Items filtered by date: June 2024

Swollen feet can be uncomfortable and concerning, often signaling an underlying issue. One common cause is prolonged standing or sitting, which leads to fluid accumulation in the feet due to gravity. This is often seen in people with sedentary jobs or those who travel long distances. Another possibility is injury. Sprains, fractures, or other injuries to the foot or ankle can cause swelling as the body responds with inflammation to protect the area. This type of swelling is usually accompanied by pain and bruising. Additionally, medical conditions such as heart disease, kidney disease, or venous insufficiency can lead to swollen feet. These issues affect the body's ability to circulate and balance fluids properly, resulting in fluid retention in the lower extremities. If your feet are persistently swollen or if swelling is accompanied by other symptoms, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan as quickly as possible.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Montgomery Foot Care Specialists. 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 Montgomery, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Cracked heels, a common foot ailment, can be caused by various factors. Vitamin deficiencies, particularly in vitamins A, C, and E, can lead to dry, flaky skin, making heels more prone to cracking. Excess weight gain places added pressure on the heels, leading to calluses and fissures. Wearing ill-fitting or open-back shoes exposes the heels to friction and pressure, exacerbating the problem. Additionally, genetics may also play a role, as some individuals naturally have drier skin or a predisposition to foot conditions. Unhygienic conditions, such as standing for long periods in damp environments or neglecting proper foot care, can contribute to cracked heels. Cracked heels can cause significant pain and discomfort. If this applies to you, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can prescribe medication for effective relief.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Montgomery Foot Care Specialists. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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

In the construction industry, wearing the right shoes is not just a matter of comfort. It is an important safety consideration that can make a significant difference in preventing injuries and ensuring productivity. Construction workers are exposed to various hazards on the job, including heavy objects, sharp materials, slippery surfaces, and electrical equipment, all of which pose risks to foot safety. Wearing sturdy, supportive footwear with reinforced toe caps and slip-resistant soles can provide essential protection against these dangers. Additionally, wearing proper footwear can help prevent common foot ailments such as plantar fasciitis, foot fatigue, and musculoskeletal injuries, allowing workers to stay comfortable and focused throughout the workday. Investing in high-quality work boots that meet safety standards and fit well is essential for every construction worker, as it not only promotes personal well-being but also enhances overall job performance and efficiency. By prioritizing the importance of wearing the right shoes, construction workers can mitigate risks and reduce accidents. Suffering from a foot injury during the workday may happen as a result of wearing the wrong type of shoes. If this has happened to you, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat foot conditions and guide you on choosing the right work shoes.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Montgomery Foot Care Specialists. our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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

Elderly foot care involves regular inspection, cleaning, and maintenance to ensure overall foot health. It is important because aging feet are more susceptible to incurring conditions like dry skin, brittle nails, and decreased circulation, which can lead to severe issues if not properly managed. As we age, feet undergo various changes such as thinning skin, loss of cushioning fat pads, and reduced blood flow. These changes can result in common problems like corns, calluses, bunions, and toenail disorders. Proper foot care includes daily washing, moisturizing to prevent dryness, trimming nails correctly, and wearing well-fitted, supportive shoes. Regular exercise and stretches can help maintain flexibility and strength. Monitoring for signs of infection, swelling, or other abnormalities is essential. Due to the increased risk of complications such as ulcers or infections especially in individuals with diabetes, it is suggested that if you are elderly, you visit a podiatrist regularly for professional care and advice.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Montgomery Foot Care Specialists. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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