Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a circulation problem that develops when narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the legs and feet. Plaque build-up is the most common cause. This makes it harder for oxygen-rich blood to reach the tissues. PAD can affect walking comfort and foot healing. In some cases, it may increase the risk of serious foot complications. Knowing the warning signs can help you seek care sooner.

Symptoms of peripheral artery disease can vary. Some people develop aching or cramping in the calves, thighs, or feet during walking that improves with rest. Other symptoms may include cold feet, numbness, or changes in skin color. Foot wounds may also heal slowly. Severe PAD can cause pain while resting, especially at night. Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, and older age. A family history of artery disease can also increase risk.

A podiatrist can look closely at your feet and assess circulation during an examination. They may check pulses, skin temperature, and existing wounds. Depending on the findings, testing such as an ankle-brachial index may help evaluate blood flow. Treatment may include wound care, pressure relief, and recommendations for safer footwear. It is important to stop smoking, if applicable. Prompt attention is especially important when wounds do not heal normally.

Taking PAD symptoms seriously can help protect your feet and overall mobility. Check your feet regularly for cuts, blisters, or sores. Peripheral artery disease can be serious and may cause difficulty in completing daily activities. Do not ignore new or worsening foot pain. If you have symptoms of PAD, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions.

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 Anas Khoury, DPM from Northeastern Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 Passaic, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Choosing the right running shoes starts with knowing where you plan to run. Road-running shoes are designed for paved surfaces such as sidewalks and roads. They are usually lightweight and have cushioning that helps absorb repeated impact. Trail running shoes are made for uneven outdoor terrain. They often have deeper tread for traction and stronger materials for protection. Both should fit comfortably and provide support without squeezing the toes.

Trail shoes generally have features that help runners handle rocks, roots, and changing surfaces. Their soles can provide stronger grip, while protective materials may help shield the feet from rough terrain. Road shoes usually have smoother outsoles that work well on pavement. Their cushioning can make repeated strides more comfortable on hard surfaces. Neither type is automatically better. The best choice depends on your running environment, foot structure, and individual needs.

Wearing the wrong running shoes can place extra stress on the feet and ankles. Wearing shoes that fit poorly may contribute to blisters, corns, and toenail problems. Inadequate support or cushioning may also contribute to heel pain, plantar fasciitis, or ankle discomfort. Risk can increase when runners wear worn-out shoes or suddenly change their usual terrain. Pain, swelling, or recurring discomfort should not be considered a normal part of running.

If foot pain develops, a podiatrist can examine your feet and assess how your shoes affect your movement. The examination may include checking your gait, foot structure, and areas of tenderness. Treatment may involve activity changes, wearing supportive footwear, or custom orthotics, when appropriate. Your podiatrist can also recommend when you should replace worn running shoes. Choosing shoes based on your running surface can help reduce unnecessary stress and keep you moving comfortably. If you have foot pain from wearing the wrong shoes while running or hiking, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Anas Khoury, DPM from Northeastern Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

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

Pickleball injuries are often the result of  quick starts, stops, and sharp side-to-side movements. These common actions place stress on the feet and ankles. Ankle sprains can happen when the foot rolls inward or outward. Achilles tendon strains and tears can result from pushing off quickly. Players can develop heel pain, broken toes, or fractures in the long bones of the foot. Repeated pressure can lead to toenail damage or stress fractures, which are small cracks in a bone. Risk increases when players return to activity too quickly after a break or play on a slippery court.

Proper preparation can lower the chance of injury. A warm-up helps prepare the muscles, tendons, and joints for fast movement. Because running shoes are made mainly for forward motion, they may not offer enough stability for pickleball.  Players should wear court shoes that fit and provide good side-to-side support. Worn-out soles can reduce traction and support. A podiatrist can examine a player’s foot structure, walking pattern, and pressure points. Based on the findings, the podiatrist can recommend suitable shoes, custom orthotics, or activity changes. These steps can improve balance and reduce strain while allowing players to enjoy the game.

Pain, swelling, or difficulty placing weight on the foot should not be ignored. A popping sound, sudden weakness, or a visible change in shape can signal an injury. A podiatrist can perform an examination and order imaging tests to determine whether a bone, tendon, or ligament has been damaged. Treatment includes bracing, immobilization, or other care based on the injury. Early diagnosis can prevent the problem from becoming worse and guide a safe return to the court. It also helps patients avoid changing how they walk, which can create pain elsewhere. If you have injured your foot or ankle while playing pickleball, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions, enabling you to return to this popular sport.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Anas Khoury, DPM of Northeastern Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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