Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a serious disease that causes plaque to build up in the arteries and restricts blood circulation. PAD can affect the whole body, including the feet and legs—which is especially troublesome for people with diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Early diagnosis and treatment is necessary to help manage wounds, avoid infection and tissue death, and reduce the risk of amputation. A podiatrist may perform vascular testing to detect poor blood circulation. Vascular testing is safe, painless, and non-invasive. In Doppler Ultrasound and Color Doppler tests, the podiatrist will hold a transducer against the skin which sends sound waves to the blood vessels and relays visual representations back to a computer screen. These tests show how freely, and in which direction, blood is flowing through veins and arteries, and can detect possible blockages and abnormalities. These vascular tests and more will help your podiatrist properly diagnose your condition and devise a plan to help manage and treat any foot or ankle complications caused by circulation problems.

Vascular testing plays an important part in diagnosing disease like peripheral artery disease. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, or diabetes, consult with one of our podiatrists from Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Vascular Testing?

Vascular testing checks for how well blood circulation is in the veins and arteries. This is most often done to determine and treat a patient for peripheral artery disease (PAD), stroke, and aneurysms. Podiatrists utilize vascular testing when a patient has symptoms of PAD or if they believe they might. If a patient has diabetes, a podiatrist may determine a vascular test to be prudent to check for poor blood circulation.

How Is it Conducted?

Most forms of vascular testing are non-invasive. Podiatrists will first conduct a visual inspection for any wounds, discoloration, and any abnormal signs prior to a vascular test.

 The most common tests include:

• Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) examination
• Doppler examination
• Pedal pulses

These tests are safe, painless, and easy to do. Once finished, the podiatrist can then provide a diagnosis and the best course for treatment.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Canonsburg and McMurray, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Onychomycosis, also called tinea unguium, is a fungal infection that affects the toenails. It often begins as a small white or yellow spot under the nail and gradually spreads, causing the nail to thicken, change color, and become brittle. Over time, the nail may crumble, separate from the nail bed, or cause discomfort when walking or wearing shoes. Several factors raise the risk of developing this condition. Warm, moist environments, such as locker rooms and around public pools, encourage fungal growth. Wearing tight shoes, having diabetes, reduced circulation, or a weakened immune system also makes infection more likely. Because toenail fungus rarely clears on its own, professional treatment is important. Options may include oral or topical antifungal medications or removal of severely damaged nails. If you notice changes in your toenails that suggest infection, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Canonsburg and McMurray, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A bunion is a bony bump that develops at the base of the big toe when the joint shifts out of alignment. Symptoms may include swelling, redness, pain, and difficulty finding comfortable shoes. Risk factors include genetics, flat feet, and wearing narrow or high heeled shoes that put excessive pressure on the toes. Additionally, causes often involve a combination of inherited foot structure and repetitive stress on the joint. A podiatrist can provide solutions including custom orthotics, footwear guidance, and in some cases, surgery to relieve pain and restore function. If you are experiencing discomfort from a bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer appropriate treatment solutions for this condition.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, resulting from inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. This condition often develops due to overuse,  wearing improper footwear, high arches, or prolonged standing. Symptoms include sharp or stabbing pain in the heel, especially during the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. The pain may ease with movement, but often returns after long periods of standing or walking. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar fasciitis through a physical exam, medical history, and sometimes imaging to rule out other conditions. Treatment options may include stretching exercises, custom orthotics, night splints, or anti-inflammatory medications. Addressing the issue early can prevent chronic discomfort and long-term complications. If you are suffering from heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to receive an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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