Items filtered by date: March 2024

Effective circulation is essential for maintaining optimal foot health and overall well-being. Poor foot circulation, often overlooked, can lead to various discomforts and complications if left unaddressed. Common signs of inadequate circulation in the feet include persistent coldness or numbness, particularly in the toes and lower extremities. Individuals may also experience tingling sensations, known as paresthesia or pins and needles, indicative of reduced blood flow. Swelling, discoloration, and slow-healing wounds or ulcers on the feet are additional signs that circulation may be compromised. Cramping or muscle weakness in the legs and feet, especially during physical activity, can also signal poor circulation. In severe cases, individuals may develop peripheral artery disease, abbreviated PAD, which is a condition characterized by narrowed arteries that restrict blood flow to the extremities. If you are experiencing poor foot circulation, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can 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 our our podiatrists of Newtown Comprehensive 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 Newtown, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, often likened to carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist, is a condition that affects the feet and ankles. The tarsal tunnel is a narrow passageway on the inner side of the ankle, encased by bone and tissue, through which nerves and blood vessels pass. When this tunnel becomes compressed or squeezed, it can lead to tarsal tunnel syndrome. Symptoms can include a burning pain, tingling, or numbness in the inner ankle, heel, or sole of the foot. If left untreated, the condition can worsen, leading to weakness and muscle deterioration in the affected area. Several factors can contribute to tarsal tunnel syndrome, including injury, inflammation, or structural abnormalities in the foot. Diagnosing the condition involves a thorough examination by a podiatrist, often including imaging tests to rule out other potential causes. If you have pain as described above, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact one our our podiatrists of Newtown Comprehensive Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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

Gout, a form of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, can be debilitating and painful. However, incorporating regular exercise into your routine can help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being. Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, and cycling are gentle on the joints and can help reduce inflammation and stiffness associated with gout. It is beneficial to aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week to reap the benefits. Strength training exercises focusing on the muscles surrounding the affected joints can help improve stability and support, reducing the risk of gout attacks. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet can help decrease uric acid levels in the body, potentially preventing gout flare-ups. By incorporating regular exercise into your lifestyle, you can effectively manage gout and enjoy improved joint health and mobility. If you have developed gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you manage this painful condition, which may include gentle exercise.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one our our podiatrists from Newtown Comprehensive Foot Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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

Soccer, loved for its dynamic nature, can unfortunately lead to foot and ankle injuries, disrupting game play and causing discomfort. Ankle sprains, one of the most common injuries in soccer, occur when the ankle rolls inward or outward, overstretching or tearing the ligaments. Additionally, fractures, particularly of the metatarsal bones, can result from collisions, falls, or awkward landings. Achilles tendonitis, characterized by inflammation of the Achilles tendon, can also develop due to repetitive stress and overuse. Proper warm-up exercises, including dynamic stretches and mobility drills, can help prepare the muscles and ligaments for the demands of soccer. Wearing appropriate footwear with sufficient ankle support and traction can reduce the risk of slips and falls. Additionally, listening to your body and resting when needed, as well as seeking timely medical attention for any injuries, are essential for recovery and preventing long-term complications. If you have endured a foot or ankle injury while playing soccer, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective prevention and treatment.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one our our podiatrists of Newtown Comprehensive Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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