Poor circulation can affect how your feet feel and function each day. Blood vessels carry oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Arteries deliver blood to the feet, while veins return it toward the heart. When arteries become narrow, the feet may receive less blood than they need. One result is calf pain while walking that improves with rest. Other warning signs include cold feet, slow-growing toenails, and wounds that heal poorly. Some people notice shiny skin or reduced hair growth on their toes. These changes deserve attention because circulation problems can affect both comfort and foot health.

Problems with veins can also affect the legs and feet. When tiny valves inside veins weaken, blood can collect in the legs instead of flowing upward efficiently. This can cause swelling, skin discoloration, or bulging veins. Poor circulation has several possible causes. Diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol can increase the risk of narrowed arteries. Smoking also damages blood vessels and raises circulation risks. Not everyone experiences obvious symptoms, so changes in walking ability should not be dismissed as normal aging. A podiatrist reviews your symptoms and examines your feet for signs of reduced blood flow.

A podiatrist can check pulses in the feet and assess skin temperature, color, and healing. Testing may compare blood pressure at the ankle with pressure in the arm. This helps identify narrowing in the arteries. A podiatrist can also monitor sores and recommend shoes that reduce pressure on vulnerable areas. Treatment planning depends on the cause and severity of circulation problems. Prompt evaluation is important when a foot becomes suddenly cold, pale, or severely painful. Ongoing circulation concerns deserve careful follow-up. If you have symptoms of poor circulation, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Larry J. Kipp, DPM of Coastal Podiatry Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

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 office located in New Port Richey, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Corns and calluses are areas of thickened skin that develop in response to repeated pressure or rubbing. Calluses usually form on areas that carry weight, like the heels or balls of the feet. Corns are usually smaller and can develop on the tops or sides of the toes. They can also form between the toes. Corns tend to have a firm center surrounded by irritated skin, while calluses are usually wider and flatter. Symptoms can include tenderness, discomfort, and hardened skin. Some areas can become painful when standing or walking. Shoes that fit poorly can create repeated rubbing and pressure. Changes in foot structure can also increase pressure in certain areas and contribute to the development of corns and calluses.

A podiatrist can examine corns and calluses to determine what is causing the repeated pressure. An evaluation can include checking the location of the thickened skin, areas of tenderness, and the structure of the foot. The podiatrist can also assess how pressure is distributed while the patient stands and walks. Professional treatment can reduce thickened skin and relieve painful pressure. A podiatrist can carefully remove layers of hardened skin using appropriate instruments. Custom orthotics can help redistribute pressure across the foot and provide support where it is needed. A podiatrist can also recommend properly fitted shoes that reduce rubbing and provide enough space for the toes.

Recurring corns and calluses can be a sign that certain areas of the feet are receiving excessive pressure. This pressure can affect comfort and change the way a patient walks. A podiatrist can identify the source of the pressure and develop a treatment plan based on the patient's foot structure and symptoms. Care can focus on improving pressure distribution, reducing friction, and protecting sensitive areas. Regular evaluations can also help manage recurring areas of thickened skin before they become increasingly painful. Professional foot care is especially important for patients who have reduced feeling in their feet or problems with circulation. If you have symptoms of corns and calluses, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Larry J. Kipp, DPM of Coastal Podiatry Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a circulation disorder that develops when arteries supplying blood to the legs and feet become narrowed or blocked. Reduced blood flow can affect how tissues receive oxygen and nutrients. PAD can develop gradually, so some people do not notice symptoms at first. When symptoms occur, they may include leg or foot pain while walking that improves with rest. Cold feet, numbness, or changes in skin color can also occur. Foot wounds may heal slowly when circulation is reduced.

Several factors can increase the risk of PAD. Smoking is a major risk factor because it damages blood vessels and contributes to artery narrowing. The risk also increases with age and certain health conditions that affect circulation. High blood pressure and high cholesterol can contribute to artery disease. Diabetes is another important risk factor because it can damage blood vessels and nerves. A family history of cardiovascular disease may also increase susceptibility. Recognizing these factors can encourage earlier evaluation.

A podiatrist may examine your feet for changes in skin color, temperature, or wounds. Pulses in the feet can be checked to assess blood flow. If PAD is suspected, your podiatrist may recommend an ankle-brachial index or other vascular testing. Treatment focuses on improving circulation and reducing complications. Severe blockages may require procedures to restore blood flow.

PAD deserves attention because reduced circulation can affect foot health and wound healing. Pay attention to persistent foot discomfort or changes that do not improve. Early evaluation can help identify circulation problems before complications develop. A podiatrist can also help monitor your feet and coordinate care, when needed. If you have symptoms of PAD, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis, treatment, and management tips.

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 Larry J. Kipp, DPM from Coastal Podiatry Center. Our doctor 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 New Port Richey, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a form of arthritis that can cause sudden and intense joint pain. It develops when uric acid builds up in the body and forms small crystals inside or around a joint. Uric acid is a waste product that is normally carried in the blood and removed from the body. Gout frequently affects the joint at the base of the big toe, although other foot and ankle joints can also be involved. Symptoms can include severe pain, swelling, and redness. The affected joint can also feel warm and extremely sensitive to pressure. A gout attack can begin suddenly, and even light contact against the painful area can be uncomfortable. Repeated attacks can affect normal joint function and make standing or walking difficult.

A podiatrist can evaluate foot or ankle pain to determine whether the symptoms are consistent with gout. An examination can include checking the location of pain, joint swelling, and areas of tenderness. The podiatrist can also evaluate how the affected joint moves and determine how symptoms are influencing foot function. Treatment can focus on reducing pain and inflammation associated with a gout attack. A podiatrist can also address foot problems that make standing or walking uncomfortable while the joint is irritated. When gout affects the big toe, treatment can help reduce pressure on the painful joint and support better foot function. Care can be adjusted according to the patient's symptoms and examination findings.

Gout can interfere with work, exercise, and everyday activities because placing pressure on the affected foot can be painful. Repeated episodes can also contribute to joint stiffness and reduced movement. A podiatrist can monitor changes in the affected foot and develop a treatment plan based on the patient's symptoms. Care can focus on protecting painful joints and improving comfort while walking. The podiatrist can also identify related foot problems that could place additional pressure on sensitive areas. Proper evaluation is important because several foot conditions can cause symptoms that resemble gout. If you have symptoms of gout, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Larry J. Kipp, DPM from Coastal Podiatry Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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