Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, occurs when blood flow to the feet is restricted due to narrowed arteries. Reduced circulation often causes discomfort while walking, foot fatigue, or slow-healing sores on the toes or heels. A podiatrist can perform diagnostic tests, such as the ankle-brachial index, which compares blood pressure in the ankle to that in the arm to detect an arterial blockage. Additional imaging, like a Doppler ultrasound, can evaluate the severity of reduced blood flow in the foot and ankle. Without proper treatment, PAD can lead to tissue damage or, in severe cases, limb loss. Early diagnosis is vital to prevent these serious complications and preserve mobility. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

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 East Ocean Podiatry . 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 office located in Deerfield Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A toenail can fall off for a variety of reasons, most commonly from an injury or repetitive trauma to the toe. Stubbing the toe, dropping something heavy on it, or wearing shoes that create excessive pressure can cause blood to collect under the nail, which can lead to detachment. Fungal infections are another frequent cause of toenail loss, as they weaken the nail. The infection leads to changes in thickness, shape, and color before separation occurs. Skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema may also affect the nail matrix, the area where new nail tissue forms, and result in toenail loss. Before a toenail falls off, people often notice loosening at the tip, discoloration, or pain surrounding the nail bed. A podiatrist can examine the foot, determine the cause, and provide treatment to protect nail regrowth and relieve pain. If your toenail is loose or falling off, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of East Ocean Podiatry . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Deerfield Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition affecting the ball of the foot. It occurs when the tissue surrounding a nerve, often between the third and fourth toes, becomes thickened, causing pain, burning, or a sensation of something being wedged in the shoe. The pain can worsen when walking, standing, or wearing tight shoes. The primary cause of Morton’s neuroma is excessive pressure or irritation on the nerve, often from wearing high heels, tight shoes, or engaging in repetitive activities, like running. Foot deformities, such as bunions or hammertoes, can also increase the risk. A podiatrist can help diagnose Morton’s neuroma through a physical exam and imaging tests. Treatments include wearing custom orthotics, padding, or shoe modifications to reduce pressure on the affected area. In more severe cases, corticosteroid injections or even surgery may be recommended. If you have pain in this part of your foot , it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of East Ocean Podiatry . Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

Wearing high heels often leads to blisters due to friction, pressure, and lack of cushioning. Wearing tight or poorly fitted shoes can rub against the skin, creating irritation and fluid-filled pockets that cause discomfort. High heels also force the foot into unnatural positions, increasing strain on certain areas. To prevent blisters, consider buying heels a size larger for extra space, choosing wedges for better balance, and alternating shoes to reduce pressure points. Moisture-wicking socks or hosiery and protective pads can also help. A podiatrist can safely treat existing blisters, recommend proper footwear, and offer advice to prevent future irritation. If you have blisters from wearing high heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on better high heel options.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of East Ocean Podiatry . 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 our office located in Deerfield Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.