Are your feet frequently cold or numb? If so, you may be experiencing poor circulation, a condition that affects blood flow to the feet. Poor circulation can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including cold feet, numbness, tingling sensations, and sometimes slowly healing wounds. This condition is often caused by underlying health issues such as diabetes, peripheral artery disease, or vascular problems. Ignoring poor circulation can lead to serious complications, including tissue damage and infections. Don't let poor circulation hold you back from enjoying life. If you are experiencing poor circulation in your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss treatment options and prevent any further complications or discomfort. 

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our doctors of New England Foot & Ankle . Our doctors 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 Wakefield, MA, Nashua and Derry, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toenail fungus often develops in distinct stages, progressing gradually if left untreated. Initially, it may appear as a small white or yellow spot under the nail tip. As the infection advances, the nail may thicken and take on a yellowish hue, spreading deeper into the nail bed. Without intervention, the fungus continues its relentless progression, causing the nail to become brittle and crumble at the edges. As the infection worsens, the nail may darken in color, emitting a foul odor, and detachment from the nail bed becomes a possibility. This advanced stage not only affects the appearance of the nail but also brings discomfort and potential complications. Recognizing the signs early on is essential for effective treatment. Consulting a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and guidance is necessary to halt the progression and prevent further damage. If you notice toenail fungus developing, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can prescribe medication for a complete healing.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact one of our doctors of New England Foot & Ankle . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Wakefield, MA, Nashua and Derry, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Severe ankle sprains that do not respond well to conservative treatment methods, such as rest and elevation, may require surgical intervention to restore stability and function to the ankle. A podiatrist, or foot doctor, might suggest surgical procedures like arthroscopy, where a small camera and instruments are inserted through tiny incisions to visualize, diagnose, and repair damage to the ligaments inside the ankle. Severe tearing of the ligaments may require reconstructive surgery, which involves replacing the damaged ligament with a tendon graft taken from another part of the body or using synthetic materials to stabilize the ankle. These surgical options aim to alleviate pain, restore stability, and prevent chronic issues such as ankle instability or recurrent sprains. Post-surgery, a rehabilitation program with targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles around the ankle is important. This helps patients who have undergone ankle surgery regain full mobility and recover successfully. If you have a sprained ankle, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist promptly for proper care. 

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our doctors of New England Foot & Ankle . Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Wakefield, MA, Nashua and Derry, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Turf toe is a sports-related injury commonly associated with athletes who play on artificial turf. It is a sprain that occurs when the big toe joint is bent upwards at a significant angle. Turf toe injuries are frequent in sports that involve rapid starts, stops, and pivots, such as football, soccer, or basketball. Additionally, the hard surface of artificial turf increases the likelihood of turf toe, compared to natural grass, because it gives less cushioning for sudden movements. Symptoms of turf toe include pain, swelling, and limited joint movement at the base of the big toe. Rest and elevation are important for mild injuries, whereas severe cases may require immobilization of the toe with taping, stiff-soled footwear, or even a walking boot. Athletes benefit from wearing appropriate footwear that offers sufficient support to minimize the risk of turf toe and other similar injuries. If you suspect a turf toe injury, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment options. 

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our doctors of New England Foot & Ankle . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Wakefield, MA, Nashua and Derry, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.