Items filtered by date: September 2025

Peripheral arterial disease is a condition where the arteries that carry blood to the legs and feet become narrowed. When circulation is reduced, the feet may feel cold, wounds may heal very slowly, and walking can cause cramping or pain. The skin can sometimes appear pale, shiny, or thin due to the lack of proper blood flow. In more advanced stages, ulcers or sores may develop, which can be difficult to treat without medical attention. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, high cholesterol, and diabetes can increase the risk of this condition. Maintaining healthy habits, staying active, and protecting the feet from injury are all important for prevention. If you notice persistent leg pain, non-healing wounds, or changes in skin color, it is suggested that you seek evaluation from a podiatrist to receive timely 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 Susan Yeager, DPM from Yeager Foot and Ankle Center. 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 Redding, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle osteoarthritis develops when the protective cartilage in the ankle joint wears down over time, leading to pain and stiffness. Symptoms often begin gradually and worsen with activity. Many people notice aching or tenderness in the ankle that increases after walking or standing for long periods of time. Swelling may occur surrounding the joint, and the ankle can feel stiff, particularly in the morning or after rest. As the condition progresses, the range of motion may become limited, making it harder to move the ankle smoothly. Some individuals experience a grinding or catching sensation due to rough joint surfaces. In more advanced cases, deformity and instability may develop, which can interfere with daily activities. If you are experiencing ongoing ankle discomfort or stiffness, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to receive a proper diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Susan Yeager, DPM from Yeager Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor 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 tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• 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 office located in Redding, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Midfoot arthritis happens when the joints in the middle of the foot lose their protective cartilage, which normally cushions and allows smooth movement. Without this cushion, the bones begin to rub together, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. Since the midfoot plays a key role in supporting body weight and helping with walking, even simple activities like standing on uneven ground or climbing stairs can become difficult when arthritis develops. Many people also notice discomfort when wearing shoes lacking adequate support. Treatment for midfoot arthritis often begins with supportive footwear or custom orthotics that can help by redistributing pressure across the foot. Medications or corticosteroid injections may reduce inflammation and pain. Targeted exercises  can improve strength and mobility surrounding the affected joints. If these measures are not enough, surgery such as joint fusion may be considered to stabilize the foot and relieve symptoms. If you have midfoot pain that persists, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for proper evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Susan Yeager, DPM from Yeager Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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

Pain in the ball of the foot occurs when the area between the toes and the long bones of the feet is placed under too much pressure. This part of the foot absorbs the impact of walking and running, so when the bones and joints located here do not line up properly, discomfort can follow. Conditions like arthritis can cause swelling and stiffness in these joints, while toe deformities such as hammer toes or bunions may increase strain. As people age, the natural fat pad that cushions the ball of the foot often becomes thinner, leaving less protection against pressure. Repetitive activities such as jogging, playing sports, or even long hours of standing can make the pain worse. Wearing shoes that lack adequate support, like high heels or flip-flops, may also add stress to this area. A podiatrist can examine the foot, prescribe custom orthotics to reduce pressure, and provide surgery, if needed. If you have pain in the ball of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Susan Yeager, DPM from Yeager Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Strengthening and stretching the feet and ankles through regular exercise can help improve stability, reduce discomfort, and protect against injury. Simple foot exercise routines like toe raises, points, and curls work multiple muscle groups in the feet, while big toe stretches maintain flexibility and range of motion. Toe splays and curls build strength by engaging smaller foot muscles that support balance and movement. Picking up marbles with the toes is another effective way to strengthen the underside of the foot and improve coordination. Achilles stretches are also valuable, as they support the tendon that connects the calf to the heel, helping to prevent strain during activity. A podiatrist can assess the condition of the feet and ankles, recommend specific exercises, and address underlying issues that may limit movement. If you feel unstable while carrying out daily activities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Susan Yeager, DPM from Yeager Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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