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Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage linked to diabetes. It commonly affects the feet because prolonged high blood sugar can injure nerves throughout the lower limbs. Early symptoms may include tingling, burning, or unusual sensitivity. As nerve damage progresses, numbness may develop. Some people also experience shooting pain or weakness. Reduced feeling can make it difficult to notice a blister, cut, or developing sore.

The main cause is prolonged exposure to elevated blood glucose. Over time, high blood sugar can damage nerves and the blood vessels that nourish them. Several factors can raise the risk. These include having diabetes for many years, poor blood sugar control, and high cholesterol. Smoking and excess weight may also contribute. Kidney disease can increase risk as well. These factors can affect circulation and nerve health, making the feet more vulnerable to injury.

A podiatrist can help identify diabetic neuropathy and protect your feet from related complications. Care begins with a podiatric examination that checks sensation, circulation, and areas exposed to pressure. Your podiatrist may use simple sensory testing to identify changes in feeling. If a wound or infection is present, treatment will focus on protecting the area and supporting healing. Protective shoes or custom orthotics may also be recommended to reduce pressure and friction.

Daily foot awareness is an important part of managing diabetic neuropathy. Look at both feet every day and report changes promptly. Keep your skin moisturized while avoiding lotion between the toes. Wear well-fitting shoes and avoid walking barefoot. Additionally, regular podiatric visits can help identify problems before they gradually become more serious. If you notice numbness, burning, or other symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

Poor circulation in the feet occurs when blood does not flow efficiently through the lower legs and feet. Symptoms may include cold feet, numbness, or slow-healing sores. Some people develop leg or foot discomfort while walking that improves after resting. Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, and prolonged inactivity. Sitting for long periods can also limit leg movement and may contribute to circulation concerns.

Hiking with poor circulation in the feet requires extra planning, because longer periods of walking can increase discomfort and foot stress. Choose supportive hiking shoes with enough room for your toes, wear moisture-wicking socks, and avoid footwear that feels tight. Check your feet before and after each hike for blisters, redness, or changes in color. Take regular breaks and consider shorter trails with easier terrain. Stop hiking if you experience severe pain, increasing numbness, or significant color changes.

Poor circulation may result from narrowed arteries, vein problems, or other conditions affecting blood vessels. When circulation is reduced, the feet may receive less oxygen and nutrients, which can interfere with healing. A podiatrist can check pulses, skin temperature, and areas of pressure. Treatment focuses on the underlying cause while protecting the feet from injuries and complications. Wounds may require careful cleaning, protection, and monitoring.

Between hikes, avoid sitting for long periods of time without moving your legs. Stand regularly and gently move your ankles when sitting. Keep your feet protected from extreme temperatures because reduced sensation can make injuries harder to notice. Good foot care is especially important when hiking with poor circulation. If you have poor circulation in your feet or develop symptoms while hiking, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and management tips.

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Dr. George Yarnell of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

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 Lansdowne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fasciitis causes pain where a strong band of tissue runs along the bottom of the foot. This band, called the plantar fascia, connects the heel bone to the toes. Repeated strain can irritate it. Pain is sharpest with the first steps after resting, and can return after long periods of standing. Running, a sudden increase in activity, and shoes that lack proper support can place added stress on the area.

Heel cups are small inserts that sit beneath and around the heel inside a shoe. They are usually made of gel, foam, or firm plastic. By cradling the heel, a cup can provide cushioning and help spread pressure across a wider area. It can also raise the heel slightly, which may reduce tension on the plantar fascia. However, heel cups do not correct every cause of plantar fasciitis. The wrong size can slide, crowd the shoe, or change how the foot rests. A heel cup should fit securely in a supportive shoe without forcing the toes forward. Patients should also understand that a softer product is not always the best choice. The right amount of firmness depends on the foot, symptoms, and daily activities.

A podiatrist can determine whether a heel cup is appropriate by examining the heel and checking how the foot moves. The evaluation includes a review of when the pain began and which activities make it worse. The podiatrist can also rule out problems like a stress fracture, nerve irritation, or damage to the heel's natural padding. Treatment can include professionally selected heel cups, supportive shoe recommendations, or custom orthotics. A podiatrist can adjust these devices so they support the foot without creating pressure elsewhere. Follow-up visits allow the podiatrist to check progress and change the treatment plan when pain continues. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

Running can improve heart health, endurance, and confidence, but running when overweight places greater force on the feet and ankles with each step. This does not mean that an overweight person should not run. A careful start can reduce strain and make this exercise more comfortable. Begin with short sessions that alternate brisk walking and easy running. Choose a flat, predictable surface rather than steep hills or uneven trails. Increase distance or speed gradually, but avoid raising both during the same week. Pain that changes your stride, causes swelling, or remains after a run deserves attention.

Proper running shoes are important because they help absorb impact and keep the feet stable. Shoes should fit the length and width of the foot without squeezing the toes or allowing the heel to slide. Replace shoes when the cushioning or tread becomes worn. Moisture-wicking socks can help limit blisters. A pre-run warmup prepares the muscles and joints for activity. Keep the pace slow enough to speak in short sentences, and schedule recovery days between runs. Stop running if sharp pain, dizziness, or unusual shortness of breath develops.

A podiatrist can examine the feet, ankles, and walking pattern before a new running program begins. The doctor can identify flat feet, limited joint movement, or areas under excess pressure. This evaluation can reveal problems that raise the chance of heel pain, tendon injuries, or stress fractures. A podiatrist can also recommend running shoes based on foot shape and gait. Custom orthotics can improve alignment and distribute pressure more evenly when appropriate. For an injury, the podiatrist can order imaging, explain activity limits, and create a plan for returning to running. Regular follow-up visits allow the doctor to check progress and adjust recommendations as mileage increases. If you are overweight and have developed foot pain while running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and guidance tips.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. George Yarnell of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? 
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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