May 2022

Peripheral artery disease involves impairment of the blood flow through the arteries to upper and lower extremities, like the feet. With this condition, the peripheral blood vessels narrow which decreases blood supply and oxygen to tissues within the legs and feet. Without proper blood flow, cells in your legs and feet cannot perform their functions well and may die. This, in turn, can lead to symptoms ranging from pain to gangrene, and the latter if left untreated could result in amputation. This condition affects both genders and is more common in older people. The main symptom of this disease, if there are any symptoms at all, is pain. An examination will involve looking for signs of trauma, muscle wasting, swelling, redness, absent hair patches, shin abnormalities such as staining, inflammation, or shininess, and ulcers on the foot or leg. Given the severity of complications arising from peripheral artery disease, regular visits to a podiatrist, especially as one ages, are recommended to diagnose and properly treat this disease before it becomes life-threatening.

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 Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. 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 one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Bunions are bony, painful bumps that form inside the foot at the joint of the big toe. They grow slowly, over time, and with repetitive pressure put on the big toe joint the toe leans inward towards the second toe. The leaning eventually leads to a change in the bone structure which causes the bump or deformity to develop. As the bump gets bigger it becomes painful to wear shoes and walk. Bunions develop for several reasons including stress and injury of the foot. Narrow shoes, with insufficient room for the toes, are often the culprit as well. Bunions are said to be more common in women, those with congenital deformities, and people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment for bunions starts with wearing wider shoes to accommodate the bump. Cool compresses, bunion pads, orthotics, pain medications, cortisone shots, and physical therapy can also help the soreness. Surgery is a last resort when the bunion pain starts interfering with one’s daily functioning. Due to possible complications, pain, and since bunions may masquerade as something else, seeing a podiatrist is suggested for an examination and treatment suggestions.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. 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 Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The heel condition that is referred to as Sever’s disease generally affects children and young teenagers who are involved in sporting activities. The heel can often feel sore when Sever’s disease is present, and it may be difficult to walk. It is defined as a condition that affects the growth plate in the heel, and can be confirmed by having a physical examination performed. Relief is often found when the activity that caused the condition is stopped, and the heel is frequently rested. It is important to practice specific stretches once the heel feels better, and this may help to accelerate the recovery process. Many patients choose to wear a heel cushion in their shoe which may be able to provide additional padding. If your child is affected by Sever’s disease, it is advised that a podiatrist be consulted for proper prevention and healing tips.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

It may be difficult for you to know if your child is having heel pain, because it isn’t often associated with children. However, certain conditions that cause heel pain can afflict the young, even if they don’t know how to properly communicate their distress. Sever’s disease, for instance, is a form of heel pain that stems from irritation to the growth plate in the heels of growing children. Children can also develop plantar fasciitis from overuse of the heel or by wearing shoes that don’t fit. This condition is a painful inflammation of the plantar fascia tissue where it connects to the heel on the sole of the feet. Active children can also develop tiny stress fractures of the heel bone which can occur gradually over time and be quite painful. There are certain clues your child’s condition may provide, if you know what to look for. If your child limps or changes the way they walk or run, cuts back on physical activities, complains that their feet or heels feel odd or stiff, or that something is stuck in their shoe, they may have a painful heel condition. It is suggested to make an appointment for your child with a podiatrist to have your child’s condition diagnosed and treated properly. 

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Parents who notice the skin surrounding their children's nails are red and tender may be aware that an ingrown toenail has developed. It is defined as a toenail that grows into the surrounding skin. It often happens as a result of toenails that are trimmed incorrectly, or from wearing shoes that do not fit properly. Additionally, children who participate in soccer activities can develop ingrown toenails from frequently kicking the ball. There could be considerable pain with an ingrown toenail, in addition to possible blisters. Parents can help their child find mild relief when the foot is soaked in warm water, and the nail is gently pushed away from the skin. If an infection develops, it is strongly advised that you speak with a podiatrist who can offer you the best treatment options for your child.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.