Items filtered by date: August 2025

As people age, changes in the blood vessels can limit circulation to the feet. This reduced blood flow means less oxygen and fewer nutrients reach the tissues, slowing the body’s ability to heal from cuts, sores, or infections. Skin on the feet may become thinner, drier, and more prone to injury. Seniors with poor circulation often feel persistent coldness or numbness, which can mask developing problems. Muscles in the lower legs and feet may weaken over time, affecting balance and stability. In severe cases, prolonged lack of blood supply can lead to tissue damage that requires urgent medical attention. Because the signs may be subtle at first, regular evaluation is important to detect issues early. If you are an older adult experiencing ongoing coldness, color changes, or delayed healing in the feet, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for assessment and management.

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Pocono Foot & Ankle Consultants. our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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

Hammertoe and claw toe are common toe deformities that can cause discomfort and affect mobility. A hammertoe bends abnormally at the middle toe joint, resembling a hammer. A claw toe bends upward at the joint where the toe meets the foot and downward at the middle and end joints, creating a claw-like shape. Symptoms include toe pain, stiffness, corns, calluses, and difficulty wearing shoes. Claw toes may also cause pain in the ball of the foot. These conditions can worsen over time, if not treated. Prevention includes wearing shoes with a wide toe box, avoiding high heels, and doing regular toe stretches. Treatment ranges from padding, orthotics, and splints to targeted exercises or, in severe cases, surgery to correct the deformity. If you notice persistent toe pain or changes in toe shape, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. Early intervention can relieve symptoms, slow progression, and help avoid more invasive procedures later on.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Pocono Foot & Ankle Consultants. our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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

Ankle pain from running can result from several foot and ankle conditions. Repeated impact and overuse may lead to strained muscles or sprained ligaments, especially if the foot lands awkwardly during a run. Stress fractures can occur when small cracks form in ankle bones due to constant pounding on hard surfaces. Tendonitis is another cause of ankle pain, affecting the peroneal, posterior tibial, or Achilles tendons. This condition may be due to improper form, poor footwear, or overtraining. Some runners also develop arthritis in the ankle joint, leading to stiffness, swelling, and pain during motion. Biomechanical issues, such as weak ankles or overpronation, may cause instability and increase the risk of recurring injury. A podiatrist can assess foot structure, gait mechanics, and joint function to determine the cause of ankle pain.  Treatment options include custom orthotics, bracing, or in some cases, surgery. If you are experiencing ankle pain from running, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, a diagnosis, and treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Pocono Foot & Ankle Consultants. our doctors 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 tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• 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 offices located in Stroudsburg, Nazareth, and Easton, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, is caused by fungi, not mold. The primary culprits are dermatophytes, a group of fungi that thrive in warm, damp environments like sweaty socks or moist shoes. Yeasts and non-dermatophyte molds can also sometimes lead to nail infections, but these are far less common. The difference lies in how these organisms function. Dermatophytes specifically feed on keratin, the protein found in your nails and skin, making them especially suited to causing nail infections. Mold, although technically a type of fungus, usually grows on organic material like wood or food, and is not typically responsible for nail infections in healthy individuals. If you notice thickened, discolored, or brittle nails, it could indicate toenail fungus. Left untreated, the infection can worsen over time. It is suggested you consult a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Pocono Foot & Ankle Consultants. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Stroudsburg, Nazareth, and Easton, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.