Items filtered by date: December 2020

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition in which blood flow to the lower limbs is reduced or completely blocked by a buildup of plaque in the arteries. PAD rarely has noticeable symptoms in the initial stages. Many people with this condition will not experience any symptoms until the plaque buildup in an artery has caused a large blockage. When symptoms do arise, they typically begin with claudication, a specific type of leg pain that occurs when walking and typically can get better with rest. Claudication occurs because the muscles in the legs don’t have an adequate blood supply to sustain them during activity. If you are experiencing this symptom, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist, who can help diagnose and treat PAD.

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 Romeo Foot & Ankle Clinic. 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 Washington and Shelby Townships, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Your feet support your weight and help you move throughout the day. Taking care of your feet can play a big role in maintaining your overall health. One of the most important aspects of good foot care is making sure that the shoes you wear are comfortable, supportive, and properly fitted. The right shoes can prevent a variety of painful injuries and foot conditions. Look for shoes that protect, cushion, and support your feet, and avoid shoes like flip flops, which are often flimsy and can increase your risk of foot pain. Proper hygiene is an important part of foot health as well. Wash and thoroughly dry your feet daily to avoid fungal infections, and trim your toenails straight across and not too short to help prevent ingrown nails. For more tips on everyday foot care, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Romeo Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Washington and Shelby Townships, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Orthotics are shoe inserts that are designed to relieve pain that is caused by a foot condition. Orthotics can help to treat a variety of ailments, such as corns and calluses, tendonitis, bunions, heel pain, and recurring stress fractures. Orthotics may also be used to help correct posture and alignment issues as needed. Types of orthotics can include prefabricated or custom orthotics, cushioned orthotics to provide shock absorption, and pressure relief orthotics that redistribute body weight across the sole of the foot. When prescribing orthotics, a podiatrist will consider a variety of factors, including existing foot conditions, foot structure, biomechanics, the type of shoes normally worn, and lifestyle factors. If you believe that orthotics may be helpful for your foot-related issues, don’t hesitate to visit a podiatrist for more information.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Romeo Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Washington and Shelby Townships, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Cuboid syndrome is also referred to as cuboid subluxation. It affects the cuboid bone, which is one of seven tarsal bones that are located in the back and middle area of the foot. This ailment can occur after the patient has endured an ankle injury, or it may happen gradually from overuse. Common symptoms that are generally experienced can include pain and discomfort on the outside of the ankle, and it is often difficult to walk. Additionally, the affected area may appear swollen, and there may be noticeable overpronation. The joint may be manipulated back into its correct position, and wearing orthotics can help to support the arch. If you have foot pain, it is strongly recommended that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat cuboid syndrome.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with one of our podiatrists from Romeo Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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