September 2022

One can get swollen feet from walking or standing for long periods of time. The swelling is often relieved by resting and elevating the feet. Various other things can cause swelling in the feet, such as conditions with bones and tendons, problems with skin and toenails, or drug side effects. However, there are times when the swelling (or edema) is related to a more serious underlying problem like heart failure, developing blood clots, or kidney disease. So this must not be ignored. If you have swelling in your feet and you do not know the cause, or if the swelling worsens, causes pain, or interferes with mobility, contact a podiatrist immediately and have your feet examined. Swelling can be the first clue that something is going on in your body, and a proper diagnosis is imperative for effective treatment.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Apopka, Debary, Lake Mary, Orlando, and Oviedo, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

At least one in four older adults suffers from foot pain. The feet play a critical role in all weight bearing activities as they are the body’s only source of contact with the ground. The feet help with shock absorption, adapt to uneven surfaces, and ease the forward propulsion of the body. If the biomechanical function of the feet is disrupted, it can lead to imbalance, difficulty walking, and ultimately a loss of independence. The most frequently reported problems leading to foot pain in the senior population include corns and calluses, fungal nail infections, and structural deformities, such as bunions and hammertoes. Systemic conditions often associated with foot pain in this age group include arthritis and diabetes. Given that multiple conditions may coexist to cause foot pain, it is suggested that seniors regularly consult with a podiatrist to have their feet examined, obtain proper diagnoses, and get effective treatment that can help restore a pain-free existence.

If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists of Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Apopka, Debary, Lake Mary, Orlando, and Oviedo, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Anyone who enjoys running knows the annoyance of having a blister on their foot. It happens as a result of excess friction that can come from wearing shoes and socks that do not fit correctly. This can damage the skin, and a blister will form over the raw skin as new skin develops underneath it. It is filled with a protective fluid, and will gradually drain as the new skin forms. Blisters can make it difficult to walk, exercise, or stand for extended periods of time, and may be covered with a bandage to prevent premature draining. There are medical conditions many people have that may lead to getting blisters. These can include fungal infections, chickenpox, and eczema. Additionally, blisters may develop from an allergic reaction to an insect bite, or possibly from chemical exposure. It is ideal to prevent blisters from occurring, and this may be done by wearing shoes that fit correctly, applying foot powder to shoes and socks, and wearing socks that can absorb moisture. If you would like more information about how to treat and prevent blisters on the feet, please consult with a podiatrist.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can 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.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Apopka, Debary, Lake Mary, Orlando, and Oviedo, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There are many causes of heel pain. Heel pain is often caused by plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of the connective tissue that spans the sole of the foot—from the heel bone through the arch up into the forefoot. Heel spurs, which are calcium deposits that form on the heel bone in response to repeated trauma, can sometimes cause heel pain as well. Oftentimes, these two conditions occur at the same time. People may be more at risk of developing heel pain if they are overweight, which puts undue stress and tension on the plantar fascia. Overusing the plantar fascia may also contribute to plantar fasciitis, as well as having tight calf muscles or wearing improper footwear that does not offer adequate support. If you have any heel pain, see a podiatrist who can diagnose and help to remedy this condition.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Apopka, Debary, Lake Mary, Orlando, and Oviedo, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.