January 2021

Monday, 25 January 2021 00:00

Swelling of the Feet During Pregnancy

Swollen feet are a common result of pregnancy. While the fetus puts extra weight on the feet and legs, circulation also slows and fluid can build up. This ultimately leads to the feet swelling. Pregnant women whose feet have swollen should avoid standing for long periods of time, slightly elevate the feet, limit salt intake, keep hydrated, wear comfortable shoes and socks, and massage the feet regularly. While foot swelling is normal during pregnancy, a sudden or rapid increase in swelling should be checked by a podiatrist. It is also important to seek medical attention if one foot is more swollen than the other, there is pain or heat in the calf, or the skin is red or discolored.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists, PA. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward. This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages.

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
Wear shoes with good arch support
Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
Elevate feet if you experience swelling
Massage your feet
Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Stuart and Jupiter, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Monday, 18 January 2021 00:00

What to Do After an Ankle Sprain

Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries that occur while playing sports. They are the result of a sudden twist or force that over stretches or tears the ligaments in the joints. The most common sign of a sprained ankle is swelling and pain in the ankle, especially when weight is put on it. Resting and icing the ankle is generally recommended for the treatment of ankle sprains. Ankle sprains that are unable to bear any weight and prohibit walking need to be checked by a podiatrist. A podiatrist will take an X-ray to make sure that the ankle is not broken, and they will be able to help with treatment of severe sprains. Another reason to visit a podiatrist is that a more severe sprain can weaken the ankle and lead to future sprains. Proper medical care can help prevent these.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists, PA. Our doctors 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.

Monday, 11 January 2021 00:00

Gout Pain and the Big Toe

Joint pain in the big toe and surrounding area could be indicative of gout. This is an arthritic condition that generally causes severe pain and discomfort, and many patients also find it difficult to walk. Common symptoms of gout can include swelling and redness around the affected joint, and it may be painful to move the toe. This condition is caused by excess uric acid in the blood, and it can occur from specific types of foods that are eaten. These can consist of foods that have high levels of purines, which may include shellfish, organ meats, and drinks that have elevated amounts of sugar. Research has shown that patients who are obese may be prone to developing gout as well. If you are afflicted with gout or experience gout attacks, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat and manage this condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists, PA. Our doctors 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.

Monday, 04 January 2021 00:00

Broken Toe Bones

A broken toe bone is typically the result of trauma, such as stubbing your toe. If you have broken your big toe you will likely feel pain at the time of injury. You may also see swelling and bruising, and in severe cases, the toe can also become deformed. A fracture in one of the smaller toes may not be as noticeable. A broken toe is usually diagnosed through a physical examination and imaging studies, such as an X-ray. Common treatments include resting and icing the foot, wearing a walking boot, or taping the injured toe to the adjacent toes for stability while the broken toe heals. If you believe that you have broken your toe, it is recommended that you see a podiatrist for treatment as soon as possible.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists, PA. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

Throbbing pain
Swelling
Bruising on the skin and toenail
The inability to move the toe
Toe appears crooked or disfigured
Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.