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Symptoms and Causes of Peripheral Artery Disease

Tuesday, 29 November 2022

Peripheral artery disease, PAD, is a circulatory condition that results from the buildup of fatty deposits that collect in the blood vessels. While some people with PAD do not experience symptoms, others feel pain when they walk that recedes when they rest. Other symptoms include loss of hair on the legs and feet, numbness in the legs, and brittle slow-growing toenails. In addition, people with peripheral artery disease may have sores on the feet and ankles that do not heal, and changes of color on the skin. PAD commonly affects people who smoke or have diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. These conditions all cause or contribute to the narrowing of the blood vessels that serve the feet. Exercising and giving up smoking are the top two ways to decrease the effects of peripheral artery disease. Medication and in some cases surgery may be prescribed. If you believe you have PAD, it is a good idea to consult a podiatrist for help in determining the best treatment plan for you.

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 Dr. Blake Zobell from Utah. Our doctor 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 one of our offices located in Richfield and Ephraim, Utah . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Reasons for Swollen Feet During Pregnancy

Tuesday, 22 November 2022

One of the most common things pregnant women experience is swollen feet and ankles. The body produces 50% more fluids and blood, and this is needed to soften the body as the baby develops. Additionally, it helps the pelvic area to prepare for delivery, and these extra fluids are responsible for approximately 25% of weight gain during pregnancy. There are outside factors that may contribute to sudden weight gain and can be controlled to limit extra weight gain from fluids. These can include standing for extended periods of time, eating foods that have increased levels of sodium, and choosing to eat foods that are low in potassium. Swollen feet may be helped by wearing supportive stockings, frequently elevating the feet, and drinking plenty of water daily. For more tips on how to reduce swollen ankles, please confer with a podiatrist who can help you with effective prevention methods.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Dr. Blake Zobell from Utah. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward. This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages.

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
Wear shoes with good arch support
Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
Elevate feet if you experience swelling
Massage your feet
Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

Standing on Your Feet All Day Can Pose Health Risks

Tuesday, 15 November 2022

People who stand on their feet for work all day often suffer from aches and pains at the end of the day, and long-term health consequences can result. Nursing, food service, construction, and retail are examples of professions where this is often required. Some health conditions that can come on from prolonged standing are excess pressure on the joints, arthritis, swelling of the feet, plantar fasciitis, bunions, and corns. It can also lead to cardiovascular disease as excess standing alters the flow of blood to the lower extremities and puts a strain on the circulatory system. If you work in an occupation where you stand for long periods of time, make sure you wear well fitting, supportive shoes. Consider compression socks as well. Take regular breaks and pay attention to posture. Also, it is suggested that you also see a podiatrist who can provide valuable pointers on how to be more comfortable on the job if you stand all day.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Dr. Blake Zobell from Utah. Our doctor 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 one of our offices located in Richfield and Ephraim, Utah . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Arthritis Can Cause Pain in the Feet and Ankles

Sunday, 13 November 2022

If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.

Baseball Foot Injuries

Tuesday, 08 November 2022

Often when an athlete engages in a particular sport, they make themselves more susceptible to specific kinds of foot injuries and afflictions. For example, baseball players have a specific set of foot conditions that they can develop. Baseball players wear cleats, which can sometimes create complications in the forefoot area. Such complications might affect the sesamoids and exacerbate neuromas. Since baseball players also engage in a significant amount of running when fielding balls and dashing from base to base, a baseball player might also be susceptible to an ankle sprain. If you are a baseball player that is neglecting the health of your feet, do not take any chances. See a podiatrist today for evaluation and treatment of any potential problems.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Dr. Blake Zobell of Utah. Our doctor 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
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 contact one of our offices located in Richfield and Ephraim, Utah . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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