Poor circulation in the feet occurs when blood flow is restricted, often leading to discomfort, numbness, or a cold feeling. Causes include peripheral artery disease, diabetes, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle. Risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity. Symptoms of poor circulation include tingling in the feet and toes, swelling, discoloration, or slow-healing wounds. These signs should not be ignored, as they may indicate more serious health conditions. A podiatrist can evaluate circulation, perform diagnostic tests, and recommend treatments such as compression therapy and lifestyle changes. If you experience persistent foot discomfort or signs of poor circulation, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a thorough evaluation and personalized care plan to improve your foot health and overall well-being.
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 Gabrielle Clark, DPM of LA Feet Foot & Ankle Center, Inc. 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 offices located in New Orleans, and Metairie, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Constant care and regular evaluation are important for a foot or ankle fracture. If left untreated, foot or ankle fractures can worsen over time and create more serious problems.
Don't wait to be examined if you believe you've experienced a foot or ankle fracture.
Flat feet or pes planus, occur when the arches of the feet collapse, causing the entire sole to touch the ground. This condition can be congenital or develop over time due to factors like injury, arthritis, obesity, or muscle weakness. Symptoms include foot pain, swelling along the inside of the ankle, and difficulty standing on tiptoes. Flat feet may cause uneven wear on shoes and lead to knee, hip, or back pain due to altered gait. Visually, flat feet appear as a lowered or absent arch when standing. Some people experience fatigue or discomfort after prolonged activity. A podiatrist can diagnose flat feet through physical examination and imaging studies. Treatment often involves custom orthotics to support the arch, stretching exercises, wearing proper footwear, and, in rare cases, surgery. If you have flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for evaluation and appropirate treatment.
Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Gabrielle Clark, DPM from LA Feet Foot & Ankle Center, Inc. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.
Conditions & Problems:
Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.
Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.
Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.
Symptoms
- Pain around the heel or arch area
- Trouble standing on the tip toe
- Swelling around the inside of the ankle
- Flat look to one or both feet
- Having your shoes feel uneven when worn
Treatment
If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in New Orleans, and Metairie, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Ingrown toenails can be painful and persistent, but treatment options continue to evolve. Conservative care remains a first step for many. This includes warm salt soaks, gentle lifting of the nail edge, or protective padding to reduce pressure. Proper trimming techniques and footwear changes can also help prevent recurrence. When conservative measures do not bring relief, more advanced options may be considered. Newer treatments include partial nail removal combined with techniques to prevent regrowth along the problematic edge. This offers a long-term solution with minimal discomfort. In some cases, laser or chemical procedures are used to address the nail root directly. With both time-tested and modern approaches available, treatment can be tailored to fit each person’s needs and lifestyle. If you have recurring or painful ingrown toenails, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment deemed best for you.
Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Gabrielle Clark, DPM of LA Feet Foot & Ankle Center, Inc. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.
Causes
- Improper toenail trimming
- Genetics
- Improper shoe fitting
- Injury from pedicures or nail picking
- Abnormal gait
- Poor hygiene
You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.
Symptoms
Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.
Treatment
Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in New Orleans, and Metairie, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
