Testing for peripheral artery disease focuses on blood flow to the feet, toes, and ankles. Changes in circulation can affect skin temperature, nail health, healing, and walking comfort. During an exam, a podiatrist checks how well blood is reaching the feet and toes, skin color, and temperature to look for reduced flow. In-office tools allow listening to blood movement and comparing pressure between the ankle and toe, which helps identify peripheral artery disease later in the visit. Findings guide decisions about monitoring, further testing, or surgery when circulation is severely limited. Assessment is important for people with slow-healing sores, numbness, or color changes in the feet. A podiatrist explains results, tracks changes over time, and helps lower the risk of wounds, infection, and loss of limb affecting the feet. For help with foot problems, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

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 one of our podiatrists from Granite State Podiatry Associates. Our doctors 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 offices located in Manchester and Bedford, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, occur when the arches of the feet collapse or fail to develop properly, causing the soles to make full contact with the ground. Symptoms include foot fatigue, aching in the arches or heels, ankle instability, swelling, and pain that can extend to the knees or lower back. Common causes include genetics, ligament laxity, injury, obesity, aging, or conditions that weaken the foot structures. Flat feet may also develop over time from prolonged standing or wearing improper footwear. A podiatrist can help by evaluating foot alignment and gait, providing custom orthotics, recommending supportive shoes, and creating a treatment plan to reduce pain and improve function. If you have flat feet and are experiencing foot pain or fatigue, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management tips.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Granite State Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Manchester and Bedford, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel spur surgery is considered when a bony growth on the heel bone continues to cause pain despite other forms of care. These spurs form when repeated strain on the foot leads to calcium buildup along the bottom or back of the heel bone, or calcaneus. Although not all heel spurs cause pain, in some cases they can create pressure and irritation with each step. Surgery removes the excess bone and reduces tension on nearby tissues, including the plantar fascia on the sole of the foot or the Achilles tendon at the back of the ankle. A podiatrist will examine the source of the pain, review imaging, and decide whether the spur on the bottom of the heel or near the tendon attachment needs to be removed. Recovery takes time as the foot heals and strength returns. If you have developed a heel spur that is causing pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

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 Granite State Podiatry Associates. 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, please feel free to contact our offices located in Manchester and Bedford, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Overlapping toes develop when one toe lies over or under a neighboring one. This may be due to inherited foot shape, crowding from shoes that are too tight, or changes in how the foot moves when walking. A longer second toe, flat feet, high arches, or a bunion can shift pressure across the forefoot and encourage a toe to move out of line. Arthritis can stiffen the joints in the toes and alter their position over time. In some newborns, an overlapping pinky toe develops from inherited traits or from limited space in the womb. Foot injuries that affect the small joints can also contribute to this condition as the toe loses stability. A podiatrist can assess toe flexibility, alignment, and the overall structure of the foot to recommend the best care. If you or your child has a problematic overlapping toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Granite State Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Manchester and Bedford, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.