The feet are often taken for granted, and this includes choosing shoes that fit correctly. It is crucial that shoes are comfortable as they are tried on, and a break-in period is generally frowned upon. Many foot conditions occur as a result of wearing shoes that are too tight, often affecting the toes. These can include Morton’s neuroma, bunions, and corns. Relief is often found when shoes that are worn fit properly, and the conditions may gradually diminish. There are helpful tips when purchasing new shoes, including trying them on at the end of the day when the feet are at their largest. Many people think their feet are one size, however, all shoes are not constructed equally, and the size may vary slightly. Trying shoes and walking in them will help you to determine if the shoe is right for you. This can help to provide an easy fit, and blisters and calluses may be avoided. If you would like more information about how to choose the right shoe size, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Patients who have peripheral arterial disease (PAD) often experience poor circulation. They may have cold feet or hands, the skin on the feet may become cracked, and the toenails may become brittle. Additionally, patients who smoke may be at risk of poor circulation. Improving eating habits may also help to control this condition. People who have diabetes and elevated blood pressure or cholesterol levels may be prone to developing poor circulation. Many diabetic patients have implemented coping tactics that may help to relieve some of the symptoms. These may consist of having the feet examined regularly, which will include a test for poor circulation. Additionally, performing a gentle exercise routine may help to improve poor circulation. Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels may benefit heart function, improving circulation. If you notice signs of poor circulation in your feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can help you to 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 Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. 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 Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

When you hurt your big toe, it can affect your life dramatically. The big toe absorbs much of the force of every step you take. A sore big toe does not want to be enclosed in a shoe, which can also be a great inconvenience. Big toe pain has numerous causes, including trauma. For example, stubbing the toe on a piece of furniture or dropping something heavy on the toes. Other causes are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. Bunions, ingrown toenails, and fungal toenail infections may also cause big toe pain. The typical symptoms of big toe pain are discomfort while standing or walking, tenderness to the touch, and redness or swelling. If you believe you have broken a bone in the toe or if it appears that an infection has set in, it is essential to get medical help as soon as possible. It is suggested to consult a podiatrist about big toe pain if it has lasted for more than two or three weeks or if it goes away but keeps coming back. A podiatrist can examine the toe and determine the correct treatment plan for a speedy recovery.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

The cuboid bone is located on the outside of the foot, and cuboid syndrome may happen if it becomes inflamed. An injury can cause this bone to move out of alignment, and it is often accompanied by pain and swelling on this part of the foot. Additionally, the affected foot may have a limited range of motion, and the toes may feel weak. In severe cases, the gait, or walking style, may be altered to compensate for the injured foot. Some of the injuries that can cause this condition may happen from unexpectedly stepping off of a step, or suddenly twisting the ankle. An activity that puts intense strain on the ankle bones and ligaments may also lead to the development of cuboid syndrome, which may be common among people who enjoy running and jumping activities. Some patients may be prone to getting this ailment, including people who wear shoes that do not have adequate support or run on uneven surfaces. Effective treatment begins with stopping the activity that caused the condition, if applicable, followed by frequently resting and elevating the foot as often as possible. If you have pain in this part of your foot, please consult a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with one of our podiatrists from Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.