Swollen feet can be caused by several factors, often linked to underlying health conditions. One common cause is leaky veins, where blood flows backward due to weakened valves, leading to fluid buildup in the lower limbs. This condition, known as venous insufficiency, is often accompanied by discomfort and swelling. Another factor to consider is the side effects of medication. Certain drugs, such as those used for high blood pressure or diabetes, can cause fluid retention, leading to swelling in the feet. Dependent edema is another possible cause, particularly for individuals who spend prolonged periods standing or sitting. This condition results from gravity pulling fluid into the lower extremities. Lastly, inflammation due to injury, infection, or conditions like arthritis can cause swelling in the feet. If you have swollen feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what the reason is, and offer effective relief and treatment tips.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Jordan Baker, DPM of Best Foot Forward Surgical 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 Florence, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Stress fractures in the feet often occur subtly, making them challenging to detect without professional evaluation from a podiatrist. These hairline cracks in the bones of the feet develop gradually, often caused by an increase in physical activity. People who are especially active, like runners and other athletes, older adults, and those with low bone density are at a higher risk for foot stress fractures. Common symptoms include pain that intensifies during or after activity, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area. Unlike typical bone fractures, stress fractures may not immediately show up on X-rays, often taking several weeks to become visible. Podiatrists can accurately diagnose stress fractures by using imaging methods, such as bone scans or MRIs, to ensure the right treatment plan. They may recommend rest, support devices, or other interventions to help the bone heal and prevent further complications. If you have foot pain that may be caused by a stress fracture, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Jordan Baker, DPM from Best Foot Forward Surgical Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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

Foot pain can stem from various issues affecting the feet, toes, or ankles. Bunions, for example, occur when the big toe presses against the second toe, forming a painful, bony bump near the joint. Ingrown toenails, where the nail grows into the surrounding skin, often cause redness, swelling, and discomfort. Achilles tendonitis results in inflammation from overuse of the strong tendon that connects the heel bone to the calf muscles. A rupture of the Achilles tendon can cause severe pain and difficulty walking. Fractures in the foot or ankle, whether small cracks called stress fractures or complete breaks, are often due to overuse, accidents or injuries. Other sources of foot pain are hammertoes, caused by an imbalance in muscles or ligaments that bend the toe abnormally, and Morton’s neuroma, a thickening of nerve tissue near the toes that causes pain and numbness. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose the cause of your foot pain and offer effective treatment to relieve discomfort. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Jordan Baker, DPM from Best Foot Forward Surgical Podiatry. 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 office located in Florence, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.