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July 2021

Tuesday, 27 July 2021 00:00

Is Peripheral Artery Disease Dangerous?

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition in which circulation in the lower limbs is reduced, typically due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries that causes them to narrow and harden, thereby impeding blood flow. Common symptoms of PAD in the lower limbs include cramping, fatigue, aching, pain, or discomfort. The pain may be especially noticeable when walking or climbing stairs. It usually goes away when you are at rest, but returns when you resume activities. In some individuals, PAD is asymptomatic, going undiagnosed until it has progressed and begins to show symptoms. PAD can make heart attacks, strokes, amputation, and gangrene more likely. Because of this, it is important to get regular vascular testing, especially if you are older, have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a history of cardiovascular disease or type II diabetes. To learn more about PAD and to get tested, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist near 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 Jed Wells, DPM from Jed Wells, DPM Foot Specialist. 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 our offices located in Corpus Christi, and Laredo, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Peripheral Artery Disease
Published in Blog
Wednesday, 21 July 2021 00:00

Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!

Published in Blog
Tuesday, 20 July 2021 00:00

Are Corns Painful?

The main reason that corns develop is often due to excess friction. This can happen from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Corns can form on different parts of the foot. A soft corn is found between the toes, and can cause severe pain and discomfort. A hard corn can develop on the outside of the toe, or on the bottom of the foot. People who are diabetic may have a higher risk of developing an infection with corns. Patients have found mild relief when the affected foot is soaked in warm water, followed by using a pumice stone. It is beneficial to wear shoes that fit properly, as this may help to prevent the onset of corns. If you have a corn on any part of your foot, please consult with a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Jed Wells, DPM of Jed Wells, DPM Foot Specialist. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

  • Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
  • Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
  • Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Read more about Corns and Calluses
Published in Blog
Tuesday, 13 July 2021 00:00

Tips for Your Child’s Footwear

As a child grows, having properly fitting footwear is important for the development of their feet. When choosing shoes for your child there are a few things that can be implemented to ensure their shoes fit properly. Since our feet are largest at the end of the day, shopping in the evening will help to make sure the shoes aren’t too tight. Measure your child's feet when they are standing and bearing their full weight, and be sure to measure and fit the shoes with the socks your child intends to wear with the shoes. It is also important to check that there is enough room for your child to wiggle their toes in the shoes and that the heel fits snug. Lastly, your child should walk in the shoes before purchasing them and they should immediately feel comfortable. If you have any questions about making sure your child’s shoes fit properly, a podiatrist will be able to help and make the best recommendations.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Jed Wells, DPM of Jed Wells, DPM Foot Specialist. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

  • Make sure their shoes fit properly
  • Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
  • Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
  • Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
  • Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
  • Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
  • Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
  • Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

Read more about What to Do to Keep Your Child’s Feet Healthy
Published in Blog

There are numerous seniors who suffer from foot disorders. Many foot conditions can cause intense pain, and can make accomplishing daily activities difficult. Additionally, balance may be affected, and it may cause falling episodes. Each foot is constructed of twenty-six bones, and several ligaments, tendons, and muscles. The feet endure the weight of the body, and the majority of people stand or walk for approximately four hours per day. As the aging process occurs, the feet may change shape, and lose a portion of the cushioning that is located in the heels. The arches can lose their flexibility, which can lead to stiff joints and ankles. There are foot conditions that can cause a considerable amount of pain, including corns, hammertoes, and Achilles tendonitis. If you have any type of foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose your condition and offer the best treatment options for you.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Jed Wells, DPM from Jed Wells, DPM Foot Specialist. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Read more about Foot Pain
Published in Blog
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