Poor foot circulation can lead to discomfort and potentially serious health issues. To improve foot circulation, start by incorporating regular physical activity into your routine, such as walking or swimming, to stimulate blood flow. Elevating your feet when sitting or lying down can also help to reduce swelling and promote circulation. Avoid crossing your legs for long periods, as this can restrict blood flow. Massage therapy can be beneficial for increasing circulation and reducing muscle tension. Wearing compression socks or stockings can improve circulation by helping veins and muscles move blood more effectively. Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet can help to support overall vascular health. Lastly, quitting smoking and managing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can further improve blood flow to the feet. If you have poor foot circulation, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can help you manage this condition by guiding you toward additional effective relief strategies.

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 Central Ohio Comprehensive Foot Care. 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 one of our offices located in Delaware and Westerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Bunions, along with other common foot issues, can significantly impact daily life. Symptoms of bunions include a bony bump at the base of the big toe, redness, swelling, and pain, which worsens with pressure from shoes. Corns and calluses may also develop due to friction. Treatment options vary based on severity. Mild cases may benefit from changes in footwear, padding, or orthotic inserts to alleviate pressure. Stretching exercises and ice packs can help manage pain and inflammation. In more severe cases, surgical correction may be necessary to realign the toe joint and relieve discomfort. It's important to address foot issues promptly to prevent them from worsening. Visiting a podiatrist ensures an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. Whether it is bunions, corns, or any other foot concern, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to get professional advice and treatment.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Central Ohio Comprehensive Foot Care. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Delaware and Westerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Selecting the right running shoes depends on your foot type, which can be neutral, pronated, or supinated. Neutral feet have a balanced arch and typically benefit from shoes offering moderate cushioning and support. These shoes help absorb shock evenly during running. Pronated feet tend to roll inward excessively, requiring stability shoes with features like dual-density midsoles or medial posts to provide additional support and correct alignment. Supinated feet, which roll outward, benefit from neutral cushioned shoes with ample flexibility and cushioning to absorb impact and provide comfort. When choosing running shoes, consider arch height, gait analysis, and personal comfort preferences. Wearing shoes that are incorrect for your specific foot type may lead to developing foot pain. If this applies to you, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide relief and treatment options, and guide you toward the right pair of running shoes.

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Central Ohio Comprehensive Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

• Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• There should be little to no slipping at the heel
• Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
• Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
• Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our one of our offices located in Delaware and Westerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Heel pain in children can be concerning for parents, especially when it interrupts their child's active lifestyle. One common cause of heel pain is Sever's disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis. Typically affecting children aged eight to 12 during periods of rapid growth, Sever's disease is characterized by pain or tenderness in one or both heels, often worsened by physical activity. Symptoms may include mild swelling surrounding the heel bone and limping, especially after exercise. The underlying cause lies in growth spurts where bones, muscles, and tendons grow and change quickly. This makes the growth plate in the heel more susceptible to injury. The Achilles tendon, in particular, can become tight as the bones in the lower leg grow, adding stress to the heel’s growth plate. Activities like running and jumping, especially when combined with wearing sports shoes with studs, can increase the risk. While Sever's disease does not typically lead to long-term problems, it is important to manage the symptoms to prevent disruption in daily activities. Encouraging rest and avoiding activities that cause pain can help alleviate symptoms. If your child exhibits or complains of heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Central Ohio Comprehensive Foot Care. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Delaware and Westerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Foot stress fractures are tiny cracks, usually found in the long bones of the foot, that result from repetitive force or overuse. These fractures often occur in athletes and individuals who engage in high-impact activities like running or jumping. Risk factors can include a sudden increase in activity intensity, wearing improper footwear, and conditions like osteoporosis that weaken bones. Stress fractures develop when muscles become fatigued and lose their ability to absorb shock, transferring the impact to the bones. Common sites for these fractures are the metatarsal bones, which bear significant weight during movement. Symptoms often include pain, swelling, and tenderness that worsen with activity. Early diagnosis is vital for healing and preventing further complications. If you have foot pain after bouts of exercise, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat stress fractures.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Central Ohio Comprehensive Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Delaware and Westerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.