Peripheral neuropathy affects the feet by damaging the nerves responsible for sensation, balance, and muscle control. When these nerves do not function properly, people may notice numbness, tingling, burning, or sharp pain in the toes and soles. Reduced sensation can make it difficult to feel pressure, temperature changes, or minor injuries, which increases the risk of cuts, blisters, and skin breakdown going unnoticed. Muscle weakness related to nerve damage may also change the way the feet move during walking, leading to instability and a higher risk of falls. Over time, altered pressure points can contribute to calluses, ulcers, and joint strain in the feet and ankles. A podiatrist can evaluate nerve-related symptoms, monitor skin and nail health, address walking changes, and recommend appropriate treatment to protect foot function and reduce complications. If you have symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in your feet, it is suggested that you make regular appointments with a podiatrist for evaluation and treatment.

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 One of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Medical Center. Our doctors 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 offices located in New Port Richey and Spring Hill, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Wearing the right shoes in the restaurant business is essential for comfort, safety, and long-term foot health. Restaurant workers spend long hours standing, walking, and moving quickly on hard and often slippery surfaces. Slip resistance is critical to help reduce the risk of falls and workplace injuries. Cushioned insoles play an important role in absorbing shock and reducing strain on the feet, knees, and lower back. Proper arch and heel support help maintain alignment and prevent fatigue, pain, and overuse injuries. Durability is also important, since restaurant shoes must withstand constant wear while remaining supportive. Additionally, cleanability matters as well, because shoes are exposed to spills, grease, and moisture throughout each shift. A podiatrist can help by evaluating foot structure, gait, and work demands to recommend appropriate footwear or custom orthotics. If foot pain is affecting your ability to work comfortably, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle conditions, and guide on appropriate work shoes to wear.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact One of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Medical Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in New Port Richey and Spring Hill, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Poor foot circulation occurs when blood flow to the feet is reduced, limiting oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues. This condition can affect foot health by slowing wound healing, increasing the risk of infection, and causing muscle weakness or tissue damage. Common symptoms include cold feet, numbness, tingling, swelling, and cramping during activity. Risk factors include diabetes, peripheral artery disease, obesity, smoking, high blood pressure, and a sedentary lifestyle. Early recognition and management are essential to prevent complications. A podiatrist can assess circulation, evaluate underlying causes, recommend lifestyle modifications, provide specialized footwear, and monitor foot health to prevent ulcers or infections. If you have poor foot circulation, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you manage this condition.

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 podiatrists of Foot and Ankle Medical Center. 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 New Port Richey and Spring Hill, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.