monitoring healing. The podiatrist may recommend footwear or wound care and coordinate medical treatment when infection or circulation concerns are present.

Daily foot awareness is important for diabetic care. Examine your feet for wounds, drainage, or skin changes. Avoid walking barefoot, and choose shoes that fit comfortably without creating pressure. Podiatric care can help identify problems before they become serious. If foot complications from diabetes develop, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.

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 Carrie Frame, DPM from West Virginia 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 office located in Charleston, WV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot wounds are breaks in the skin that can range from cuts and blisters to deeper ulcers. They may develop from friction, injuries, or stress. Symptoms can include redness, swelling, or drainage. Warmth, tenderness, or changes in skin color are also common. Some people may have little pain even when a wound is serious. Risk factors include diabetes, neuropathy, or obesity. Early foot wound care can reduce complications and support healing.

Preventing foot wounds starts with daily inspection. Check both feet for cuts, blisters, and temperature changes. A warmer or cooler area can signal inflammation or reduced circulation, and should not be ignored. Keep skin clean and moisturized, while avoiding lotion between the toes. Wear properly-fitted shoes and clean socks that reduce friction. If you cannot see the bottoms of your feet, use a mirror or ask for help.

A podiatrist can evaluate a current wound and determine its depth, cause, and infection risk. Treatment may include cleaning the wound, removing unhealthy tissue, and applying an appropriate dressing around the wound. Your podiatrist may recommend specialized footwear or off-loading devices to protect the wound. Toenails should be trimmed carefully, especially when vision, flexibility, or sensation is limited. Follow-up visits help monitor progress and adjust treatment.

Do not ignore a wound that is enlarging, becoming red, or failing to heal. Prompt podiatric care is especially important when risk factors increase the chance of complications. A podiatrist can create a treatment plan and provide guidance for preventing future wounds and protect your long-term overall foot health. Inspect your feet daily and protect areas that show pressure or irritation. If you have a foot wound, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions. 

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 Carrie Frame, DPM from West Virginia Foot & Ankle. 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 contact our office located in Charleston, WV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.