Poor foot circulation, often linked to peripheral vascular disease, or PVD, can cause significant discomfort and health issues. Symptoms can include numbness, tingling, and cold feet, in addition to noticeable changes in skin color or wounds that heal slowly. Common causes of poor circulation include diabetes, smoking, and prolonged sitting or standing. To alleviate symptoms, adopting lifestyle changes is vital. Regular exercise, such as walking or cycling, helps improve blood flow. Elevating the feet and avoiding wearing tight footwear can also enhance circulation. Additionally, quitting smoking and managing underlying conditions like diabetes contribute to better vascular health. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is strongly suggested that you promptly visit a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat poor circulation.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Pedram Aslmand, DPM of Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist 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 offices located in Long Beach, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Open wounds on the feet are injuries where the skin is broken, exposing underlying tissues. These wounds can vary in type, including cuts, abrasions, lacerations, punctures, and ulcers. Cuts and lacerations often result from sharp objects, while abrasions are usually caused by friction or scraping against rough surfaces. Puncture wounds occur from stepping on pointed objects. Ulcers are typically associated with poor circulation, diabetes, or prolonged pressure. Open wounds on the feet require prompt and appropriate treatment to prevent infection and promote healing. Initial care involves cleaning the wound thoroughly with mild soap and water, followed by applying an antiseptic. Keeping the wound covered with a sterile bandage and changing it regularly is critical. If you have an open foot wound, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who may need to debride it, prescribe antibiotics, and in some cases, stitch up the wound or do surgery to ensure proper healing and prevent complications.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Pedram Aslmand, DPM from Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

A sprained foot can vary in severity, with common signs including pain, swelling, and bruising surrounding the affected area. Mild sprains involve stretching or slight tearing of ligaments, causing minimal swelling and discomfort. Moderate sprains result in more significant pain, swelling, and difficulty in bearing weight. Severe sprains, characterized by complete ligament tears, often cause intense pain, extensive swelling, and instability in the foot. Relief methods for sprained feet typically involve resting the foot, compression with a bandage to support the injured area, and elevating the foot above heart level to minimize swelling. Pain relievers can help to manage pain and inflammation. Severe sprains may require medical evaluation and possibly immobilization with a brace or cast, in addition to performing specific stretches to regain strength and range of motion in the foot. If you have sprained your foot, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief and treatment methods.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Pedram Aslmand, DPM from Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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

Gout, a type of arthritis, causes sudden, intense joint pain, often affecting the big toe initially. The affected joint becomes swollen, red, and tender to the touch during gout attacks. This condition arises from an accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, stemming from an overproduction or inefficient excretion of uric acid in the body. Dietary factors such as high-purine foods like red meat, seafood, and alcohol consumption can worsen gout attacks. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough medical history review, physical examination, and possibly joint fluid analysis to detect uric acid crystals. Blood tests measuring uric acid levels also aid in diagnosis. If you have had one or several gout attacks, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you relief options and help you to manage this condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Pedram Aslmand, DPM from Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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