Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a condition in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, especially the feet and legs. It is often caused by plaque buildup that limits circulation. Symptoms include leg pain while walking, cold feet, slow-healing wounds, and skin changes. Risk factors include increasing age, genetic predisposition, smoking, limited physical activity, and chronic stress. Reduced blood flow can lead to serious complications, if left untreated. A podiatrist can identify early signs, monitor circulation, and provide care to protect foot health and prevent tissue damage. If you have symptoms of PAD that affect your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management tips.

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 doctors from Godoy Foot and 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 office located in Wayne, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A bunion is a deformity defined as an enlargement of bone or soft tissue at the joint located at the base of the big toe. This condition develops when the top of the big toe gradually shifts toward the other toes, as the bottom of the joint protrudes outward and becomes irritated. Causes include inherited foot structure, prolonged pressure from tight footwear, and abnormal foot mechanics. Symptoms often include pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty wearing certain shoes. In more severe cases, surgery may be recommended to repair the area of enlarged bone or tissue and restore proper joint alignment. Recovery commonly involves temporary pain and swelling, and the bandage must remain dry while showering. If you have a bunion that is interfering with daily activities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include surgery for removal. 

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our doctors of Godoy Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Podiatrists often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your provider.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

Falls prevention at home is an important part of protecting health and maintaining independence. Many falls occur because of hazards that can be corrected with simple safety improvements. Checking floor surfaces for loose rugs, uneven areas, or slippery spots can help reduce the risk of slipping. Improving lighting throughout the home allows better visibility, especially in hallways and stairways. Rearranging furniture to create clear walking paths and removing clutter from floors can also improve safety and mobility. Additionally, installing grab bars in the bathroom provides additional support when stepping in or out of the shower or bathtub. Foot health also plays a key role in balance and stability. Falling can seriously impact the feet. If you have injured your foot or ankle from falling, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and additional falls prevention tips.

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 doctors from Godoy Foot and 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 office located in Wayne, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Running places repeated stress on the 26 bones and numerous joints, tendons, and ligaments in the foot and ankle, which can lead to overuse injuries. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes irritated, causing sharp heel pain. Achilles tendinopathy involves damage to the tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel, leading to stiffness and pain at the back of the ankle. Metatarsalgia, or pain in the ball of the foot, is usually caused by excess pressure on the long bones behind the toes. Stress fractures are small cracks in these bones that develop from repetitive impact and may cause swelling and tenderness. A podiatrist can order diagnostic imaging and prescribe custom orthotic devices or other medical treatment to reduce pain and support healing. If you have foot or ankle pain after running, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

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 one of our doctors of Godoy Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctors 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 Wayne, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.