February 2020

Poor circulation can stem from a variety of factors. Many patients' quality of life is often affected, and it may become difficult to perform daily activities. Common symptoms of this condition can include cold feet, a numbing and tingling sensation, and the feet and ankles may become swollen. Research has indicated that the most common cause of poor circulation is a condition that is known as atherosclerosis. It is defined as an excessive amount of plaque that builds up in the arteries and blood vessels. Additionally, diabetic patients may experience poor circulation, and this may affect one’s heart rate and blood pressure. If you have symptoms of this ailment, it is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can diagnose and help you to manage this condition.

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 one of our podiatrists of CyFair Family Foot Care. Our doctors 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 Cypress, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

People who enjoy the sport of running are most likely familiar with the importance of properly warming up before and after each run. The ankles may become more stable when leg swings are practiced frequently, followed by performing hip circles. Research has indicated that running injuries may be prevented when you focus on a specific type of running, and train accordingly. These can consist of increasing speed, endurance, or running up and down hills. Practicing squats is an effective way of increasing the range of motion in your ankles, hips, and knees. If you would like additional information about how running injuries can affect the feet and how to prevent them, please consult with a podiatrist.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of CyFair Family Foot Care. Our doctors 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 Cypress, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Research has indicated that a large percentage of patients who are afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis have had prior or existing foot conditions. Some of the symptoms that are associated with this condition can include swelling in one, or several joints in the foot, in addition to the impacted foot feeling warm and sore. Patients who experience rheumatoid arthritis may have difficulty in completing daily activities. Moderate relief may be found when insoles are worn in the shoes. This may help to improve the function of the foot while supporting the joints. If you feel that you may have this ailment, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat this condition.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of CyFair Family Foot Care. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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

A medical condition that is referred to as peripheral artery disease (PAD) can have severe symptoms that often include muscle cramping in the legs and feet. Patients who exercise may notice the pain diminishes when activities are stopped. This can be a result of decreased blood flow. Additional symptoms of this ailment may consist of wounds on the feet or toes that may not heal properly, consistent leg pain, and the feet may feel cold for the majority of the day. It may also be indicative of heart issues, which is why it is important to be properly diagnosed. If you have a numbing or tingling sensation in your feet, it is advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

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 one of our podiatrists from CyFair Family Foot Care. Our doctors 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 Cypress, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.