Poor circulation in the feet can lead to several uncomfortable symptoms that may interfere with daily life. Numbness and tingling are often the first signs, creating a pins and needles sensation that can spread across the feet or toes. Swelling may also occur as blood flow becomes sluggish, causing fluid to build up in the tissues. Feet may feel unusually cold, and skin color can appear pale or bluish. Common causes of poor circulation include diabetes, peripheral artery disease, smoking, and prolonged inactivity. Wearing tight shoes or sitting for long periods may also restrict blood flow. Identifying and addressing the underlying cause is important, as poor circulation can lead to serious complications. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you 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 Rahil Baxamusa, DPM of Illinois. 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 Crystal Lake, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

As people age, changes in the feet, toes, and ankles can increase their risk of falling. Reduced joint flexibility, weaker muscles in the lower legs, and diminished sensation in the soles of the feet all contribute to poor balance. Common foot issues, such as bunions, hammertoes, or flat feet, may alter walking patterns and decrease stability. Limited ankle mobility also affects how the body responds to uneven surfaces or sudden shifts in direction. Even dry or thickened skin on the soles can affect grip and lead to slips. A podiatrist can evaluate these factors and provide care that supports balance. Options include suggesting supportive footwear, addressing biomechanical concerns, and prescribing custom orthotics to correct alignment. In some cases, foot or ankle surgery may be needed to correct structural problems that reduce stability. Strengthening the feet and ankles through guided exercises, along with proper foot care, can play an important role in fall prevention. If you are at risk for falling, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and suggestions for maintaining stability.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Rahil Baxamusa, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments that stabilize the ankle joint are stretched or torn, usually from rolling or twisting the foot. Ankle sprains are categorized into three grades, based on their severity. A Grade 1 sprain is mild and involves overstretched ligaments with minor swelling and tenderness. Most people can still walk, although with some discomfort. A Grade 2 sprain is considered moderate and includes only partial tearing of the ligament. This injury leads to more noticeable swelling, bruising, and joint instability. Walking may be painful, often causing a limp. A Grade 3 sprain is the most severe because it involves a complete ligament tear. This type of ankle sprain causes intense pain, pronounced swelling, and an inability to bear weight on the foot. A popping sound is sometimes heard at the time of injury. A podiatrist can assess your ankle injury, confirm the sprain grade, and provide the appropriate care. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to restore stability. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you make an emergency appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Rahil Baxamusa, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

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

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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

Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe as the tip of the toe angles toward the second toe. Bunions are common among women, especially those who wear tight or high-heeled shoes, and older adults, whose joints may naturally weaken over time. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and redness surrounding the affected area, with the bunion becoming more noticeable as it grows. The condition can make walking uncomfortable and cause difficulty fitting into shoes. The primary cause of bunions is abnormal foot mechanics, often made worse by wearing ill-fitting shoes or having a family history of the condition. Arthritis or other joint conditions can also contribute to bunion development. A podiatrist can help by offering custom orthotics, padding, or shoe modifications to alleviate pain. In severe cases, surgery may be prescribed to correct the deformity. If you are have a painful bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Rahil Baxamusa, DPM of Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

High arches, or cavus foot, can cause significant pain due to the excessive pressure placed on the heel and the ball of the foot. People with high arches may experience pain when walking or standing, calluses from uneven weight distribution, curled toes, and ankle instability. Without proper support, high arches can contribute to an unsteady gait, increasing the risk of ankle sprains. A podiatrist may recommend custom orthotics to improve foot alignment and provide cushioning, foot pads to relieve pressure, or ankle braces to enhance stability. If non-surgical methods do not alleviate symptoms, surgery may be considered. For instance, a tendon transfer can help balance muscle function, while an osteotomy may be used to realign bones. In more severe cases, the plantar fascia can be partially cut to reduce arch tension and relieve pain caused by excessive tightness. Another option is fusing two or more bones in the foot to create a more stable structure. If you have high arches that cause discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options, which may include surgery.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Rahil Baxamusa, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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