Items filtered by date: June 2023

Poor circulation can be common among older people. It is a condition that can affect the feet, and pain and discomfort may ensue. When circulation is good, existing wounds and cuts can heal quickly, and the body may be able to successfully ward off other ailments. Poor circulation is defined as a lack of oxygen that is needed by vital organs. Symptoms of poor circulation are often found in the feet and can consist of a tingling or numbing sensation. The feet may also be swollen, and the skin may become dry. Poor circulation can be caused by diabetes and atherosclerosis. This is a condition that causes a buildup of plaque in the arteries, and they can become narrow, possibly lessening blood flow. There can be additional health conditions that can lead to getting poor circulation, including smoking, consuming excess alcohol, and being overweight. Mild relief may be found when compression stockings are worn, and a gentle exercise routine is frequently performed. If you have poor circulation, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer you relief and treatment options.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Charles Oehrlein, DPM of Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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

The foot condition known as a bunion is a progressive bone disorder. It is a lump on the side of the big toe that can happen from wearing shoes that do not have enough room in the toe area. Bunions may also occur due to genetic reasons. A bunion is considered a deformity and severe bunions can cause the other toes to shift toward each other. Some patients can develop bunions from overpronation, and this causes the foot to roll inward and can also be related to having flat feet. If the body's weight is unevenly distributed, an abnormal foot structure may develop which could lead to a bunion developing. Hypermobility is a condition that causes the bones to move more than they normally would and this may also result in a bunion. If you have a bunion, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can determine the proper plan of treatment for you. 

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Charles Oehrlein, DPM of Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner 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 our office located in Hoover, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A plantar fibroma is an area of tissue that develops in the arch of the foot that can be painful, despite being benign. Several fibromas on the foot are referred to as plantar fibromatosis. The noticeable symptom of a plantar fibroma is an uncomfortable lump that slowly grows in the arch of the foot. The pain may worsen when the lump is touched or when standing for long periods. There is no known cause for why a plantar fibroma develops, however, enduring repetitive foot injuries may lead to tearing the plantar fascia which may promote the growth of a plantar fibroma. Patients have found mild relief when custom-made orthotics are worn and when specific stretches are performed. If you have a lump on the bottom of your foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat a plantar fibroma.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Charles Oehrlein, DPM of Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

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

Drop foot is a foot condition that can develop in individuals when they experience some degree of difficulty in lifting the front of their foot. Drop foot often occurs due to nerve damage or after a stroke. There are many different exercises that you may consider practicing if you are someone that is currently struggling with drop foot. For example, a patient could potentially benefit from calf stretches because calf muscles may tighten due to drop foot. Additionally, a patient could combat their drop foot by performing balance-enhancing exercises. If you are living with drop foot, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can help you address any foot concerns you may be having.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Charles Oehrlein, DPM from Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our practitioner to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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