Items filtered by date: September 2024

Swollen feet are a common discomfort during pregnancy, often caused by the body retaining extra fluid and pressure from the growing uterus. This extra pressure can affect blood flow, leading to fluid buildup in the lower extremities. Swelling of the feet and ankles is typically more noticeable later in the day or during advanced stages of pregnancy. While this is usually harmless, it can become uncomfortable and limit mobility. It is important to monitor sudden increases in swelling, as they may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as pre-eclampsia, which requires immediate medical attention. A podiatrist can assess your feet, offer guidance on managing discomfort, and suggest ways to alleviate pressure on the feet and ankles. This medically trained foot doctor can also evaluate whether the swelling is part of a typical pregnancy experience or if further intervention is necessary. If pregnancy is causing swollen feet and ankles, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

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 Family Foot Health Center. 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 our office located in Rogers and Berryville, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain and discomfort. This condition commonly affects the big toe and can result from improper nail trimming, wearing tight shoes, or genetic predisposition. Early symptoms include redness, swelling, and tenderness along the nail edges. If left untreated, ingrown toenails can lead to infection, abscesses, and chronic pain, which may complicate walking or lead to more severe health issues. Individuals with poor nail-cutting habits, wearing tight footwear, or certain foot deformities are at higher risk. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, during which a podiatrist will assess the nail and surrounding tissues. In some cases, an X-ray may be used to rule out other conditions. To address persistent ingrown toenails and prevent complications, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for proper treatment and care.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Health Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

A podiatrist plays an essential role in managing and treating various foot conditions, ensuring optimal foot health and function. These specialized medical professionals are trained to diagnose and treat ailments ranging from common issues like plantar warts, bunions, and heel pain to more complex conditions like diabetic foot complications and arthritis. Podiatrists also address sports injuries, ingrown toenails, and foot deformities. By employing a combination of medical treatments, and surgical interventions, they tailor care plans to individual needs. Their expertise extends to preventive measures and advice on proper footwear, contributing to overall foot health and mobility. Regular consultations with a podiatrist can significantly enhance the quality of life by addressing foot problems effectively and preventing further complications. If you are experiencing any type of foot pain, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Health Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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

Minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery offers significant benefits compared to traditional open surgery. This approach involves making smaller incisions, which allows surgeons to correct deformities or address injuries with minimal disruption to the surrounding tissues. The reduced trauma to the foot and ankle leads to less postoperative pain, smaller scars, and faster recovery times. One of the major advantages of minimally invasive surgery is the quicker return to normal activities, as patients often experience shorter recovery periods and fewer complications, like infections or wound healing issues. Additionally, this technique minimizes the impact on the patient’s overall foot structure, preserving more of the natural anatomy and reducing the need for extensive rehabilitation. If you are facing the need for foot or ankle surgery, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to see if a minimally invasive surgical technique is correct for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Health Center. Our doctors 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 Rogers and Berryville, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.