When your feet become swollen, bodily fluids accumulate in the feet and ankles, which can make your skin look puffy and cause sensations of stiffness when putting weight on the feet. Swelling of the feet has numerous causes, however one often overlooked cause is hot weather. Some individuals might be particularly susceptible to what is known as heat edema, which is essentially swelling that comes about when standing for a prolonged period of time in hot environments. To avoid heat edema, you might consider keeping your body cooler in temperature by staying in the shade when outdoors. Additionally, it might be important to stay hydrated by drinking a sufficient amount of water to combat heat edema. This is done to reduce your body's concentration of salt and can ultimately lower your retention of bodily fluids. Contact a podiatrist today to learn more about heat edema and feet swelling in hot weather.
Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. 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:
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 O'Fallon, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Many runners hear a lot about overpronation and its effects. Some pronation is relatively normal when your foot bears weight as you walk or run. The arch flattens out and the foot rotates inward. The degree to which the foot pronates is different for each runner. Overpronation can affect other body parts, such as the knee and calf, and the sole. How can you tell if you overpronate? Stand on one foot in front of a mirror. Notice whether your ankle wobbles and if your foot rolls in or out. The more it rolls in the more your inner arch touches the floor, and the more your foot pronates. To help remedy overpronation, look for running shoes that offer medial arch support and a wider heel. Additionally, several exercises can help to strengthen ankle and foot muscles, providing more stability. For more information on overpronation, please consult a podiatrist who can assess your gait and provide treatment options that may include custom orthotics.
If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Biomechanics in Podiatry
Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.
A History of Biomechanics
Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.
Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in O'Fallon, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
When the arch of the foot is not fully developed, it is known as flat feet. The medical term for this ailment is called pes planus and it affects most babies when they are born. The arch will fully develop in most people in their teenage years and there are specific exercises and stretches that can be performed which may help with existing discomfort. Have your child stand on one foot as this is an effective method of using the small muscles inside of the foot and around the ankles as balance is maintained. A good exercise that can strengthen the toes is done when your child picks up marbles that are on the floor with their feet as this can help build up the arch. Ask your child to walk on a curb. This is an effective way for them to learn how to balance on narrow surfaces and will strengthen the ankle and arch and may help to gradually develop the foot. If you would like additional information about how to live with flat feet and possible ways to strengthen the arch, please confer with a podiatrist.
Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.
Conditions & Problems:
Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.
Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.
Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.
Symptoms
Treatment
If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in O'Fallon, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!
People who develop heel spurs are aware of the pain and discomfort they may cause. It is defined as a bony growth on the back of the heel and between the arch, and is generally felt while walking and running. It is a calcium deposit, and wearing shoes that do not fit correctly may increase the risk of getting a heel spur. They may be one of three shapes, including pointed, shelf-like, and hooked, and may be up to a half inch long. The common symptoms that many patients experience can consist of a chronic ache in the heel of the foot, and there may be inflammation and swelling in the affected area. Additionally, it is often tender to the touch, and it may feel warm. A heel spur happens as a result of strained ligaments and muscles that gradually wear out the soft tissues in the heel. People who have experienced a heel injury, are overweight, or who frequently run and jump on hard surfaces, may be at a greater risk for developing a heel spur. Mild relief can come from resting the affected foot as often possible, and wearing shoes that have adequate support and cushioning. If you have been afflicted by a heel spur, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can recommend correct treatment options, which may include surgery for permanent removal.
Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.
Heels Spurs
Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.
Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.
Pain
The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.
Treatments
There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.
If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in O'Fallon, IL . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.
