Swollen feet are common during pregnancy, especially as the day comes to an end. This swelling, called edema, happens when the body holds more water than usual. Extra fluid can gather in the lower part of the body because gravity pulls it downward. Additionally, a growing womb can place pressure on blood vessels, making it harder for blood and fluid to return from the legs. Feet and ankles may look puffy.

Several pregnancy changes can increase the risk of swollen feet. Standing for long periods of time can encourage fluid to collect around the ankles. Warm weather, body weight and less movement may also contribute. Swelling is often more noticeable late in pregnancy. Although mild swelling can be normal, sudden or severe swelling needs prompt medical attention. Swelling with severe headache, vision changes, or shortness of breath should be evaluated because these symptoms can signal a complication.

You can take simple steps to manage pregnancy-related foot swelling. Avoid standing for long periods of time, and change positions regularly. When resting, elevate your feet when possible. Gentle foot exercises can help circulation. Rotate your feet in circles, then point and flex each foot. Comfortable shoes can reduce pressure. A podiatrist can examine your feet and ankles, review your symptoms, and determine whether another foot condition is contributing. Treatment may include footwear recommendations or activity guidance.

Pregnancy swelling usually improves with rest and after delivery, but persistent discomfort should not be ignored. Keep track of when swelling appears and whether one foot becomes more swollen. A podiatrist can monitor changes and recommend care. If your feet are swollen during pregnancy and are causing difficulty in completing daily activities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Paula F. Angelini, DPM of Board Certified Foot Care. Our doctor 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 contact our offices located in Attleboro, Foxborough, Southborough, and Sudbury, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Falls can cause serious injuries and reduce a person’s confidence when standing or walking. Adults age 65 and older face a greater risk because balance, vision, and muscle strength can change with age. Foot pain, numbness, and weak ankles can make each step less steady. A podiatrist can assess the feet and ankles to identify problems that affect stability. This assessment includes checking joint movement, muscle strength, and sensation. The podiatrist can also study how a patient stands and walks.

Properly-fitted shoes are an important part of fall prevention. Shoes with wide soles, low heels, and slip-resistant outsoles can provide a more stable base. Secure laces or fasteners help keep the feet from sliding inside the shoes. Soles should be firm enough to provide support but flexible enough for a natural step. A podiatrist can check whether a patient’s shoes fit correctly and meet their needs. Custom orthotics can improve weight distribution and support foot alignment. They can also reduce painful pressure that changes the way a person walks. When foot pain is controlled, patients may feel more confident and move with greater stability.

Strong feet and ankles help the body respond to changes in the ground or an unexpected loss of balance. Research suggests that foot-strengthening exercises can increase foot strength and reduce concerns about falling. A podiatrist can recommend safe movements based on the patient’s health, balance, and ability. The plan can focus on foot strength, ankle control, and steadier movement. Regular foot exams are also valuable because reduced feeling, painful joints, or skin problems can make walking less secure. The podiatrist can treat these concerns and monitor changes that could raise fall risk. Patients should seek prompt care after a fall or when they notice frequent stumbling, new weakness, or trouble feeling the ground. If you have injured your foot and ankle from falling, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief, treatment, and additional fall prevention tips.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Paula F. Angelini, DPM from Board Certified Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

Trail running is a great way to stay active, but it can lead to foot pain from repeated stress. Bunions are bony bumps at the base of the big toe caused by pressure and misalignment, and blisters develop from friction and appear as fluid-filled spots on the skin. Plantar fasciitis involves irritation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, often leading to heel pain, while stress fractures are small cracks in the bone that occur from overuse. Symptoms include soreness, swelling, and pain during activity. Risk factors include wearing poor-fitting shoes, sudden increases in running distance, and improper form. A podiatrist can help identify the cause and recommend appropriate treatment options. If foot pain is slowing you down on the trail, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Paula F. Angelini, DPM from Board Certified Foot Care. 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)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

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 offices located in Attleboro, Foxborough, Southborough, and Sudbury, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.