The Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) test is a simple, fast, and noninvasive screening tool used to detect peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition that causes poor circulation in the lower limbs. A doctor may suggest that you undergo an ABI test if you are at risk for or have symptoms of PAD. People who are older than 70, have diabetes, high lipid levels, smoke, or have abnormal pulses in their legs can have an increased risk of developing PAD. While usually asymptomatic in its earliest stages, PAD can progressively worsen and cause leg pain, cramps, and numbness, among other symptoms. An ABI test is done by measuring the blood pressure at your arm and at your ankle using a blood pressure cuff. The two numbers are then compared to each other to determine your risk of PAD. For more information about PAD, please consult with a podiatrist.

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 Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. 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 feel free to contact one of our offices located in Debary, Lake Mary, Orlando, and Oviedo, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When it comes to avoiding foot and ankle problems, wearing the right size shoe is one of the best preventive measures that you can take. Finding your shoe size can be challenging for many reasons, as men’s, women’s, and children’s shoes all follow different sizing charts, the sizes may or may not account for foot width, and some companies label their shoes using international shoe sizes. In standard US sizing, your numerical shoe size is determined by the length of your foot, which is the distance from your heel to your longest toe. Unfortunately, this measure does not take individual variations in foot shape and width into account. Some shoes also come in wider or narrower sizes, which are usually indicated by a letter after the numerical shoe size. So, if you are looking for women’s shoes and find a pair that are size 9.5W, for example, this generally indicates that the shoes are 10 inches in length and have a wider width. Because of the large variation in shoe sizes and individual foot shapes and widths, it is suggested that you have your feet professionally measured in a shoe store and this should take place towards the end of the day when the feet are at their largest. For more information about the importance of properly fitted footwear, consult with a podiatrist.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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

Children, like adults, can incur sudden foot and ankle injuries while going about their daily activities. Sudden injuries, also known as acute injuries, can occur due to an abnormal movement of the foot or ankle or following a direct blow to the foot. In some cases, a sharp object may puncture the skin of the foot or ankle, creating a puncture wound. Acute injuries can be severely painful and lead to swelling and bruising. Common acute foot and ankle injuries in children include bruises, puncture wounds, injuries to the ligaments, tendons, joints, or muscles, and broken or dislocated bones. If your child complains of foot or ankle pain, please seek the care of a podiatrist. 

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our podiatrists of Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Debary, Lake Mary, Orlando, and Oviedo, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Many people have had blisters on their feet at some point in their lives. They can be bothersome, and may hinder performing daily activities. They generally develop as a result of excess pressure that occurs from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or from routinely performing the same activities which often includes running. A blister is defined as a small area on the skin that resembles a bubble, and is filled with liquid. This is the body’s natural defense for protection when an injury occurs that affects the skin. The blister will gradually drain as new skin forms. Runners may find it beneficial to wear a protective covering over the blisters, as this may keep the blister from draining prematurely. If you would like additional information about how to treat blisters and prevent them from developing, please consult with a podiatrist.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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

Doing exercises that strengthen your feet is an important part of good foot care, especially if you are an athlete. Weaker feet are more prone to injuries such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, neuromas, and stress fractures. Fortunately, incorporating foot strengthening exercises into your daily routine can be fairly easy. One simple exercise that you can do is the toe lift. To do this, stand with your feet flat on the floor. Slowly raise the big toe of one foot while keeping the other toes on the floor. Then switch, raising your little toes while keeping your big toe on the floor. Repeat on the opposite foot. This exercise helps strengthen the muscles that stabilize your foot and maintain and support your arches. To learn more about foot exercises, please speak with a podiatrist.  

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Debary, Lake Mary, Orlando, and Oviedo, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.