The human foot has
been called the mirror of our body. Many times early signs of such
systemic conditions as diabetes, gout and hardening of the arteries may
appear in the foot.
Diabetes is a disease in
which the body cannot make proper use of the sugar that we eat. This
sugar builds up in the blood and causes many changes in the body. It
lowers resistance to infections, often prevents normal healing, and
causes decreased sensation and blood supply in the feet. More than half
of patients with diabetes have clinical evidence of decreased feeling
and/or circulation in their feet. Diabetics may suffer long-term
complications such as skin ulcers, cellulitis, neuritis, vascular
insufficiency, and gangrene. It is very important that all diabetics
have proper foot care. By following a simple daily foot care regimen,
long-term complications can usually be avoided.
Arteriosclerosis,
commonly known as "hardening of the arteries," is a condition in which
there is a thickening, hardening and loss of elasticity of the walls of
the blood vessels, especially arteries. Arterial insufficiency may be
caused by obstruction in the artery wall, narrowing of the arteries, or
spasms of the arteries.
Arteriosclerosis is the most common cause of arterial insufficiency in the
legs. It usually occurs in individuals past fifty years of age, and is
more common in men than women. Its incidence
is much higher in smokers and somewhat increased in diabetics.
Arteriosclerosis is characterized by coldness in the feet and toes,
sudden, sharp pain in the calf or thigh of the leg, hair loss on the
legs and feet, and sores on the feet and toes that do not heal.
If you have circulatory
problems - and so many of us do as we get older - remember that good
muscle function helps circulation. The muscles of the legs have a
massaging effect on the blood vessels, and help to maintain normal
passage of blood. Exercise helps to maintain good muscle function, which
is of great benefit to your entire circulatory system.
Can a podiatrist help your circulatory problems? We
make it easy for you to find out. Here's how....
The physicians and staff of the A Step Ahead Foot & Ankle Centers
maintain two complete podiatric clinical facilities and provide
24-hour emergency service. We participate in most health plans including
Blue Cross / Blue Shield, Medicare, and Medicaid. We complete and file
all necessary insurance forms and make every effort to assure you of
maximum benefits with minimum out-of-pocket expense.
You are invited to make an appointment today to relieve your foot
problems by calling us at 970-493-4660 or 970-667-0769.
