Having cold feet may be a symptom of poor circulation. Feet may also become numb and discolored, and there are various reasons for this condition to happen. Existing medical ailments, such as Raynaud’s disease may lead to developing poor circulation. Having acrocyanosis, which turns the feet or toes blue, may be another reason for this to occur. This condition can cause the blood vessels to constrict, and blood is prevented from moving through the feet. Patients who have diabetes often have poor circulation, and immediate medical attention is often sought that may help to prevent diabetic foot ulcers from developing. Additionally, smoking, high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels may cause poor circulation. There are methods that can be implemented which may help to reduce the risk. These can include performing breathing exercises, practicing meditation, and yoga, in addition to avoiding alcohol and caffeine. If you have symptoms of poor circulation, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness 
• Numbness or cramping in the legs
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

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 one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A seed wart can result when an individual comes into direct contact with the human papillomavirus, or HPV. This skin growth can be quite unsightly and typically forms on the bottom, or sole, of the foot. They are characterized by the presence of very small black dots, known as seeds, in the center of the wart. Interestingly, these seeds are not really seeds in the traditional use of the word. Rather, these seeds are actually just tiny blood vessels that have become clotted. Therefore, although these tiny dots might look like seeds, they are in fact just blood vessels. The virus that causes seed warts is extremely contagious and can be spread by skin-to-skin contact and by other means. If you are someone that may have a seed wart, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can analyze and address your foot problem.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A bunion, termed hallux valgus, is a bone deformity of the big toe. This condition can cause the tip of the toe to push toward the smaller toes as the bottom of the toe joint juts outward from the foot. The resulting bump can prove to be painful as it changes the gait and rubs against the inside of the shoe. In some cases, a surgical procedure may be the only option for reducing pain. This may be successful in straightening out the joint, in addition to stabilizing the gait. It can also help to prevent hammertoe and other foot abnormalities from developing. Deciding on bunion surgery depends on various factors, such as the severity of the bunion, and whether it is related to osteoarthritis. Additionally, the impact it may have on completing daily activities or participating in sporting activities may contribute to making this decision. Side effects may include nerve damage, inflammation, and permanent stiffness. It is beneficial to explore this with a podiatrist before deciding on this type of surgery. To find out whether bunion surgery is the right option for you, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an exam and diagnosis. 

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The most common cause of blisters on the foot is friction, usually between the foot and the shoe. Damage to the top skin layer can cause it to separate, leaving space for fluid to protect the underlying layers. Walking in tight shoes or wearing shoes without socks are common causes of friction blisters. They are nature’s way of protecting skin that is in danger of being damaged. Most friction blisters do not need medical attention, and if protected by a bandage, they will likely heal on their own in a few days. However, if a blister becomes infected, this may cause redness and swelling, and the blister may fill with pus or blood rather than a clear fluid. At this point, it is wise to seek medical help from a podiatrist, who can examine the blister and offer treatment options. Certain medications and protective bandages may be prescribed. It will also be beneficial to cease wearing the shoes that caused the blister to form. For further guidance, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.