September 2020

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition characterized by poor blood flow to the lower extremities. This is caused by a buildup of a fatty substance called plaque in the blood vessels, and a narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the lower limbs. The most common symptoms of PAD are cramping, pain, and tiredness in the legs, especially while walking. The symptoms typically subside during rest. The risk of developing PAD increases as you age. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and smoking may also increase your risk. If you are experiencing any symptoms of PAD or would like to know more, it is recommended that you visit a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat this condition.

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 Frank Henry, DPM from Marble Falls, TX. 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 Marble Falls, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the tibial nerve in the tarsal tunnel gets squeezed or pressed, resulting in multiple issues. This narrow tunnel in the ankle, next to the ankle bone, serves as a pathway for nerves, veins, arteries and tendons. Risk factors for tarsal tunnel syndrome include having flat feet, muscle tightness, an abnormal structure like a cyst or tumor in the foot, trauma, or systemic diseases such as diabetes. Common symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome include pain on the inside of the ankle, a shooting sensation that can radiate up the ankle, and numbness or tingling along the sole of the foot. Those who believe that they may be suffering from tarsal tunnel syndrome should consult with a podiatrist immediately in order to prevent future damage. There are a variety of both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options and your podiatrist will determine what course of action is best for you. 

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Frank Henry, DPM of Marble Falls, TX. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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

If you have a blister on your foot, you may feel tempted to pop the fluid-filled pocket under your skin. Should you? The general consensus is that you probably shouldn’t. A blister is filled with serum, the liquid part of your blood that contains protective substances like antibodies. Popping or draining your blister removes the serum and makes a hole in your skin, opening the area up to infection. Popping the blister can also cause more pain than simply having an intact blister on your foot. Additionally, it is very important to avoid popping your foot blister if you have diabetes, heart failure, peripheral artery disease, swollen legs, venous ulcers, or a condition that affects your immune system, as these things can increase your chances of getting an infection. If you have a painful foot blister, it is recommended that you visit a podiatrist for treatment. 

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Frank Henry, DPM of Marble Falls, TX. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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

Heel pain can be a common issue that a lot of runners experience. The style of your running stride, as well as overuse, can be factors in why you may be experiencing heel pain, however certain conditions may also be the cause. Fallen arches, or flat feet, as they're more commonly referred to, can create heel pain after a run due to the misshapen structure of the feet. The lack of an arch may put added stress or strain on the plantar fascia. The role of the plantar fascia is to connect the heel bone to the toes. If this tears, or becomes inflamed, another common heel condition known as plantar fasciitis may develop. For more information on what conditions may affect your heels, especially for runners, please consult with a podiatrist.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Frank Henry, DPM of Marble Falls, TX. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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