Diabetic patients often have decreased sensitivity in their feet, which makes a visual inspection of the feet even more important. If you're diabetic, having periodic screenings is extremely important for maintaining the overall health of your feet.
Foot and ankle swelling can occur for various reasons, often related to lifestyle, health conditions, or prolonged periods of immobility. One common cause is being overweight, as excess body weight places additional pressure on the feet and ankles, leading to fluid retention and swelling. Age is another factor, as older individuals may experience reduced circulation, which can contribute to swelling in the lower extremities. Leg infections can also cause swelling, as the body’s immune response leads to inflammation in the affected areas. Prolonged periods of immobility, such as on long airplane flights, can reduce circulation and lead to fluid buildup in the feet and ankles. A sedentary lifestyle, in which an individual remains seated or inactive for long stretches, can further cause swelling by preventing proper blood flow. If you have swollen feet or ankles, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate treatment solutions.
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 Key West, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Excess weight can significantly affect the feet, toes, and ankles, as they bear the body’s weight during standing, walking, and other activities. Increased pressure on the feet can lead to pain, particularly in the heels and forefoot, as well as deformities like hammer toes, claw toes, and bunions. These issues may arise because excess weight can alter how weight is distributed across the foot, leading to strain on the arches and possibly resulting in flat feet. Over time, extra weight can also affect mobility and balance, making everyday tasks more challenging. Research suggests that the likelihood of experiencing foot pain increases with higher body mass index, or BMI. A podiatrist can perform a comprehensive evaluation to diagnose weight-related foot issues and offer treatment options to reduce pain, enhance mobility, and prevent further complications. If you have foot problems that may be related to your weight, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.
The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Robert Hutchison, DPM, FACFAS from Lower Keys Foot & Ankle Surgery. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Obesity and Your Feet
People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.
Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity
When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Key West, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Foot pain affects many people due to the intricate structure of the foot and the stress it endures during daily activities. Bunions, caused by bone misalignment, can lead to discomfort and changes in foot shape. Deformities like claw toes and hammertoes, often linked to tight shoes or imbalanced muscles, can result in painful corns or calluses. Arthritis in the toes and ankles may cause stiffness and reduced mobility, with age and weight being contributing factors. Fractures from injuries, such as falls or missteps, and sprains from ligament damage can also be significant sources of pain. Conditions like athlete's foot, fungal infections, and nerve issues such as peripheral neuropathy, which causes tingling or burning sensations are other potential concerns. A podiatrist can evaluate any of these conditions and offer treatment ranging from orthotics for support to surgery, in more severe cases. If you have foot problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Robert Hutchison, DPM, FACFAS from Lower Keys Foot & Ankle Surgery. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Causes
Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
Bunions
Hammertoes
Plantar Fasciitis
Bone Spurs
Corns
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Ingrown Toenails
Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Key West, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
