Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a result of cholesterol and plaque build -up in the arteries of the legs and feet, causing decreased blood flow.

PAD testing is a non-invasive exam which assesses blood flow and blockages in the arteries.  Patients lie flat and a technician places blood pressure cuffs on the arms, thighs, calves, ankles, and toes.

PAD will be recommended by the doctor is there is suspicion for a narrowing or blockage of an artery. 

Symptoms of PAD include:  Diminished or absent pulses in the feet, pain in legs brought on by walking and relieved by rest, poorly healing wounds, rest pain, tingling/numbness in the legs, feet and toes, discoloration in the legs, feet and toes.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the above symptoms or has a history of diabetes, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or a history of tobacco use, please call Foot Care Centers at 856-691-2152 to make a preferred appointment.

 

 

Tags: numbness in toes, tingling, Leg pain when walking, pain in legs, PAD, peripheral arterial disease

Tens Units can help pain that may be caused by trauma or continual strain. The body responds to such pain with muscle guarding, an attempt to immobilize the painful area by tightening the muscles. Muscle guarding impairs circulation in the affected area. The decrease in blood supply leads to a decrease in metabolism with an accumulation of waste products. TENS therapy (transcutaneous electric nerve stimulator) can help break this pain cycle and aid in the normal healing process.

TENS stands for (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation). which are predominately used for nerve related pain conditions (acute and chronic conditions). It works by sending stimulating pulses across the surface of the skin and along the nerve strands. The stimulating pulses help prevent pain signals from reaching the brain. They also help stimulate your body to produce higher levels of its own natural painkillers, called "Endorphins".

 

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Since staring on ABC's Dancing with the Stars, Chaz Bono has been dealing with ankle and knee pain.   Most of the "stars" competing have little to no dance experience.  Dancing places unusual stress on the body, especially your feet.  Instability at the foot leads to ankle, knee, hip and back pain.  Cher had her own personal podiatrist evaluate and treat her son Chaz.

Common foot problems associated with dancing include hallux limitus (limited range of motion/jamming of the great to joint),metatarsalgia (inflammation of the ball of the foot), plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the band on the bottom of the foot that supports the arch), and stress fracture (hair-line bone break caused by repetitive micro trauma).

If you are suffering from foot or ankle pain related to dancing, don't delay in having this evaluated.  Pain is not normal, and more often than not, will not "go away on it's own."  Dancing on an injured foot and lead to further pain and damage. 

A trained foot and ankle specialist will review x ray findings, perform cortisone injection if necessary to reduce pain, review stretching, shoes and the benefits of arch supports. 

 

Tags: Ankle Pain, Knee Pain, Foot Pain, Dancing with the Stars, Chaz Bono

Looking for an alternative to cortisone injections? Traumeel injection therapy may be right for you. Made of natural, homeopathic
plant extracts, traumeel acts as an antiinflammatory agent for lower extremity pain. Conditions such as plantar fasciitis;
peroneal, posterior tibial, and achilles tendonitis can be treated with traumeel injection therapy. Ask your podiatrist if you are
a candidate for this natural solution to foot and ankle pain. Tags: Untagged

Do you have pain in your legs at rest or when walking?  You may be suffering from PAD (Peripheral Arterial Disease).

Other symptoms include:

Coldness in your lower leg or foot, especially when compared with the other leg

Sores on your toes, feet or legs that won't heal

A change in the color of your legs

Hair loss or slower hair growth on your feet and legs

Slower growth of your toenails

Shiny skin on your legs

No pulse or a weak pulse in your legs or feet

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The above symptoms can lead to poor wound healing, gangrene and put you at risk for heart attack or stroke.

Don't delay in having this evaluated.  Specific testing can be done to diagnosethe severity of your disease.  Treatment options include life style change, medication and surgery.

Tags: Foot Pain, Leg Pain, peripheral arterial disease, PAD