Foot Circulation Problems

Foot circulation problems, like venous and arterial ulcers, can affect your mobility and quality of life. At the practice of Dr. Sapna Pandya, with offices in the Washington Heights and Manhattan Valley neighborhoods of New York City, New York, wound care specialist Sapna Pandya, DPM, provides diagnosis and treatment of foot circulation problems for people three and older. Dr. Pandya treats each patient as a valued individual and develops custom care plans that relieve uncomfortable symptoms and encourage independence. To learn more about the treatment of foot circulation problems, call the nearest office or book online today.

What are foot circulation problems?

Foot circulation problems occur because of reduced blood flow to your feet. If you have a chronic condition, like diabetes or peripheral artery disease, fatty deposits form inside your blood vessels, reducing blood flow. Without diagnosis and treatment, these issues increase your risk of slow-healing wounds, like venous and arterial ulcers.

As a podiatrist and wound care specialist, Dr. Pandya boasts years of experience treating foot circulation problems. A combination of healthy lifestyle changes and routine checkups can help you feel better.

What are the symptoms of foot circulation problems?

Symptoms of foot circulation problems include:

• Skin discoloration
• Hair loss
• Tingling
• Numbness
• Pain
• Muscle cramps

As the condition worsens, you might also experience venous ulcers, arterial ulcers, or other slow-healing wounds on your feet, toes, or ankles.

When should I see a specialist about foot circulation problems?

Make an appointment with Dr. Pandya if you develop symptoms, like skin discoloration or hair loss, and it occurs alongside muscle cramps or foot pain. That’s especially true if you’ve been diagnosed with a chronic medical condition, like diabetes or peripheral artery disease. The sooner you receive treatment, the easier it is to prevent complications.

How are foot circulation problems diagnosed?

To diagnose foot circulation problems, Dr. Pandya reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms. Then, she completes a podiatry exam, checking your legs and feet for skin discoloration, hair loss, or open wounds.

Dr. Pandya also orders several tests, including blood work and ultrasound. Blood work assesses your cholesterol levels and kidney function, while an ultrasound shows how well blood circulates through your arteries and veins.

How are foot circulation problems treated?

Treatment of foot circulation problems depends on various factors, including your age and the severity of the issue. Dr. Pandya recommends a minimally invasive approach whenever possible. She might recommend:

• Wearing compression stockings
• Exercising regularly to increase your circulation
• Taking insulin or another medication to help manage your diabetes
• An outpatient procedure to remove varicose veins
• Prescription medications, like blood thinners
• Quitting smoking
• Eating a balanced diet 

Surgery might be necessary if you have an infected wound or the circulation gets cut off to your foot. Dr. Pandya regularly performs amputations and other operative procedures.

Call the nearest office of Dr. Sapna Pandya to learn more about the treatment of foot circulation problems or book online today.