Items filtered by date: August 2018

Cramping is a common issue, yet the origins of muscle cramps are relatively unknown. Sometimes cramping is sign of somewhat benign issues such as the lack or hydration or electrolytes. Other times, cramping can be a symptom of more serious problems.

If walking leads to cramping and is accompanied by painful, aching or tired feelings in the legs and is relieved by rest, it may not be just be a simple case of cramping. Instead, it could be an instance of intermittent claudication. Intermittent claudication usually occurs in the calves but may also affect the feet, thighs, hips or buttocks. Intermittent claudication is caused by Peripheral Arterial Disease or PAD. Claudication is a manifestation of reversible ischemia induced by exercise.

As PAD develops, the distance a person can walk without experiencing symptoms may decrease. People with severe PAD may experience pain at rest.  Rest pain is usually experienced at night and intensified by leg elevation and may be reduced with positioning the leg below the heart.

There are several risk factors for PAD including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and tobacco usage. Additional risk factors include older age, male sex and obesity. People with mild PAD may be asymptomatic.

If you are at risk for PAD, your podiatrist may do a Doppler exam of the distal pulses, like those of your feet, if those pulses cannot be palpated. Your healthcare provider may also do some additional testing such as an ankle-brachial blood pressure index. Depending on the severity of your PAD, your podiatrist may refer you to a vascular specialist for further tests. Call your podiatrist today if you have questions or concerns about cramping or exercise induced pain of your legs and feet.

Please visit our website for more information or call 614-885-3338 (FEET) to schedule an appointment with us at our Columbus or Gahanna office

If you are experiencing skin changes such as scaling or peeling on the bottom of your feet or in between your toes along with burning or itching sensations, you may have a form of tinea pedis. Tinea pedis, also more commonly known as “athlete’s foot,” is a fungal infection of the foot.

There are 4 forms of tinea pedis that are common and present in different patterns.

• Chronic hyperkeratotic – manifests as scaling and thickening of the soles of the feet and sides of the feet, usually not present on the tops of the feet. May be described as a moccasin type pattern and this form is most typically known as “athlete’s foot.”
• Chronic intertriginous – may present as scaling, redness or erosions of the interdigital spaces or the skin at the bottom of the toes.
• Vesiculobullous – small vesicles develop at the bottom of the feet and may combine to form a large blister or bullae.
• Acute ulcerative- is typically present in the 3^rd and 4^th interdigital spaces as macerations with scaling borders and may spread to the outside of the foot or the bottom of the arch.

Since fungus prefers warm, dark, moist environments, moisture reduction and control is key for preventing recurrence of fungal infections. Open-toed shoes and frequent sock changes are important, especially during the warmer seasons. One should be thorough when drying interdigital spaces, as moisture can get trapped in those areas and allow for the proliferation of fungi. Drying agents such as antifungal powders can be used in shoes and socks to help with humidity control.

Visit your podiatrist for a clinical evaluation if you are worried about fungal infection. Your podiatrist may recommend or prescribe topical and oral antifungals. Call your podiatrist today if you have questions or concerns about your possible tinea pedis.

Please visit our website for more information or call 614-885-3338 (FEET) to schedule an appointment with us at our Columbus or Gahanna office