January 2020

Those with peripheral artery disease, or PAD for short, may experience chronic ischemia, better known as a lack of blood supply. When this occurs, you may experience a dull, cramping pain in the affected area, commonly the feet, when exercising. The pain often stops when resting. This kind of symptom is referred to as claudication. For a proper diagnosis, a podiatrist may suggest taking an ABI, or ankle brachial index. This exam consists of using ultrasound images that will measure the blood pressure in your feet. This type of test is common for diagnosing PAD, and is painless. PAD is likely to develop among adults over the age of 50, and is especially common for those with diabetes. For more information about peripheral artery disease, and to discuss a plan for treatment, we recommend you consult with a podiatrist for professional 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 Dr. Kirk Sherris from Liberty Bay Foot & Ankle. 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 Poulsbo, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When the toenails are affected by a fungus, it is medically referred to as onychomycosis. It enters the body and lives underneath the nail. Symptoms may gradually appear, and these can include a distorted nail that lifts off of the nail bed, in addition to the nail becoming thick and discolored. This contagious fungus thrives in moist and warm environments, which can consist of public swimming areas, shower room floors, and locker rooms. There may be pre-existing reasons why this type of fungus may develop. These can include medical conditions such as diabetes, poor circulation, or patients who have a weakened immune system. If you are afflicted with toenail fungus, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can prescribe the correct medication for you.

For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Kirk Sherris of Liberty Bay Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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

There are several types of arthritis, including gout. It is known to be a painful condition that generally affects the big toe. Some of the symptoms that are associated with gout can include severe pain and discomfort, redness, and the affected area may feel hot. It may occur as a result of elevated uric acid levels in the blood, and can form crystals which lodge in the joints of the big toe. Existing factors that may increase the chances of being afflicted with gout can consist of being diabetic, having high blood pressure, or being overweight. There are methods that can be taken which may prevent gout attacks. It is helpful to reduce alcohol intake, eliminate food and drinks that have high sugar levels, and avoid red meat. If you have experienced a gout attack, it is strongly recommended that you are under the care of a podiatrist.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Kirk Sherris from Liberty Bay Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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

An ingrown toenail is a foot condition that can cause severe pain and discomfort. It occurs as a result of the nail growing into the skin instead of over it. This ailment typically happens to the big toe, and may make the area look red and swollen. A common cause for ingrown toenails to develop can include wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Additionally, this condition may develop from improperly trimming the toenails. Patients may find mild relief when the affected foot is soaked in warm water several times per day. This may be helpful in lifting the nail away from the skin with a small piece of cotton. For severely infected ingrown toenails, it is suggested that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who can provide the necessary treatment for recovery.

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 Dr. Kirk Sherris of Liberty Bay Foot & Ankle. 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 Poulsbo, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.