October 2021

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a circulatory disease that narrows arteries and restricts blood flow in the extremities. This can cause cramping in the legs when exercising, which usually subsides when you stop. PAD can also cause pain, numbness, swelling, and discoloration in the feet, and can be a prelude to more dangerous complications. One of the tests a podiatrist may use to test the blood flow through arteries and veins is a duplex ultrasound. There are two components to a duplex ultrasound. The first is traditional ultrasound which creates an image by bouncing sound waves off of blood vessels. The second is doppler ultrasound which measures sound waves reflected off of flowing blood to visualize its direction and speed. Duplex ultrasounds are non-invasive. The patient remains still as the podiatrist hovers a wand (transducer) over the area to be tested which sends out sound waves. These sound waves are then reflected back and translated into images. To learn more about PAD and various ways to test for it, please make an appointment with your local podiatrist.

Vascular testing plays an important part in diagnosing disease like peripheral artery disease. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, or diabetes, consult with one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Associates, PLLC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Vascular Testing?

Vascular testing checks for how well blood circulation is in the veins and arteries. This is most often done to determine and treat a patient for peripheral artery disease (PAD), stroke, and aneurysms. Podiatrists utilize vascular testing when a patient has symptoms of PAD or if they believe they might. If a patient has diabetes, a podiatrist may determine a vascular test to be prudent to check for poor blood circulation.

How Is it Conducted?

Most forms of vascular testing are non-invasive. Podiatrists will first conduct a visual inspection for any wounds, discoloration, and any abnormal signs prior to a vascular test.

 The most common tests include:

• Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) examination
• Doppler examination
• Pedal pulses

These tests are safe, painless, and easy to do. Once finished, the podiatrist can then provide a diagnosis and the best course for treatment.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Lake Worth and Aledo/Willow Park, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Verrucae plantaris, or plantar warts, are viral lesions that form on weight-bearing areas of the foot such as the bottom of the heels and toes, and the ball of the foot. Because they are found on the bottom of the feet, they can feel especially painful and tender. Pain is commonly felt while walking or doing other physical activities. The tiny blood vessel that feeds the wart is sometimes visible, and may appear as a tiny black dot in the center of the wart. An Individual plantar wart can develop in a given area, or it can sometimes be clustered with others, forming what is called mosaic warts. Plantar warts can grow deep into tissue, making it harder for them to clear up on their own. They can often reoccur as well. For a speedier and more permanent resolution to plantar warts, contact a podiatrist to go over your treatment options.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Associates, PLLC. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Lake Worth and Aledo/Willow Park, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A tailor’s bunion, also known as a bunionette, occurs when the 5th metatarsal bone (the bottom bone on the little toe) begins to shift outwards. Tailor’s bunions are very similar to a normal bunion which occurs on the big toe, but instead, they occur on the pinky toe. A tailor’s bunion will present itself as a swollen bump on the outside of the pinky toe, and it may get larger over time. They can be red and painful, and they tend to get worse as they rub against the shoe. Some of the reasons Tailor’s bunions may form include shoes that don’t fit correctly, an inherited structural foot problem, loose ligaments in the foot, or an inverted foot that leans outwards. Patients who are struggling with a painful Tailor’s bunion should consult with a podiatrist for suggestions on both relieving the pain and treating the bunion. 

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Foot & Ankle Associates, PLLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Lake Worth and Aledo/Willow Park, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

People with diabetes are at an increased risk of neuropathy, or nerve damage. Diabetics are frequently diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, or nerve damage in the hands and feet. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in the lower limbs include tingling, pins and needles, numbness, pain, or increased sensitivity in the feet. In some cases, the feet may change shape due to nerve damage. Sores and diabetic foot ulcers, which can be difficult to detect and tend to heal slowly and poorly, are also very common. If you have diabetes, it is important to be vigilant of any foot or ankle symptoms. Seeing a podiatrist regularly can help manage existing symptoms, detect and treat any new problems, and maintain the health of your feet. 

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 one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Associates, PLLC. Our doctors 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 Lake Worth and Aledo/Willow Park, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.