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May 2022

Tuesday, 31 May 2022 00:00

Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease involves impairment of the blood flow through the arteries to upper and lower extremities, like the feet. With this condition, the peripheral blood vessels narrow which decreases blood supply and oxygen to tissues within the legs and feet. Without proper blood flow, cells in your legs and feet cannot perform their functions well and may die. This, in turn, can lead to symptoms ranging from pain to gangrene, and the latter if left untreated could result in amputation. This condition affects both genders and is more common in older people. The main symptom of this disease, if there are any symptoms at all, is pain. An examination will involve looking for signs of trauma, muscle wasting, swelling, redness, absent hair patches, shin abnormalities such as staining, inflammation, or shininess, and ulcers on the foot or leg. Given the severity of complications arising from peripheral artery disease, regular visits to a podiatrist, especially as one ages, are recommended to diagnose and properly treat this disease before it becomes life-threatening.

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 Achilles Foot Clinic. 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 one our office, located in the South of Calgary, Alberta. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Peripheral Artery Disease

Tuesday, 31 May 2022 00:00

Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD), or peripheral arterial disease, is a circulatory problem in which there is a reduction of blood flow to the limbs due to narrowed arteries. When peripheral artery disease develops, the extremities do not receive enough blood flow; this may cause symptoms to develop such as claudication, or leg pain when walking. The legs are the most common site of peripheral artery disease.

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

Tuesday, 24 May 2022 00:00

Ways to Relieve Foot Pain

While much foot pain is due to an injury or other underlying condition, sometimes foot aches and pains are simply a result of spending too much time on your feet. One of the best ways to ease everyday foot soreness is to get off your feet, elevate them, and apply an ice pack to the part that hurts most. Being proactive can also help. If you know you will be standing or walking for long periods, wear shoes that fit properly, offer good support, and are appropriate for the activity. A cushioned shoe insert might be helpful. Your sore feet may also benefit from stretching and strengthening exercises. A warm foot bath can revitalize your feet, as well as relieve pain from gout, sprains or bruises. Maintaining a healthy body weight is another way to reduce pain from the pressure of standing for a long time. For continued relief, wearing compression socks and investing in custom orthotics that can be made by a podiatrist are two more ways to reduce the likelihood of chronic foot pain. If your foot pain continues, despite these measures, it is a good idea to see a podiatrist for an examination, diagnosis, and further treatment options.  

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Achilles Foot Clinic. Our doctors 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 one our office, located in the South of Calgary, Alberta. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Tuesday, 24 May 2022 00:00

Foot Pain

The feet, being the foundation of the body, carry all of the body’s weight and are therefore prone to experiencing pain and discomfort. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is important to determine where in the foot you are experiencing this pain to help discover the cause of it. While pain can be experienced virtually anywhere in the foot, the most common sites of foot pain are in the heel and ankle.   

Heel pain can be due to a multitude of conditions including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, and heel spurs. Pain experienced in the ankle can be a sign of an ankle sprain, arthritis, gout, ankle instability, ankle fracture, or nerve compression. In more serious cases, pain in the foot can be a sign of improper alignment or an infection.

Foot pain can be accompanied by symptoms including redness, swelling, stiffness and warmth in the affected area. Whether the pain can be described as sharp or dull depends on the foot condition behind it. It is important to visit your local podiatrist if your foot pain and its accompanying symptoms persist and do not improve over time.

Depending on the location and condition of your foot pain, your podiatrist may prescribe certain treatments. These treatments can include but are not limited to prescription or over-the-counter drugs and medications, certain therapies, cortisone injections, or surgery.

If you are experiencing persistent foot pain, it is important to consult with your foot and ankle doctor to determine the cause and location. He or she will then prescribe the best treatment for you. While milder cases of foot pain may respond well to rest and at-home treatments, more serious cases may take some time to fully recover.

Tuesday, 17 May 2022 00:00

Heel Pain in Children

Children often complain of heel pain, and it is usually not serious.  However, it is important to understand what is going on as such pain can arise for various reasons. If a child suffers from pain or tenderness in the back of the foot or ankle, limps, or walks on their toes, they might have Achilles tendonitis or Sever’s disease. Achilles tendonitis is an inflamed Achilles tendon. Sever’s disease, or calcaneal apophysitis, affects kids from five to eleven years of age and involves the Achilles tendon pulling on a growing heel bone. Both conditions can occur from overuse or a sudden increase in activity.  Children performing repetitive movement as in sports like soccer, basketball, and track that involve running or jumping are more prone to heel pain. Rest, ice, compression, elevation, stretching, over-the-counter pain medication, and perhaps cushioned heel lifts usually provide relief, but ignoring symptoms can lead to worsening of the injury and sometimes chronic pain. Other less common reasons for heel pain in children are plantar fasciitis, fractures of the heel or foot, infections, tumors, or congenital problems. If one suspects a child has sustained a fracture or if pain persists beyond a couple of weeks, a podiatrist should be seen to examine your child’s feet, determine what the cause of pain is, and suggest an appropriate treatment plan.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Achilles Foot Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

  • Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
  • Wearing non-supportive shoes
  • Weight change           
  • Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

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Tuesday, 17 May 2022 00:00

Heel Pain

Heel pain can be difficult to deal with, especially if you do not know what the underlying cause is. If you ignore your heel pain, the pain can magnify and potentially develop into a chronic condition. Depending on the location of your heel pain, you have developed a specific condition.  

One condition is plantar fasciitis.  Plantar fasciitis is caused by the inflammation of the plantar fascia, or the band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the base of the toes. The pain from this condition is initially mild but can intensify as more steps are taken when you wake up in the morning. To treat this condition, medication will likely be necessary. Plantar fasciitis is often associated with heel spurs; both require rest and special stretching exercises.

There are various options your podiatrist may suggest for heel pain.  Treatment options for heel pain typically include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), which may reduce swelling and pain. Other options are physical therapy, athletic taping, and orthotics. In severe cases of heel pain, surgery may be required.

Preventing heel pain is possible.  If you are looking to prevent heel pain from developing in the future, be sure to wear shoes that fit you properly and do not have worn down heels or soles. Be sure to warm up properly before participating in strenuous activities or sports that place a lot of a stress on the heels. If you are experiencing any form of heel pain, speak with your podiatrist to determine the underlying cause and receive the treatment you need1.

Monday, 16 May 2022 00:00

Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

Tuesday, 10 May 2022 00:00

How to Treat Heel Spurs

Heel spurs are calcium deposits that cause bone protrusions on the heel bone. Heel spurs are usually associated with plantar fasciitis, which occurs when the plantar fasciitis in the foot becomes inflamed. Typically, heel spurs don’t cause any symptoms. However, they can produce chronic or intermittent heel pain. Those who have had the condition often describe the irritation as a stabbing pain.

There are risk factors that may make you more likely to develop heel spurs. People who have abnormal walking gaits, run and jog on hard surfaces, are obese, or wear poorly fitting shoes are more likely to develop heel spurs.

Fortunately, there are precautions you can take to avoid developing heel spurs. One of the best ways to do this is by wearing well-fitting shoes with shock-absorbent soles. Another preventative technique is to choose running shoes if you plan on running, and walking shoes if you plan on walking. Shoes are made for different activities and it is important to research a shoe before you purchase a pair.

The pain associated with heel spurs often decreases the more you walk. However, a recurrence of pain after an extended period of rest or walking is likely to occur with this condition. Those with severe heel spur pain may opt to go the surgical route for treatment.  However, more than 90% of those with the condition get better without surgical treatment. If you have a heel spur and want to know if surgery is right for you, you should go to your podiatrist and he or she will be able to conduct a pre-surgical test or exam to determine if you are an optimal candidate for surgery.

Heel spurs, also referred to as calcaneal spurs or osteophytes, are calcium deposits that develop on the heel bone over time. They typically form in response to chronic strain or tears to the plantar fascia tissue that connects the heel with the toes, or to damage to the heel bone membrane. Other factors that may contribute to heel spurs developing include obesity, wearing improper shoes, age, trauma, training on hard surfaces, or having plantar fasciitis (damage to the plantar fascia) or certain medical conditions. Heel spurs develop on the part of the heel that is closest to the arch, and they point towards the middle of the foot. Heel spurs can be up to a half inch long and are usually only detectable with an X-ray. Heel spurs are usually not painful. When they are, a podiatrist can treat them with rest, ice, orthotic devices and/or shoes, anti-inflammatory medication, cortisone injections, or even surgery if necessary (to remove the spurs). 

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Achilles Foot Clinic. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

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

Read more about How to Treat Heel Spurs

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