Items filtered by date: March 2024

Finding the cause of cold feet is important for both comfort and overall health. While environmental factors may contribute to occasional coldness in the extremities, persistent cold feet could indicate underlying issues. One major issue is poor circulation, often linked to heart conditions, sedentary lifestyles, or smoking. Iron-deficiency anemia is another common cause of cold feet, necessitating dietary changes and supplementation. Diabetes, particularly types 1 and 2, can lead to cold feet from nerve damage, underscoring the importance of blood sugar management. Further, hypothyroidism, peripheral vascular disease, Raynaud’s phenomenon, and arteriosclerosis can all contribute to cold feet. If you are experiencing recurrent cold feet or associated symptoms, like numbness or tingling, it's suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment options. 

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Premier Ankle & Foot Specialists. Our doctors 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 our offices located in South York, West York, and East York, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Your feet work hard each day to support your body and facilitate movement, and for that reason, it makes sense to keep them in shape through regular exercise. Engaging in simple foot exercises is one way to do just that. Regularly performing toe raises, curls, splay movements and stretches can improve flexibility and range of motion. These exercises also help to reduce foot and ankle pain as well as muscle soreness, while enhancing your overall foot health. By incorporating foot exercises into your routine daily, or even three days a week, you can strengthen the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in your feet. This in turn promotes better balance, stability, and posture. Activities like marble pickups and tennis ball rolls not only strengthen muscles but also enhance coordination and may reduce the risk of falls, particularly in older adults. However, it is essential to listen to your body and avoid overexertion, ensuring a gentle and consistent approach to foot exercises. It is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide guidance on suitable exercises tailored to your specific needs and foot conditions. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Premier Ankle & Foot Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in South York, West York, and East York, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Diabetic foot problems are common among people with diabetes, and can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly. These issues include foot ulcers and Charcot arthropathy. To manage diabetic foot conditions, custom-made orthotics and shoe adjustments can be helpful. They reduce pressure on the affected foot, offer stability, and make walking more comfortable. Effective modifications include changing insole materials, adjusting heel height, using steel shanks or rocker soles, and opting for specialized shoes. In some cases, walking braces or ankle-foot orthoses may be necessary to alleviate pressure on the affected foot. If you are have diabetes and suffer from foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine whether custom orthotics are right for you.

If you’re experiencing foot discomfort, have a history of foot and ankle injuries, or are interested in exploring Custom orthotics, don’t hesitate to contact one of our podiatrists at Premier Ankle & Foot Specialists. Our doctors is dedicated to offering the care required to help you remain pain-free and stay on your feet. 

What are Custom Orthotics?

Custom orthotics refer to custom inserts designed for placement in different shoe types, including athletic and formal footwear, with the purpose of alleviating a spectrum of foot-related problems such as flat feet, heel pain, and overall foot discomfort. These inserts are instrumental in providing relief and comfort for a diverse range of foot conditions, including heel pain, and can also act as a proactive approach to injury prevention. 

Medical Grade Shoe Inserts: 

A diverse array of shoe inserts is available for addressing foot pain, heel discomfort, and minor issues. For instance, you can place arch supports in your shoes to rectify overarched or flat feet, and gel and cushioned insoles are frequently chosen for the comfort and relief they provide from foot and heel pain by reducing pressure. 

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in South York, West York, and East York, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Experiencing pain on the outer edges of your feet? Lateral foot pain can make walking, running, or even standing uncomfortable. A common cause of lateral foot pain is stress fractures, especially in runners and other athletes. These hairline cracks in foot bones are caused by overuse or repetitive movements and can result in pain if pressure is applied to the foot. Cuboid syndrome, involving injury or dislocation of the cuboid bone along the outer edge of the foot, leads to sharp pain and tenderness, often worsened by overuse or tight shoes. Peroneal tendonitis, which is inflammation of tendons that run along the outer ankle, occurs from overuse or injury. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and warmth. A twisted ankle, or inversion sprain, results in ligament damage and subsequent pain, swelling, and tenderness, often triggered by sports or physical activities. Seeking prompt attention from a podiatrist is suggested for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment options for lateral foot pain. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Premier Ankle & Foot Specialists. 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 our offices located in South York, West York, and East York, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Experiencing pain in the arches of your feet can be attributed to various factors, including overuse, injury, and weakness. Other causes that may lead to arch pain are inflammation and anatomical variations in foot arch structure. Whether you have high, neutral, or flat arches, each type presents its own set of challenges. High arches may lack shock absorption and support, making them susceptible to overuse injuries during activities like sports. Flat feet, or fallen arches, can result from weak posterior tibial tendons, leading to decreased stability and support. Congenital conditions or acquired conditions, such as neuropathy or muscle atrophy, also can contribute to arch weakness and pain. Treatment strategies include proper foot support, medication, and orthotic shoe inserts. If you are experiencing pain in the arch of the foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can identify the underlying cause, and develop an effective treatment plan for you.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Premier Ankle & Foot Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in South York, West York, and East York, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.