Poor circulation typically occurs due to plaque buildup in the arteries. Over time, plaque can cause the arteries to narrow and harden, restricting blood flow. Poor circulation often affects the feet and ankles. Symptoms of poor circulation in the lower limbs include numbness and tingling, swelling, coldness, joint and muscle cramps, skin discoloration, and the appearance of ulcers and varicose veins. These symptoms can interfere with your daily functioning, limiting your participation in the activities of daily living. If you suspect that you have poor circulation in your lower limbs, it is suggested that you seek treatment. A podiatrist can help you manage this condition and keep you on your feet. 

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 Michigan Foot and Ankle. 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 one of our offices located in Ferndale, and Milford, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Heel spurs are small, bony growths that occur on the heel bone. When the ligament that connects the heel to the toes, known as the plantar fascia, is overstretched, pain and inflammation can result. This is due to the inflamed plantar fascia pulling on the heel bone. Over time, the body builds extra bone in this area in response to the stress, creating heel spurs. Some people who have heel spurs do not experience any symptoms, while others may feel pain and tenderness in the bottom of their heel. They may also be able to feel a bump in the bottom of their heel when pressure is applied. A heel spur can be diagnosed via an X-ray. For more information about heel spurs, consult with a podiatrist today.

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 Michigan Foot and Ankle. 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 feel free to contact one of our offices located in Ferndale, and Milford, MI . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

People with diabetes are prone to developing diabetic foot ulcers, sores on the feet that can heal very slowly or may never heal at all. About 5% of people with diabetes develop chronic foot ulcers, which can cause complications such as infection and amputation. Preventing diabetic foot ulcers is of the utmost importance. If you have diabetes, it is necessary to know how to manage your condition. You should be aware of the medications that you take and their dosages, eat a balanced diet, take any prescribed supplements, see your doctor regularly, and monitor your foot health. A podiatrist can teach you how to perform daily foot checks to identify any cuts, scrapes, sores, or wounds on your feet early. The earlier these things are detected, the better they respond to treatment. A podiatrist can also teach you how to care for foot wounds at home. For more information about diabetic foot wounds, please speak with a podiatrist. 

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Michigan Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

Like other types of arthritis, psoriatic arthritis can cause inflammation and swelling of the joints, including those in the hands and feet. This type of arthritis tends to affect people who have a skin condition called psoriasis. About 5-10% of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis. In the feet, this type of arthritis can make the joints feel stiff and painful, and can cause swelling, heat, and redness in the surrounding tissues. Sausage toes, or the medical term known as dactylitis, is a condition that refers to the swelling of an entire toe or finger. This sausage-like appearance happens when the small joints in the toes or hands, as well as the entheses of the surrounding tendons, become inflamed. If you have psoriatic arthritis that affects your feet, it is recommended that you see a podiatrist to help you maintain your foot health.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Michigan Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Ferndale, and Milford, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

It is common for elderly people to fall. In fact, falling is the leading cause of injuries among the elderly. Several complications may result from falling, including disability, a loss of independence, and fatal injuries. It is beneficial to have regular physical and eye examinations, as this can be helpful in regulating medication and wearing proper eyeglasses, which can in turn reduce the risk of falling. Many patients find it helpful to improve safety conditions in the household. This can include removing worn rugs and installing brighter lights. Additionally, it is suggested to use grab bars in the shower and toilet area. Many falls can lead to a broken foot, ankle, or general foot pain. If you would like more information about how falling can affect the feet, please confer with a podiatrist.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Michigan Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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