Items filtered by date: May 2025

Peripheral arterial disease, or PAD, is a condition that affects blood flow to the legs and feet due to narrowed or blocked arteries. Reduced circulation can lead to pain, numbness, cold feet, or slow-healing wounds, especially during walking or activity. Some people may feel cramping in the calves or feet that improves with rest. PAD is more common in older adults and those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a history of smoking. It may also cause changes in skin color or hair loss on the legs. Left untreated, PAD increases the risk of serious complications such as foot ulcers or infections. Lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes surgical options are used to improve circulation. If you notice pain in your feet during activity or other signs of poor circulation, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can assess your symptoms and recommend appropriate care.

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 Priyanka Mude, DPM from North Canton Podiatry. 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 North Canton, Ohio . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, called the plantar fascia, becomes irritated or inflamed. This ligament supports the arch and absorbs pressure during walking. Repeated strain from activities like running, long periods of standing, or wearing shoes that lack proper support can lead to small tears where the fascia connects to the heel bone. Symptoms of plantar fasciitis often include sharp pain in the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after sitting for long periods. The pain may recede with movement but often returns later in the day. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar fasciitis by examining the foot and reviewing activity history. Treatment options include prescribed orthotics, anti-inflammatory medication, night splints, or, in some cases, corticosteroid injections. Surgery may be considered if other options fail. If you have pain on the bottom of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Priyanka Mude, DPM from North Canton Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

Ingrown toenails happen when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin. This can cause pain, redness, swelling and sometimes infection. Soaking the foot in warm water can help soften the area and reduce discomfort. Gently lifting the nail with a small piece of cotton or dental floss may guide it to grow above the skin. Wearing open-toed or roomy shoes can also ease pressure on the toe. However, trying to cut the nail yourself can make things worse. If home care does not help or the area becomes infected, a podiatrist can safely remove part of the nail. In some cases, a small procedure is done to keep the nail from growing back into the skin. If you have a painful toenail that does not improve, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Priyanka Mude, DPM of North Canton Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

Plantar warts are non-cancerous growths that develop on the soles of the feet, caused by a viral infection from the human papillomavirus, or HPV. The virus enters the skin through small cuts or abrasions and results in the formation of hard, rough patches. There are two main types of plantar warts, solitary and mosaic. Solitary warts appear as single, raised lesions that can cause pain when walking or standing, while mosaic warts are clusters of smaller warts grouped together. Symptoms include pain, discomfort, and the appearance of a thickened, calloused area on the skin. The warts may also have tiny black dots, which are small blood vessels that have clotted. Plantar warts are contagious and can be spread through direct contact or shared surfaces, such as public pool areas. They can be painful and it may be difficult to complete daily activities. If you have developed this foot condition, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment options.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Priyanka Mude, DPM from North Canton Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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