Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a circulation problem that develops when narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the legs and feet. Plaque build-up is the most common cause. This makes it harder for oxygen-rich blood to reach the tissues. PAD can affect walking comfort and foot healing. In some cases, it may increase the risk of serious foot complications. Knowing the warning signs can help you seek care sooner.

Symptoms of peripheral artery disease can vary. Some people develop aching or cramping in the calves, thighs, or feet during walking that improves with rest. Other symptoms may include cold feet, numbness, or changes in skin color. Foot wounds may also heal slowly. Severe PAD can cause pain while resting, especially at night. Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, and older age. A family history of artery disease can also increase risk.

A podiatrist can look closely at your feet and assess circulation during an examination. They may check pulses, skin temperature, and existing wounds. Depending on the findings, testing such as an ankle-brachial index may help evaluate blood flow. Treatment may include wound care, pressure relief, and recommendations for safer footwear. It is important to stop smoking, if applicable. Prompt attention is especially important when wounds do not heal normally.

Taking PAD symptoms seriously can help protect your feet and overall mobility. Check your feet regularly for cuts, blisters, or sores. Peripheral artery disease can be serious and may cause difficulty in completing daily activities. Do not ignore new or worsening foot pain. If you have symptoms of PAD, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions.

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 ABC Podiatry. 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 office located in Columbus, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Runner's toe develops when a toenail repeatedly strikes the inside of a shoe. The pressure and friction can damage tiny blood vessels beneath the nail, causing blood to collect. The nail can look red, purple, or black. Pain, swelling, and pressure can also develop. The problem usually affects the big toe or second toe because one is often the longest. Long-distance running raises the risk, especially on downhill routes. Shoes that are too short, narrow, or loose can allow repeated contact with the toe. A long toe or changes in foot structure can add to the problem.

The injured nail can loosen, separate from the skin beneath it, or eventually fall off. A new toenail generally grows, but this process can take several months. Repeated injuries can cause the nail to become thick or misshapen. A dark toenail does not always indicate runner's toe. Fungal infections and other health concerns can cause similar changes. A podiatrist can examine the nail and determine why it has changed color. The evaluation includes questions about running habits, shoe fit, and recent injuries. The podiatrist can also check for infection or damage to the tissue that produces the nail. Severe pain or a dark mark that does not move as the nail grows deserves prompt attention.

Treatment depends on the injury and the amount of pressure beneath the nail. A podiatrist can safely drain trapped blood to reduce pain. The doctor can trim or remove a damaged nail and protect the sensitive skin below it. The podiatrist can also assess toe length, foot shape, and running motion to identify sources of pressure. Guidance can include choosing properly-fitted running shoes with enough toe room. It can also address lacing methods and suitable socks. These changes can reduce sliding and rubbing inside the shoe. If you have developed runner's toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief, treatment, and prevention tips.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of ABC Podiatry. 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 office located in Columbus, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Blisters between the toes are small, fluid-filled areas that develop when skin becomes irritated or damaged. They can be uncomfortable and may make walking difficult, especially when footwear presses against the affected area. Friction is one of the most common causes. Wearing tight shoes, damp socks, and repeated rubbing can create enough irritation to form a blister. However, not every blister between the toes comes from friction. Common skin conditions, including athlete's foot and eczema, can also cause irritation, peeling, or small fluid-filled bumps.

Symptoms can vary depending on the cause. A friction blister may appear as a raised area filled with clear fluid and may feel tender when touched. Skin affected by athlete's foot can become itchy, red, peeling, or cracked. Risk factors include wearing poorly fitting shoes, excessive foot sweating, and spending long periods of time walking or standing. People who frequently participate in sports may also experience repeated friction that increases the chance of developing blisters.

A podiatrist can determine why blisters are developing by examining the skin and reviewing your symptoms. If a fungal infection or another skin condition is suspected, additional testing may help confirm the diagnosis. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. A podiatrist may protect the area from further friction, recommend appropriate wound care, or prescribe medication when an infection or skin condition is involved. If a blister is large or painful, professional drainage may sometimes be considered. The area should be monitored for signs of infection during healing.

Blisters between the toes should not be ignored, especially when they return or become painful. Keeping feet dry and choosing properly fitted footwear can help reduce irritation. However, recurring blisters may signal an underlying condition that requires professional attention. Early evaluation can help identify the cause and support healthier skin. If you have blisters between the toes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and prevention solutions.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of ABC Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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

Foot pain can affect your daily routine and make simple activities uncomfortable. Foot pain describes discomfort anywhere in the foot, including the heel, arch, or toes. Symptoms may include aching, burning, or sharp pain. Nerve pain often feels different and may cause burning, tingling, or electric-like sensations. These symptoms can develop gradually or appear suddenly. Common causes include overuse, injuries, and structural problems. Identifying the source is important because treatment depends on the condition causing your discomfort.

Nerve pain in the forefoot may involve Morton’s neuroma or interdigital neuralgia. Morton’s neuroma is irritation and thickening around a nerve between the toes, most often between the third and fourth toes. It can cause burning pain, numbness, or a feeling that something is inside your shoe. Interdigital neuralgia is nerve-related pain between the toes that can produce similar burning or shooting sensations. Risk factors for these conditions include narrow shoes, high heels, and activities that place pressure on the forefoot.

A podiatrist will begin by discussing the symptoms and reviewing your medical history. A careful foot examination can help identify tenderness, nerve sensitivity, or changes in foot structure. The podiatrist may gently press between the toes to reproduce symptoms. Imaging tests may be recommended when another problem needs to be ruled out. Treatment often begins with wearing supportive footwear and activity changes. Custom orthotics may help redistribute pressure. Padding can also reduce irritation around sensitive nerves. When appropriate, medication or an injection may provide additional relief. 

Getting an accurate diagnosis can help you choose the right path toward healing. Ignoring persistent nerve pain may allow symptoms to interfere with walking, exercise, or work. A podiatrist can monitor the healing process and adjust treatment as needed. Early attention may also prevent ongoing irritation from becoming a larger problem. If burning, tingling, or forefoot pain continues, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists  from ABC Podiatry. Our doctors 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 Columbus, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.