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Poor circulation affects the flow of blood to the legs and feet, reducing the oxygen and nutrients that healthy tissues need. This can lead to cold feet, numbness, and cramping while walking. Some people also notice changes in skin color or slower healing after a minor cut or blister. Hair growth on the feet and lower legs can decrease, and the skin can become shiny or thin. In more serious cases, pain can continue even while resting. Poor circulation is frequently linked to narrowed arteries, which means blood vessels have become smaller because of a buildup of fatty material inside their walls. Early evaluation is important because symptoms can gradually become more noticeable and increase the risk of foot problems.

Several factors increase the risk of poor circulation. Smoking, diabetes, and high blood pressure can damage blood vessels and reduce healthy blood flow. High cholesterol can also contribute by narrowing the arteries. A podiatrist carefully examines the feet and checks for changes in skin temperature, skin color, and pulses. Pulses are the gentle beats of blood flowing through arteries. Weak or absent pulses can suggest reduced circulation. A podiatrist also looks for slow-healing wounds, thickened nails, and other signs that the feet are not receiving enough blood. Early diagnosis helps protect foot health and reduces the chance of more serious complications.

Treatment focuses on improving foot health and reducing the risk of complications caused by poor circulation. A podiatrist provides regular foot evaluations, monitors changes, and recommends supportive care based on your condition. Careful monitoring helps identify concerns before they become more serious. Early attention also supports healthier tissue and improves comfort while walking. Protecting the feet becomes especially important when circulation is reduced because even small problems can become harder to heal. If you have symptoms of poor circulation, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions.

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Dawn Miles, DPM of Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

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 one of our offices located in Palatka and Saint Augustine, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A hammertoe develops when a toe bends at its middle joint instead of lying flat. The end points downward, giving the toe a hammer-like shape. It usually affects the second toe, but it can affect other toes. Early on, the toe can remain flexible enough to straighten. As the problem progresses, tight muscles and tendons can hold it in a stiff position. The raised joint can rub against the inside of a shoe, causing pain, redness, or swelling. Corns, calluses, and blisters can also form. These sore spots can make standing and walking uncomfortable.

Shoes that are short, narrow, or too tight can force a toe into a bent position. High heels also push the toes toward the front of the shoe. Risk can rise when a toe is longer than the others or when a bunion crowds nearby toes. Arthritis can also affect the joints and contribute to the problem. A podiatrist diagnoses hammertoe by examining the foot, checking the toe’s movement, and asking about pain. X-rays can show the position of the bones and the degree of joint damage. An accurate diagnosis also helps rule out other causes of forefoot pain.

Treatment depends on whether the toe is flexible or stiff and how much discomfort it causes. A podiatrist can recommend properly fitted shoes with a wide toe box and suitable support. Custom orthotics can improve foot balance and reduce pressure on the affected area. Professional padding or splinting can protect sore skin and guide a flexible toe into a better position. The podiatrist can also remove thick corns or calluses safely and monitor changes in the joint. When the deformity is severe, rigid, or painful despite these measures, surgery can straighten the toe and improve function. If you have foot pain caused by a hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dawn Miles, DPM of Florida. 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 one of our offices located in Palatka and Saint Augustine, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A bunion is a deformity that develops at the joint where the big toe meets the foot. The big toe gradually shifts toward the smaller toes, causing the base of the joint to become enlarged and more noticeable. Bunions develop slowly, and symptoms become more severe over time. Common signs include pain, swelling, and redness surrounding the joint. Some people also experience stiffness or have difficulty wearing certain shoes because of the enlarged area. As the deformity worsens, it can affect the way the foot functions while walking and standing. Because bunions do not usually improve without professional care, early evaluation is important to determine the severity of the condition and recommend appropriate treatment.

Several factors may contribute to bunion development, including inherited foot structure, abnormal foot mechanics, and certain inflammatory joint conditions. Although wearing narrow or tight-fitting shoes does not directly cause bunions, it may increase pressure on the affected joint and worsen existing symptoms. The deformity may continue to progress, making the toe less flexible and increasing discomfort during everyday activities. A comprehensive podiatry examination helps evaluate joint alignment, foot structure, and the extent of the deformity. Imaging studies may also be recommended to better understand changes within the joint. Early diagnosis allows treatment to begin before the bunion causes greater pain or leads to additional foot problems.

A podiatrist specializes in diagnosing and treating bunions while evaluating the overall health and function of the feet. Professional care focuses on relieving pain, improving mobility, and slowing the progression of the deformity when possible. Treatment is individualized based on the severity of the bunion, the patient's symptoms, and activity level. Regular follow-up visits also allow the condition to be monitored and treatment to be adjusted as needed. If you have pain at the base of your big toe or believe you may have a bunion, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Dawn Miles, DPM of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Podiatrists often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your provider.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Palatka and Saint Augustine, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Morton’s neuroma is a common nerve-related foot condition that causes pain in the ball of the foot. It occurs when tissue surrounding a nerve becomes thickened and irritated, creating pressure on the affected nerve. The condition most often develops between the third and fourth toes, although symptoms can vary between individuals. Understanding how Morton’s neuroma develops can help identify warning signs and support early treatment.

The symptoms of Morton’s neuroma may include burning sensations, sharp pain, tingling, and numbness in the forefoot. Many people describe the discomfort as feeling like there is a small object trapped inside their shoe. Pain is typically located beneath the ball of the foot and may extend into the toes. Symptoms often become more noticeable during walking, running, or when wearing shoes that squeeze the front of the foot.

Risk factors for Morton’s neuroma include footwear choices, activity levels, and existing foot structure concerns. Wearing high heels and narrow shoes can force the toes together, increasing pressure on the nerves. Athletes who participate in running or jumping activities may also experience repeated stress in the forefoot. Other risk factors include flat feet, high arches, bunions, and hammertoes, which can change the way pressure is distributed across the foot.

Preventing worsening symptoms involves reducing irritation and supporting proper foot mechanics. Choosing comfortable shoes with enough room for the toes can help decrease pressure on the nerve. Addressing foot alignment concerns early may also improve comfort and mobility. Morton’s neuroma can be painful and may cause difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat Morton’s neuroma. 

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dawn Miles, DPM of Florida. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Palatka and Saint Augustine, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.