March 2023

One of the symptoms of poor circulation is cold feet. This may be an indication of existing health concerns such as blood clots, chronic pain, and mobility issues. Additional signs of this condition can include swollen feet, tingling sensations, increased fatigue, and the feet may feel heavy. There are various reasons why patients may develop poor circulation. These can consist of being overweight, having a sedentary lifestyle, and the aging process. Poor circulation can also be caused by existing medical conditions, including diabetes, peripheral artery disease (PAD), or atherosclerosis, which is hardening of the arteries. There are methods that can be implemented which may help to improve poor circulation. It is important to move as much as possible by performing low-impact activities, and walking, yoga, and swimming fit into this category. Patients who are unable to do this may benefit from having physical therapy performed, or possibly from using a cane or walker. Eating foods that are healthy may help to improve circulation, in addition to frequently elevating the feet. If you would like more information about efforts to improve circulation, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

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 John McGhan, DPM of Gold Canyon Foot & Ankle. 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 Gold Canyon, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

It is a well-documented fact that individuals living with diabetes are at an increased risk of experiencing certain foot conditions. If you are a diabetic, you might consider watching out for the development of toenails that turn a yellowish color. Luckily, this change in the hue of the toenails is not harmful, although it may be unsightly. The toenails can turn a yellow color for a number of different reasons when it is related to diabetes. Typically, a diabetic’s toenails might turn yellow due to the breakdown of sugar. Alternatively, toenails that have a yellow tint could be caused by a toenail infection. If you are someone that is living with diabetes, it is suggested that you consider contacting a podiatrist for more information. This foot specialist will be able to assist you with any foot complications you might be experiencing. 

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact John McGhan, DPM from Gold Canyon Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Gold Canyon, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

There are various reasons why people may experience foot pain. There are several bones, muscles, and ligaments that each foot has, and an injury may cause the bones to become misaligned. This may result in a loss of cushioning. A common reason for foot pain is called plantar fasciitis. This affects the plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes. An injury can cause this tendon to become inflamed, causing heel pain, and research has shown this accounts for approximately 15 percent of foot pain. Morton’s neuroma is a foot condition that compresses and irritates the nerve between the third and fourth toes. This generally happens from wearing shoes that do not have enough room in the toe area. If the big toe becomes sprained, it may be classified as turf toe, and swelling and stiffness can accompany this. If you have foot pain for any reason, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer correct treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with John McGhan, DPM from Gold Canyon Foot & Ankle. Our doctor 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 office located in Gold Canyon, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A heel spur is painful. It can compromise walking style, and may cause difficulty in completing daily activities. It is a calcium deposit that develops on the heel and can come from standing on hard surfaces for most of the day. Additionally, it can occur from a foot injury, and it can measure up to an inch in length. People may get heel spurs from frequently participating in running and jumping activities, or increasing speed and mileage too quickly while running. Relief may come from changing the shoes that are worn to a pair with a cushioned heel, in addition to having arch supports. There are suitable stretches that can be performed for heel spur relief, including standing heel raises. These are done by standing on a step and lowering one heel at a time until a gentle stretch is felt. Heel spurs often require prompt attention, and it is suggested to consult a podiatrist who can provide permanent relief options which may include surgery.

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 John McGhan, DPM from Gold Canyon Foot & Ankle. Our doctor 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 our office located in Gold Canyon, AZ . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.