Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, develops when arteries in the legs become narrow or blocked. As a result, the feet receive less oxygen-rich blood. PAD can cause aching, cramping, and numbness in the legs and feet. Some individuals also experience weakness. Pain can begin when walking and ease with rest. Warning signs include cold feet and toes, pale skin, and slow-growing toenails. The skin can look bluish, smooth, or shiny. Because symptoms can seem related to aging or inactivity, patients do not seek care until the disease is more severe.

Reduced circulation makes foot injuries harder to heal. A cut can develop into an open sore because the tissue lacks enough blood to repair itself. Watch for wounds on the toes, heels, or ankles that heal slowly. Resting foot pain, skin-color changes, and unusually cool areas also deserve prompt attention. Severe PAD can lead to tissue death, called gangrene, and could require surgery or loss of limb. PAD also raises the risk of heart attack and stroke. Smoking can worsen PAD, so quitting is an important step. Regular exercise can improve circulation and reduce leg pain, but patients should ask their podiatrist to recommend appropriate activities.

A podiatrist can examine the feet for changes that point to poor circulation. The visit can include checking skin temperature, checking for pulses, and examining nails and wounds. A podiatrist can also perform or arrange an ankle-brachial index test. This test compares blood pressure at the ankle with blood pressure in the arm. The results can show whether blood flow to the legs is reduced. A podiatrist can manage wounds and help prevent infection. Early diagnosis protects the feet and supports better overall health. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment and management solutions.

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. Castillo from Bronx Foot Care. 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 offices located in Bronx, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Falls in elderly adults are a leading cause of injury and can significantly affect independence and quality of life. A fall is defined as an unintentional loss of balance that results in landing on the ground. Common causes include poor vision, medication side effects, home safety hazards, and lack of physical activity. These factors can interfere with balance, coordination, and awareness, increasing the likelihood of a fall. Understanding these causes helps individuals and caregivers take steps to improve safety.

Symptoms that may signal a higher risk of falling include unsteady walking, dizziness, slow reaction time, and muscle weakness. Poor vision can make it difficult to detect obstacles, while certain medications may cause drowsiness or reduced alertness. Risk factors also include chronic health conditions, reduced flexibility, and limited strength. When these issues combine, they can make daily movements more challenging and increase the chance of losing balance.

Falls can result in several foot and ankle conditions, including sprains, fractures, bruising, and joint injuries. These conditions may cause pain, swelling, and difficulty walking, which can limit mobility and slow recovery. Home safety hazards such as loose rugs, poor lighting, and cluttered pathways can increase the risk of these injuries. Preventive measures include improving home safety, staying physically active, and addressing vision concerns. Regular exercise can help build strength and improve balance, which supports safer movement.

Reducing fall risk requires awareness, preparation, and consistent habits. Making simple changes at home and focusing on physical health can help prevent injuries and maintain independence. Understanding symptoms and risk factors allows for early action and better outcomes. If you have foot or ankle pain from falling, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective treatment solutions and additional guidance on fall prevention strategies.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Dr. Castillo from Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

In-toeing and out-toeing are common foot and lower-limb alignment conditions that affect the way a child’s feet point while walking or standing. In-toeing occurs when the feet turn inward, while out-toeing occurs when the feet point outward. These conditions are often noticed when children begin walking and may change as the bones and muscles develop. Understanding the definition and causes of in-toeing and out-toeing can help parents recognize normal development patterns and identify when professional evaluation may be needed.

Signs of in-toeing include toes pointing inward, frequent tripping, or an uneven walking pattern. Out-toeing may appear as feet turning outward while walking, standing, or running. Some children may have difficulty with balance or coordination, although many cases improve naturally with growth. Risk factors include family history, differences in bone development, muscle tightness, and positioning during early growth. The alignment of the hips, knees, and feet can all influence how a child walks and moves.

The causes of in-toeing and out-toeing vary depending on the child’s stage of development. In-toeing may result from curved foot structure, inward rotation of the shin bone, or inward positioning of the thigh bone. Out-toeing may develop from outward rotation of the hip, leg alignment differences, or foot positioning issues. These conditions are not always caused by footwear or walking habits, but certain structural factors can influence how the feet align.

Early observation and regular monitoring can help ensure healthy foot development. Supportive footwear, proper movement habits, and professional guidance may be recommended depending on the severity of the condition. Most children improve as they grow, but some cases may require treatment to support proper alignment and function. If your child shows signs of in-toeing or out-toeing, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective treatment and management solutions. 

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. Castillo of Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

A high arch places extra pressure on the heel and ball of the foot. This shape is sometimes called pes cavus, which simply means a foot with a raised arch. High arches can affect one or both feet. Some are inherited, while others are linked to bone or nerve conditions. The uneven weight distribution can lead to aching, burning, or sharp pain. Patients can also develop calluses where pressure is greatest. Pain can become noticeable when standing, running, or walking for periods.

A high arch can also make the foot less flexible and less able to absorb shock. The ankle may feel unstable, which can raise the risk of repeated sprains. Some patients develop curled toes, while others notice that their shoes fit poorly. A podiatrist begins the evaluation by examining the arch, checking joint movement, and studying the patient’s walking pattern. The podiatrist also looks for muscle weakness and changes in sensation. X-rays and other imaging can show the foot’s structure and joint alignment. When signs point to a nerve-related cause, additional testing can help identify the source.

Treatment from a podiatrist focuses on reducing pressure, supporting the arch, and improving stability. Custom orthotics can spread weight more evenly across the foot and provide cushioning beneath painful areas. A podiatrist can also recommend shoes with enough depth, firm heel support, and shock-absorbing soles. Padding or shoe modifications can protect tender spots and improve fit. Regular podiatric evaluations help track changes in the arch, skin, and walking pattern. The right approach depends on the cause of the high arch and the degree of discomfort. Early evaluation can help prevent recurring ankle problems, painful calluses, and increasing difficulty with mobility. If you have high arch foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist effective relief and management solutions.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Castillo from Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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