Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a circulatory condition that develops when arteries become narrowed by fatty deposits, reducing blood flow to the legs and feet. Because healthy circulation delivers oxygen to muscles and skin, reduced blood supply can affect walking comfort and wound healing. One common symptom is pain while walking that improves with rest, a pattern known as claudication. Some people also experience leg cramps or numbness in their feet. Recognizing these warning signs early is important because PAD can increase the risk of serious circulation problems.

Atherosclerosis, which causes plaque to build up inside arteries, is the most common cause of PAD. Smoking damages blood vessels and greatly increases the risk of developing this condition. Other risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Age and family history can also contribute. People with diabetes may face additional concerns because nerve damage can make foot injuries harder to notice. When circulation is reduced, even a small blister or cut may heal slowly and become vulnerable to infection.

Changes in foot appearance can provide further clues that circulation needs attention. The skin may look pale, bluish, or unusually shiny, while toenails may grow more slowly. Feet may feel colder than usual, and numbness or weakness can develop. In advanced cases, pain may occur even while resting, or sores may fail to heal. Sudden severe foot pain with coldness, discoloration, or loss of sensation requires emergency medical care because it may signal an acute blockage.

A podiatrist examines your feet, checks pulses, and evaluates wounds. An ankle-brachial index or vascular imaging may help identify reduced blood flow. Treatment options include smoking cessation, prescribed medication, and recommendations for protective footwear. If you have symptoms of PAD, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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 Kellvan Cheng, DPM from Elite Foot & Ankle. Our doctor 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 Carrollton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot biomechanics describes how the feet, joints, and bones work together during standing and movement. Each foot contains 26 bones that create a flexible, yet supportive structure. These bones help absorb impact, maintain balance, and move the body forward. Healthy biomechanics allow the foot to adapt to different surfaces while supporting normal walking and running. Problems with alignment or movement can contribute to foot pain, ankle pain, and uneven pressure.

The foot bones are divided into three groups. The tarsals are seven bones located around the heel and midfoot. They help form the ankle area and provide stability while absorbing force. The five metatarsals connect the midfoot to the toes and help distribute weight during each step. The 14 phalanges form the toes and assist with balance and push-off. Together, these bones create a coordinated foundation that supports the body during activity.

Foot biomechanics can change when the bones, joints, or surrounding tissues do not move normally. Risk factors include previous injuries, structural differences, and repetitive activity. Symptoms may include arch pain, heel pain, or discomfort while walking. A podiatrist evaluates symptoms, examines foot alignment, and observes how the feet move. Treatment may include wearing supportive footwear, custom orthotics, or other targeted care. Imaging tests may be recommended when a bone or joint injury is suspected.

Understanding foot biomechanics can make it easier to recognize why proper support matters. The tarsals provide stability, the metatarsals help distribute pressure, and the phalanges contribute to balance and push-off. These bones do not work separately. Their coordinated movement helps create an efficient stride and reduces stress. If foot or ankle pain affects your movement, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Kellvan Cheng, DPM from Elite Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

A hammertoe develops when one of the smaller toes stays bent at its middle joint instead of lying flat. This bend resembles an upside-down V. The second toe is affected most frequently, although the third or fourth toe can also develop the deformity. One cause of a hammertoe is a muscle or tendon imbalance that can pull the toe out of its normal position. Other factors include arthritis, an unusually long toe, and poor alignment of the foot joints. At first, the toe may remain flexible and straighten when moved. It can later become stiff and fixed in place.

Symptoms can include pain, swelling, and redness around the bent joint. The raised area may rub against a shoe, leading to a corn or open sore. Pressure beneath the forefoot can also cause pain in the ball of the foot. Some patients have trouble finding comfortable shoes or feel pain while walking. A podiatrist can diagnose hammertoe by examining the foot and checking whether the toe is flexible or rigid. The examination also helps identify joint problems, areas of pressure, and changes in walking. X-rays can show the position of the bones and the condition of the affected joints.

Treatment depends on the bend, the patient's symptoms, and whether the toe can still move. A podiatrist can recommend shoes with a wide, deep toe box to reduce rubbing and pressure. Fitted padding can protect irritated skin, while custom orthotics can improve weight distribution and ease pain. The podiatrist can also monitor corns or sores and provide care to protect the skin. When a rigid hammertoe causes lasting pain or limits activity, surgery can straighten the toe and improve its alignment. Early evaluation can help prevent stiffness and recurring skin irritation. If you have developed a hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Kellvan Cheng, DPM of Elite Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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

Heel pain can turn the first steps of the morning or a short walk into an uncomfortable task. Several problems can cause it. Plantar fasciitis involves irritation of the strong band of tissue that runs along the sole and supports the arch. Pain can also come from an irritated Achilles tendon or the cushioning beneath the heel. Running, prolonged standing, and a sudden increase in activity can place extra stress on this area. Foot shape can also affect how pressure reaches the heel.

Shoes play an important role in improving heel comfort, but the right design depends on the cause of the pain. Shoes wear down with use, and replacing an old pair can sometimes reduce symptoms. A firm heel counter, proper arch support, and a stable sole can control unwanted movement. Runners may benefit from cushioning. However, too much padding can allow greater movement and make certain problems worse. Shoes should hold the foot securely. They should bend near the ball of the foot rather than through the middle. People with flat feet or an unusual walking pattern need guidance because a high arch may increase pressure. A podiatrist can examine the feet and shoes to recommend a suitable design.

A podiatrist locates the painful area and checks how the foot moves. The examination can identify poor alignment, limited ankle motion, or an injury requiring imaging tests. Treatment includes shoe recommendations, custom orthotics, or supportive padding. An orthotic is a device placed inside a shoe to improve support and distribute pressure evenly. A podiatrist can also advise patients about safe activity changes and determine when care is appropriate. Prompt evaluation matters when pain is severe, follows an injury, or occurs with swelling. Lasting discomfort should be assessed before it changes the way a person walks and creates strain elsewhere. If you have heel pain after running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Kellvan Cheng, DPM of Elite Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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