February 2021

It can be beneficial for patients who are afflicted with peripheral artery disease (PAD) to incorporate walking into their daily routine. PAD is an ailment that can occur from arteries that have become severely damaged, and it can make it difficult to walk. Many patients understand the importance of walking regularly, despite the fact that it may be uncomfortable to do so. An important benefit that can be achieved from walking is developing stronger legs and feet, which can positively affect general health. Walking three times per week is a favorable place to begin, and this can gradually be increased as the feet become stronger. If you have foot pain that prevents you from walking, please consult with a podiatrist who can treat PAD, and can recommend a walking routine that is right for you.

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 Pete O’Donald, DPM from Texas. Our doctor 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 Nederland, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot pain can be caused due to a variety of issues. Injuries, such as sprains, strains, and fractures, are common sources of foot pain for those who are active and commonly partake in sporting activities. Another condition which can cause foot pain is gout, a common type of arthritis that forms due to too much uric acid in the blood. Poorly fitted shoes can lead to painful issues such as bunions, a bony growth that develops on the side of the big toe, as well as ingrown toenails, where the nail grows into the surrounding skin. Plantar fasciitis, the inflammation of the band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes, can lead to pain in the heel or the arch of the foot. If you are suffering from foot pain, being under the care of a podiatrist is highly suggested.  

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Pete O’Donald, DPM from Texas. 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 Nederland, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Reflexology is a form of  foot therapy that may benefit the health of the overall body. The internal organs are linked to specific areas of the foot, and existing health conditions may be improved with frequent visits. Gentle pressure is applied to different parts of the foot to help the nerves release tension and promote relaxation. Foot therapy may also be beneficial in bringing balance to the body, and many patients notice how pleasant reflexology can be. If you are experiencing a specific type of foot condition, and are interested in how reflexology works, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist.

Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, Pete O’Donald, DPM of Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Most Common Injuries

People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track. 

What to Do When Injured

Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.

During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:

Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.

Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.

Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Nederland, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A broken toe can occur when it is jammed into a piece of furniture, or if a heavy object is dropped on it. It can cause severe pain and discomfort, and it may become difficult to walk. There are noticeable symptoms that often occur with a broken toe, including swelling, bruising, and the toe may appear red. In severe toe fractures, the fractured bone may protrude from the toe. This requires immediate medical attention in order to accelerate the healing process, and possibly prevent an infection from occurring. Buddy taping is an effective strategy that is used to stabilize the broken toe. This is done by taping the toe to the toe next to it, and it may provide ease in accomplishing daily activities. Swelling may be reduced when the leg is elevated, and over the counter medications are taken for pain. If you have endured a broken toe, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can guide you toward correct treatment.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Pete O’Donald, DPM from Texas. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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