Foot and ankle swelling, or edema, can result from various causes, often indicating underlying health issues. Commonly, swelling occurs due to prolonged standing or sitting, which impedes blood circulation and leads to fluid accumulation. Injury or trauma to the foot or ankle, such as sprains or fractures, can also cause localized swelling. Medical conditions like heart disease or kidney problems can disrupt fluid balance, leading to generalized edema. Additionally, conditions like arthritis and venous insufficiency, where veins struggle to return blood to the heart, contribute to swelling. Certain medications may also cause fluid retention as a side effect. Identifying the root cause of foot and ankle swelling is essential for proper treatment and management. If your feet or ankles have become swollen, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer effective relief solutions.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Pete O’Donald, DPM of Texas. 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 feel free to contact our office located in Nederland, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Measuring your foot size correctly is essential for finding well-fitting shoes and ensuring comfort. Begin by placing a piece of paper on a flat surface against a wall. Stand with your heel on the paper against the wall and your weight evenly distributed. Trace the outline of your foot on the paper, making sure to keep the pen or pencil perpendicular to the paper. Measure the length from the heel to the tip of the longest toe, and record this measurement. To determine the width, measure the widest part of your foot. It is best to measure your feet at the end of the day when they are most swollen. Compare these measurements with a shoe size chart to find your correct size. If you have sustained a foot affliction from wearing shoes that do not fit properly, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot ailments, and educate you on how to correctly measure your feet.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Pete O’Donald, DPM from Texas. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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

Heel spur removal surgery is a procedure to alleviate pain caused by heel spurs, which are bony growths on the underside of the heel bone. This condition often results in significant discomfort and can interfere with daily activities. The surgery is typically performed under local or general anesthesia. A podiatric surgeon makes an incision near the heel spur to access the affected area during the procedure. The spur is carefully removed, often along with any inflamed tissue or bursa contributing to pain. The surgeon may also address any underlying conditions contributing to the heel spur, such as plantar fasciitis. If you have a heel spur that is causing you pain and discomfort, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine if surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Pete O’Donald, DPM of Texas. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Sharp pain in the big toe can be distressing and may arise from several conditions. Gout, a type of arthritis caused by uric acid crystals, often leads to sudden, intense pain in the big toe joint. Another common cause is bunions, which create a painful bump at the base of the toe due to misalignment. Turf toe, an injury from hyperextending the toe, can also cause sharp pain. Other potential issues include sesamoiditis, an inflammation of the small bones beneath the big toe, and ingrown toenails, which can cause localized pain and discomfort. To diagnose the cause, a podiatrist will assess your symptoms, examine the toe, and may order imaging tests. Treatment varies based on the diagnosis and includes medications, rest, proper footwear, or, in some cases, surgery. If you have big toe pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and management.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Pete O’Donald, DPM of Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Nederland, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.