When the nerves in the lower limbs stop working as they should, it can lead to neuropathy. This often brings uncomfortable sensations such as burning, tingling, or shooting pain. In some cases, the opposite happens and the feet lose feeling altogether, which can make it easy to miss small cuts or blisters. People living with diabetes are most often affected, but poor circulation, certain illnesses, or side effects from medication can also play a part. Because healthy nerves are important for balance and movement, changes in sensation can interfere with walking and make daily activities harder. Early attention is important to prevent complications. Wearing supportive shoes, good circulation care, and regular foot checks can all make a difference. If you are noticing unusual feelings in your feet or ankles, it is recommended that you visit a podiatrist for evaluation and appropriate care.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Braden Jenkins, DPM from The Ridge Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

Exercises play an important role in restoring strength, flexibility, and balance after a foot or ankle injury. Toe raises are done by lifting onto the balls of the feet. This strengthens the calf muscles and supports ankle stability, which reduces the risk of reinjury. Towel scrunches involve using the toes to scrunch up a towel on the floor, which improves strength in the small muscles of the foot and enhances arch support and overall control. Ankle circles are done by slowly moving the ankle in circular motions, and helps to restore range of motion and reduces stiffness following periods of immobilization. These exercises not only rebuild strength but also improve balance and coordination, making daily activities and athletic movements safer and more comfortable. If you are recovering from a foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you seek guidance from a podiatrist, which may include suggestions for exercises regarding your specific condition.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Braden Jenkins, DPM from The Ridge Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Idaho Falls, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Diabetes can create powerful challenges for the feet that can worsen if ignored. Elevated blood sugar levels gradually damage both circulation and nerves. Poor circulation slows healing, which means even a small blister or cut can turn into a stubborn wound. Nerve damage reduces feeling, so injuries may go unnoticed until they become infected. Over time, this combination can lead to ulcers, changes in skin and nail health, and, in severe cases, serious infections that require advanced medical care. While these effects are significant, they can often be managed with attentive daily habits. Inspecting the feet each day, choosing shoes that protect against rubbing, and seeking regular podiatric exams are key steps. If you have diabetes and are noticing foot sores, changes in skin color, or loss of sensation, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Braden Jenkins, DPM from The Ridge Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

Blisters are fluid-filled pockets of skin that often occur on the feet as a result of friction. When a blister forms, you should avoid popping it, because draining the liquid within the blister leaves the raw skin beneath it exposed and vulnerable to infection. However, sometimes a blister pops or tears open on its own. When this happens, start with washing the area gently with clean water. Then, carefully smooth the flap of skin left behind from the popped blister over the tender, exposed skin beneath. Do not remove this flap of skin unless it is very dirty, torn, or has pus underneath it. Cover the area with a thin layer of petroleum jelly and a nonstick bandage. It is then a good idea to have the blister checked out by a podiatrist. If you have a particularly painful blister, notice signs of infection, or are prone to foot blisters, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Braden Jenkins, DPM of The Ridge Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often 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.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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