Items filtered by date: October 2024

Pregnancy often brings a range of physical changes, and foot pain is a common complaint among expectant mothers. As the body prepares for childbirth, hormonal fluctuations cause ligaments to loosen, which can lead to instability in the feet and ankles. Additionally, the growing uterus increases weight and pressure on the feet, contributing to discomfort and swelling. The shift in the body's center of gravity during pregnancy can alter walking patterns, placing added stress on the feet. Edema, or swelling, commonly occurs due to fluid retention, causing feelings of heaviness and pain. Changes in foot shape, often resulting in wider and flatter feet, can also lead to discomfort. If you have developed foot pain while pregnant, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you to find relief during this transformative time.

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 Dr. Rouder from S.I. 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 Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot pain can be a sign of arthritis, a condition that affects the joints and causes inflammation, stiffness, and discomfort. Several types of arthritis can affect the feet, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, often linked to wear and tear in the joints over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that affects multiple joints, usually starting in smaller joints like those in the feet. Gout typically targets the big toe with sudden, intense pain. Symptoms of arthritis in the feet include swelling, stiffness, reduced range of motion, and persistent pain that worsens with activity or at rest. Left untreated, arthritis can lead to joint damage and deformities causing other daily activities to become difficult. If you have persistent foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an examination, diagnosis, and treatment.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Rouder from S.I. Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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

Critical limb ischemia, or CLI, is a serious condition caused by poor blood flow, often due to diabetes or hardened arteries. It leads to severe pain, wounds that will not heal, and even dead tissue. If left untreated, one might need to have their toe amputated, and many others may not survive within a year. CLI can also be linked to black toe, as both conditions result from poor circulation. In severe cases like CLI, lack of blood flow can cause the tissues, including toes, to die, leading to blackening. Treatment aims to restore blood flow to the toe through surgery or other procedures. If that is not possible, treatments like oxygen therapy or special compression can help relieve symptoms. Without any treatment, the affected area, including the black toe, may dry up and worsen. If you have a painful black or discolored toe, it is strongly suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Rouder of S.I. Podiatry. 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 Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, occur when the arches of the feet collapse or are not properly developed. This condition can cause the entire foot to make contact with the ground while standing. Flat feet may be caused by genetics, injury, aging, or conditions like obesity and arthritis. Common symptoms include foot pain, particularly in the arch or heel, swelling, and discomfort during physical activities. Some people may experience knee, hip, or lower back pain due to the altered biomechanics of the body. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination and imaging tests like X-rays to assess foot alignment. Treatment options range from wearing supportive footwear and custom orthotics to surgery for severe cases. While many people live comfortably with flat feet, untreated cases can lead to complications like tendonitis, arthritis, and chronic pain. If you have pain from flat feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a diagnosis and pain-relieving treatment.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Rouder from S.I. Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

Fabry disease is a rare genetic disorder caused by the buildup of a fat-like substance called globotriaosylceramide due to a deficiency of the enzyme alpha-galactosidase A. This buildup affects various parts of the body, including the heart, kidneys, nervous system, and skin. In terms of foot involvement, Fabry disease can cause burning pain, tingling, and numbness, primarily due to nerve damage, or neuropathy in the feet. This discomfort often becomes worse by physical activity or heat. Diagnosis involves blood tests to measure enzyme levels, genetic testing to confirm mutations, and tissue biopsies to detect GL-3 accumulation. Early diagnosis is imperative as symptoms can progress. If you have foot discomfort or neuropathy, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment to help relieve symptoms.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Dr. Rouder from S.I. Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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