Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, affects blood flow to the lower extremities and often causes symptoms in the feet and ankles. Reduced circulation from narrowed arteries can result in cold feet, muscle weakness, and pain during walking. As PAD worsens, the lack of blood supply may lead to slow-healing sores, discoloration, or numbness in the toes and soles. In severe cases, ongoing poor circulation may lead to severe complications like ulcers or tissue death. People with peripheral artery disease may experience burning pain in the feet, especially at night, which can interfere with sleep. Because symptoms may be subtle or mistaken for other conditions, PAD can go undiagnosed until complications arise. A podiatrist can evaluate foot symptoms, check for signs of poor circulation, and provide appropriate treatment options to manage the condition and reduce the risk of further problems. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease that are affecting your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

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 Advantage Foot and Ankle Center . 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 Newark, DE . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Runners should include regular stretching in their routine to help prevent injuries and support muscle recovery. The best time to stretch is after a light warmup or following a run, when muscles are more receptive. Stretching improves blood flow, increases flexibility, reduces muscle pain, enhances overall performance, and helps lower physical stress. Key areas to focus on include the feet, ankles, and the Achilles tendon. A podiatrist can assess running form, address any biomechanical concerns, and recommend personalized stretching techniques or orthotics for improved support. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury from running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on reaching your goals by staying pain-free.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Advantage Foot and Ankle Center . Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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

Foot and ankle issues are easy to overlook until they begin to interfere with daily life. Pain, swelling, numbness, or visible changes in the skin or nails are all reasons to seek care. A podiatrist specializes in identifying the cause behind these symptoms and creating a treatment plan that fits your needs. Whether it is recurring heel pain, a toenail that keeps growing inward, or a sore that will not heal, early attention can prevent more serious problems. Foot discomfort is not something to ignore or push through, especially if you have conditions like diabetes, arthritis, or poor circulation. Addressing minor issues before they become major ones can protect your mobility and overall well-being. If you are noticing any changes in how your feet feel or function, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact one of our podiatrists from Advantage Foot and Ankle Center . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

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