Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a circulation condition in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the legs and feet. It is most often caused by plaque buildup related to aging, smoking, diabetes, or high cholesterol. Symptoms include cramping pain with walking, numbness, slow-healing sores, or changes in skin color. The feet may look pale and they can feel weak or painful during activity. A podiatrist can help by starting with a careful examination of pulses, skin condition, and walking tolerance, along with noninvasive testing to evaluate blood flow. Early diagnosis is important to prevent further complications. Treatment may involve foot protection, wound care, footwear guidance, and targeted exercises to encourage circulation and maintain mobility. Ongoing podiatric care supports foot health and helps reduce the risk of infection or tissue damage. If you have peripheral artery disease, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

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 doctors from Conroe Foot Specialists. 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 offices located in Conroe and Huntsville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Clubfoot causes a baby’s foot to point downward and inward, and the tightness surrounding the ankle can make the foot feel stiff when gently moved. A podiatrist evaluates the structure of the feet soon after birth and can guide each step of care. Clubfoot is often diagnosed when the baby is born, and the podiatrist checks foot position, flexibility, and overall alignment before creating a treatment plan. This often follows a staged approach that improves the shape of the foot, over time. At first, casts are used to gradually shift the foot into a healthier position, and the child may then need surgery to release tight tissue. Next, a brace with boots and a bar works to keep the foot aligned during the baby's long-term growth. If your baby has clubfoot or other congenital foot problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and ongoing treatment.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our doctors of Conroe Foot Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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

Working in a kitchen can be demanding on the feet due to long hours of standing and walking on hard surfaces. Using anti-fatigue mats helps reduce pressure and strain, while taking breaks to rest the feet can prevent soreness. Wearing supportive, non-slip shoes provides stability and reduces the risk of falls. Additionally, compression socks may improve circulation and decrease swelling. Paying attention to early signs of foot discomfort allows for timely care and prevention of serious injuries. A podiatrist can assess foot health, recommend proper footwear, and provide treatments for pain or fatigue. If you have foot pain while working, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on additional tips for foot protection on the job. 

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our doctors from Conroe Foot Specialists. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Conroe and Huntsville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.