The Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) test is a screening measure that a podiatrist can use to determine a patient’s risk of having peripheral artery disease (PAD). As many as 50% of people who have PAD are asymptomatic. This makes screenings very important for detection, diagnosis, and treatment. During an ABI test, the doctor uses a blood pressure cuff or ultrasound to take your blood pressure at the brachial artery in both upper arms and at the anterior and posterior tibial arteries in both lower legs. The doctor then takes the higher of the two brachial blood pressures and the highest of the anterior or posterior tibial artery blood pressures and compares the two numbers to form a ratio. This ratio correlates to one’s risk of having PAD. A ratio of 1.0-1.4 is considered within the normal range, while a ratio below 0.90 is considered abnormal. It is said that the lower the ratio, the more severe the PAD. For more information about vascular testing, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Vascular testing plays an important part in diagnosing disease like peripheral artery disease. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, or diabetes, consult with Darren Day, DPM from Hawaii. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Vascular Testing?

Vascular testing checks for how well blood circulation is in the veins and arteries. This is most often done to determine and treat a patient for peripheral artery disease (PAD), stroke, and aneurysms. Podiatrists utilize vascular testing when a patient has symptoms of PAD or if they believe they might. If a patient has diabetes, a podiatrist may determine a vascular test to be prudent to check for poor blood circulation.

How Is it Conducted?

Most forms of vascular testing are non-invasive. Podiatrists will first conduct a visual inspection for any wounds, discoloration, and any abnormal signs prior to a vascular test.

 The most common tests include:

• Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) examination
• Doppler examination
• Pedal pulses

These tests are safe, painless, and easy to do. Once finished, the podiatrist can then provide a diagnosis and the best course for treatment.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Honolulu and Kahuku, HI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

In arthroscopic surgery, a small incision in the skin is made to allow a narrow instrument (arthroscope)—with a light and video camera attached—to be inserted into the ankle. The video from the camera transmits a signal to a large screen which the surgeon views to see and diagnose damage inside the ankle. The surgeon can look at this video to guide them during arthroscopic surgery, using tiny surgical instruments inserted through other small incisions. Arthroscopic ankle surgery can be used to restore damage to cartilage, remove bone spurs, scar tissue and debris, and treat certain conditions in the small area at the back of the ankle. Arthroscopic surgery offers shorter hospital stays and recovery time, and it has a lower risk of infection due to small incisions being made—as opposed to larger incisions associated with open surgeries. Make an appointment with your podiatrist to see if arthroscopic surgery is appropriate for your ankle condition.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Darren Day, DPM of Hawaii. 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 offices located in Honolulu and Kahuku, HI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete’s foot or Tinea Pedis, is a fungal infection that can produce a red, itchy, stinging, flaky rash on the uppermost layer of skin between the toes and on top of the foot. The microorganism responsible for  Athlete’s foot is called Trichophyton, which loves moist, warm environments. Athlete’s foot can spread through skin-to-skin contact at the site where the fungus lives. It can also spread indirectly, through contact with a contaminated area or object such as shoes, towels, socks and more. Untreated Athlete’s foot may spread the infection from toe to toe, or even to the hands in rare cases. If you believe you have Athlete’s foot call a podiatrist as soon as possible to determine what treatment option is best for you. 

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Darren Day, DPM from Hawaii.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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

Ankle sprains occur when one or more ligaments that support the ankle are overstretched or torn. This often happens during a sudden twisting of the ankle while walking or running, or due to a direct impact while playing sports. There are three types of ankle sprains. A lateral sprain is the most common type of ankle sprain, as the small lateral ligaments along the outside of the ankle are the most easily injured due to their size and lower strength and resilience relative to other ligaments in the ankle. Another type of sprain is a medial ankle sprain, which affects the ligaments along the inside of the ankle. A high ankle sprain is relatively rare and affects the ligaments located above the ankle joint and between the two leg bones. If you have sprained your ankle, it is strongly suggested that you seek medical care from a podiatrist. A podiatrist can determine the type and severity of your sprain and find the right treatments for you.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Darren Day, DPM from Hawaii. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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