Regular exercise is important for maintaining cardiovascular health. It helps strengthen the heart and eliminates extra cholesterol from the bloodstream, while also helping to reduce excess fat and blood pressure. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition that causes poor circulation to your lower limbs due to plaque buildup in your arteries. PAD often leads to leg pain, especially during physical activity. Fortunately, if you have PAD or are at an increased risk of developing this condition, exercise can help prevent or reverse it. The recommended form of exercise for improving cardiovascular health is aerobic exercise, which includes activities like walking, running, biking, swimming, or taking aerobics classes. Start with low-impact activities and stay consistent for best results. If you have PAD, it is also recommended that you are under the care of a podiatrist, who can monitor your condition and provide treatment to keep you on your feet.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with one of our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Myers, Shellpoint, and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Falling can be a devastating experience, and it is common among people who are aged sixty-five and older. It can cause severe foot injuries, and may compromise the quality of life. Falls can happen for a variety of reasons, including wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, muscle weakness, or safety hazards in the living environment. There are methods that can be implemented which may help to reduce the risk of falling. These can consist of having regular medical and vision examinations where existing medications can be reviewed, keeping rooms uncluttered, and installing grab bars in the shower and toilet area. If you would like more information about how falling can affect the feet, please speak to a podiatrist who can help you with proper preventive methods.

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 one of our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors 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 offices located in Fort Myers, Shellpoint, and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sesamoiditis refers to pain around the sesamoids, two tiny bones near the big toe that help move the foot. The most common symptom of this condition is pain that is usually made worse by walking or wearing high-heeled or thin-soled shoes. Swelling, warmth, and redness due to inflammation may also occur. Sesamoiditis is particularly common amongst dancers, joggers, high heel wearers, people who have high foot arches, and people who have bunions. Treatment usually entails wearing flat, thick-soled shoes or orthotics to ease the pressure on the sesamoid bones. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is recommended that you see a podiatrist, who can diagnose and treat your condition.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact one of our podiatrists of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Myers, Shellpoint, and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The condition that is known as flat feet can be noticeable while standing on the floor. The arch area of the feet will lie flat on the floor, and the feet may feel achy. The majority of babies are born with flat feet, and the arch typically develops throughout childhood. The arch provides flexibility between the front and back of the foot, in addition to dispersing body weight while standing up. Many patients with flat feet choose to wear custom made orthotics, and this may help to provide mild relief with additional cushioning. If you have pain in your feet and think you may have flat feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose you and offer treatment options.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Myers, Shellpoint, and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.