Items filtered by date: January 2024

Swollen feet, a common occurrence, can be attributed to various factors that impact the delicate balance of fluid regulation in the body. One primary cause is fluid retention, often linked to prolonged periods of standing or sitting, particularly in hot weather. The force of gravity hinders efficient circulation, leading to fluid pooling in the lower extremities. Additionally, dietary choices high in sodium can contribute to water retention, exacerbating swelling. Injuries or trauma, such as sprains or fractures, may trigger localized swelling as the body's natural response to inflammation. Conditions like venous insufficiency or deep vein thrombosis disrupt blood flow, promoting fluid accumulation. Pregnancy and hormonal fluctuations can also lead to swelling in the feet. If your feet are swollen, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate relief methods.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Katie Besselman, DPM of Advanced Podiatry. 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 Saint Peters, MO . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A broken toe, though seemingly minor, can yield noticeable symptoms and potential long-term complications. Immediate signs include pain, swelling, and bruising around the affected toe. Limited mobility and difficulty bearing weight are common, making daily activities challenging. If left untreated, a broken toe may lead to complications, such as deformities where the toe heals in a misaligned position. Chronic pain can persist, hindering mobility. In some cases, arthritis may develop, accelerating joint degeneration over time. Nerve damage is another potential consequence, causing tingling or numbness. Seeking prompt medical attention, including having X-rays taken for an accurate diagnosis, is vital to ensure proper realignment and minimize the risk of enduring complications. If you have endured a broken toe, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition and guide you toward avoiding long-term complications.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Katie Besselman, DPM from Advanced Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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

The accessory navicular is an additional piece of cartilage or bone located in the medial foot arch, alongside the navicular bone. It is present in approximately 10 percent of the population and is considered to be a congenital anomaly. Its origin remains somewhat mysterious, with a suspected genetic link. Accessory naviculars often form during adolescence, in three distinct types. Type 1 is a small, round, or oval sesamoid bone within the posterior tibial tendon. It is not connected to the navicular bone and accounts for a third of the cases. Type 2, which is found in more than half the cases, is a heart-shaped or triangular bone connected to the navicular by a layer of cartilage. The largest accessory navicular, type 3, fuses to the navicular bone through a bony bridge and forms a horn-shaped bone. It is found in about 15 percent of the cases and is often referred to as the cornuate navicular. Many individuals with accessory navicular do not experience symptoms. However, types 2 and 3 may lead to accessory navicular syndrome, causing discomfort and inflammation. A podiatrist can perform tests to recognize the presence of an accessory navicular and suggest an appropriate treatment plan. For help, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Katie Besselman, DPM of Advanced Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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

Fungal nail infections, which are known as onychomycosis, are widespread and can affect up to 14 percent of the general population, with toenail infections being more common than fingernails. While usually not severe, they can cause discomfort and affect nail appearance. Symptoms include nail discoloration, thickening, fragility, and separation from the nail bed. Often, fungal toenail infections coincide with fungal skin infections on the foot, such as athlete's foot. These infections result from various environmental fungi entering small cracks in nails or surrounding skin. While anyone can get them, certain factors increase susceptibility, such as nail injuries, diabetes, and weakened immune systems. Prevention measures involve keeping hands and feet clean and dry, maintaining short, clean nails, and avoiding walking barefoot in public areas. Diagnosis requires laboratory testing, with podiatrists typically collecting nail clippings for microscopic examination or laboratory analysis. Effective treatment often involves prescription anti-fungal pills, initiated early. Severe cases may require nail removal. Recurrence is possible, especially in those with underlying health conditions, necessitating prompt attention if symptoms return. If you have toenail fungus, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a prompt evaluation and the correct treatment method.

For more information about treatment, contact Katie Besselman, DPM of Advanced Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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

Pregnancy often brings with it a range of physical changes, including the potential for foot pain. To navigate this discomfort, adopting tailored strategies becomes paramount. Elevated hormone levels and the added weight of the growing uterus can contribute to foot swelling and pain. Choosing comfortable, supportive footwear with ample space for expanding feet is essential. Regular elevation of the feet, especially after prolonged periods of standing or walking, helps alleviate swelling. Engaging in gentle foot exercises and stretches can enhance flexibility and reduce tension. Adequate hydration is essential in maintaining fluid balance and preventing excessive swelling. If foot pain persists, consulting a podiatrist ensures a comprehensive assessment and personalized recommendations. The feet can undergo numerous changes during pregnancy, and it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you toward relief methods.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Katie Besselman, DPM from Advanced Podiatry. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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