Items filtered by date: April 2020

There are several reasons why patients may experience poor circulation in the feet. These can include the aging process, having blood clots, or possibly from living in a cold environment. Additional reasons can consist of smoking, leading a sedentary lifestyle, or living with medical conditions such as diabetes. Some of the symptoms that are associated with poor circulation can consist of a tingling or numbing sensation, swelling, and the feet may look discolored. This condition may be improved by implementing a healthy lifestyle that includes frequently exercising and eating fresh fruits and vegetables. Many patients find it helpful to elevate the feet during the day, as this may help to reduce existing swelling. If you have symptoms of poor circulation in the feet, please consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can help you to manage 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 Dr. Joshua David Scoll of Pennsylvania. Our doctor 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 Philadelphia, Bensalem, and Fairless Hills, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is defined as excessive sweating of the feet. This is typically an uncomfortable condition, and it can cause difficulty in completing daily activities. The feet may emit an unpleasant odor, making many patients embarrassed to have this condition. This ailment can develop for a variety of reasons. These may include genetic factors, menopause, or possibly from having a thyroid disorder. Additionally, it can develop from taking specific medications that may include antidepressants. If you have plantar hyperhidrosis, it is strongly advised that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly guide you toward beginning the correct treatment techniques.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Dr. Joshua David Scoll of Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Philadelphia, Bensalem, and Fairless Hills, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

People who have diabetes often have diabetic neuropathy. This is a common condition among these types of patients, and it generally occurs from high blood sugar levels or an inflammation of the autoimmune system. Common symptoms of diabetic neuropathy can include a tingling sensation, the inability to feel any cuts or wounds on the feet, and it may be difficult to feel temperature change. In severe cases, patients may lose their balance, fall, and have additional foot injuries. There are specific tests that can be administered that may confirm this condition. These can consist of nerve studies for the arms and legs, and muscle tone can be evaluated by having an electromyography (EMG) performed. If you have diabetes, and are experiencing signs of neuropathy in your feet, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Dr. Joshua David Scoll from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Philadelphia, Bensalem, and Fairless Hills, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Research has indicated that there are many benefits of running. People who enjoy this sport are often aware of the positive aspects cardiovascular exercise can provide. These may include producing endorphins, keeping the heart and body healthy, and shedding excess weight. Many runners know the importance of warming up before and after a run, as this may be helpful in preventing running injuries. Achilles tendonitis is a common running injury. This tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel, and can become quite painful if it becomes torn or injured. This type of injury can possibly be prevented by performing heel raises, and this may be beneficial in strengthening the calves. Additionally, patients may experience plantar fasciitis. This is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is the portion of tissue that connects the heel to the toes. A common prevention technique can include wearing shoes that fit correctly, and practicing specific foot stretches. If you would like additional information about how running injuries can affect the feet, please consult with a podiatrist.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Joshua David Scoll of Pennsylvania. Our doctor 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 one of our offices located in Philadelphia, Bensalem, and Fairless Hills, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.