Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, affects blood flow to the lower extremities and often causes symptoms in the feet and ankles. Reduced circulation from narrowed arteries can result in cold feet, muscle weakness, and pain during walking. As PAD worsens, the lack of blood supply may lead to slow-healing sores, discoloration, or numbness in the toes and soles. In severe cases, ongoing poor circulation may lead to severe complications like ulcers or tissue death. People with peripheral artery disease may experience burning pain in the feet, especially at night, which can interfere with sleep. Because symptoms may be subtle or mistaken for other conditions, PAD can go undiagnosed until complications arise. A podiatrist can evaluate foot symptoms, check for signs of poor circulation, and provide appropriate treatment options to manage the condition and reduce the risk of further problems. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease that are affecting your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

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 Cory Brown, DPM from Cory Brown, DPM. 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 Lewiston, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by a condition called hyperuricemia, where excess uric acid builds up in the blood. When uric acid crystallizes, it deposits in the joints, leading to sudden and intense pain, swelling, and redness. The big toe is often affected due to its lower temperature and reduced circulation, which promote crystal formation.  Common causes of gout include genetics, poor kidney function, high-purine diets, and certain medications. Among the risk factors are obesity, age, alcohol use, and medical conditions such as hypertension. A podiatrist can diagnose gout through clinical evaluation and testing, provide pain relief, and recommend lifestyle changes. If you have pain in your big toe, it is suggested that you promptly contact this type of doctor who can accurately diagnose gout and offer effective relief and management solutions.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Cory Brown, DPM from Cory Brown, DPM. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

A blister on the foot is a fluid‑filled bubble that forms when the upper skin layers separate and fill with serum. Blisters most often occur on the feet, toes, or ankles due to friction from wearing ill‑fitting footwear, hotspots from repetitive pressure, moisture, or foot shape issues. The body creates blisters as a temporary shield to protect deeper skin and slow down activity by causing discomfort. Clean, dry socks, properly fitted shoes, and keeping the area clean and protected with a dressing or blister pad can speed the process. Popping a blister is unwise because it breaks the natural barrier, which increases the risk of infection and exposes sensitive skin beneath. A podiatrist can assess the extent of the blister, treat any infection, recommend appropriate dressings, and suggest footwear or pressure‑point adjustments to prevent recurrence. If you have problematic blisters on your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for safe and sterile treatment.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Cory Brown, DPM of Cory Brown, DPM. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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

Plantar fibroma excision is a minor outpatient procedure lasting 30 to 40 minutes, performed to remove a benign fibrous nodule from the plantar fascia of the foot. This condition often appears as a firm lump in the arch that may cause pain with weight bearing, discomfort while wearing shoes, or the sensation of a mass beneath the foot. While excision offers relief, there are risks such as recurrence of the fibroma or numbness due to nerve involvement. A podiatrist evaluates the need for surgery based on symptoms and failed conservative treatments, guiding patients through diagnosis, imaging, and aftercare. If you are struggling with persistent foot arch discomfort or difficulty walking due to a plantar fibroma, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for expert evaluation and treatment options.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Cory Brown, DPM of Cory Brown, DPM. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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