Swollen feet can cause both inconvenience and discomfort, but ignoring them may be dangerous, as edema can be a symptom of an underlying condition. One of the most common causes of swollen feet is pregnancy, which can be the result of increased fluid retention and hormonal changes. Injuries to the leg or ankle can lead to swelling, as ligaments stretch beyond their normal range of motion. Lymphedema, another cause of swelling, results from the accumulation of lymphatic fluid, often after cancer radiation therapy or lymph node removal. Venous insufficiency, which stems from damaged vein valves in the legs and feet, can also cause the feet to swell, and can be accompanied by potential symptoms such as ulcers and skin discoloration. Infections pose a risk, especially for those with diabetic neuropathy or nerve problems, making regular foot exams with a podiatrist essential for diabetics patients. Certain medications can induce foot swelling as a side effect, necessitating consultation with a podiatrist. Arthritis can affect joints, causing swelling as a result of increased synovial fluid or inflammation. While mild foot swelling may not always warrant medical attention, chest pain, breathing difficulties, or shortness of breath require immediate evaluation as they may indicate pulmonary edema. If you notice sudden or unusual swelling in your feet, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist at your earliest opportunity.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact the podiatrists of Boston Common Podiatry. 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 our office located in Boston, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Rock climbing can be an exhilarating activity for some, but it can also result in foot and ankle injuries. Falls are a significant cause of these injuries, with wall collisions and ground falls leading to various issues, including fractures and sprains. Climbing shoes, important for performance, can exacerbate foot problems. Wearing shoes that are smaller than street shoes can lead to acute foot pain in climbers and restriction of blood vessels that can cause numbness. Additionally, nail diseases may occur due to the moist environment inside the shoes. Ankle sprains are also common due to the foot's position in climbing shoes. To minimize these risks, it is necessary for climbers to choose the right shoe size, avoid overly aggressive shoes when unnecessary, and take breaks between climbs. It is also beneficial to clean feet post-climbing, and massage feet regularly. If you are a rock climber or thinking of participating in this sport, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for additional tips on how to care for your feet to ensure a healthy and enjoyable climbing experience.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact the podiatrists of Boston Common Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

Foot and ankle infections, while less common in nondiabetic individuals, require prompt recognition and treatment. Patients with these types of infections often experience symptoms such as pain, swelling, reddening, and visible foot wounds. Medical conditions like renal insufficiency or inflammatory diseases can compromise immunity. Persistent reddening of the skin may indicate cellulitis. It is important to inspect the foot for calluses, blisters, and wounds as well as assess the wound size, depth, and any exposed tendons. A joint examination is necessary to evaluate motion and stability. Neuropathy can develop in nondiabetic individuals due to various factors. Imaging, lab tests, and culturing soft tissue or fluid can assist in diagnosis. Nail disorders require specific consideration. Cellulitis responds to antibiotics, while necrotizing fasciitis demands surgical intervention. Timely diagnosis and treatment are important in managing foot and ankle infections in nondiabetic individuals. If you have a foot wound that is not healing, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for evaluation and treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with the podiatrists from Boston Common Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

Morning heel pain can have several underlying causes. One of the most common culprits is plantar fasciitis, a condition in which the broad band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed. This results in sharp or stabbing pain in the heel that tends to be most intense in the morning. Another source is Achilles tendonitis, which is the inflammation of the tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It can be caused by tight calf muscles or overuse. Morning heel pain has also been linked to rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition that causes Inflammation in the foot joints and results in stiffness and discomfort, especially after periods of rest. A stress fracture in the heel bone may also be responsible for morning discomfort. These hairline fractures can cause localized pain that becomes more noticeable when you first put weight on your feet in the morning. Lastly, aging can contribute to morning heel pain, as the muscles, tendons, and ligaments lose some of their flexibility and resilience. If you're experiencing morning heel pain, it's suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose the cause and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact the podiatrists of Boston Common Podiatry. 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 our office located in Boston, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Peripheral artery disease, also known as PAD, is a common circulatory condition that primarily affects the arteries of the legs and feet. It occurs when fatty deposits build up in the arteries, causing them to narrow and reduce blood flow to the limbs. Symptoms of PAD include pain, cramping, and fatigue in the legs and feet, especially during physical activity. If severe, this condition can lead to pain at rest, non-healing wounds or ulcers, and tissue damage or gangrene. Treatment aims at relieving symptoms and preventing complications. While non-invasive imaging tests have been used to assess PAD, recent advancements in MRI techniques have had a significant impact on the diagnosis and understanding of this disease. If you are suffering from peripheral artery disease and have troublesome foot symptoms, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to see if any of the newer advancements in testing can better pinpoint effective treatment for you.

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact the podiatrists of Boston Common Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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