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Common Foot Problems During Pregnancy

Tuesday, 28 February 2023

Most women who are pregnant experience some type of foot problem. The most common are swelling, collapsed arches, plantar fasciitis, and dry or cracked heels. Swelling in the feet is generally the result of constricted blood flow to the lower extremities, caused by pressure on the veins in the pelvic region. This results in a condition called edema, where blood and fluids collect in the feet and ankles. A podiatrist can offer simple solutions to this problem. Added weight during pregnancy often results in a collapse of the arches, which may affect stability. Wearing supportive shoes with ample arch support is often recommended by podiatrists. Pain in the heel is generally caused by tears to the band of tissue under the feet, called plantar fascia. Proper footwear and performing a series of exercises can help relieve the pain. Finally, cracked heels may result from a change in hormonal balance during pregnancy that causes a loss in elasticity and moisture in the feet. This can be solved by moisturizing the feet daily. For further help with any type of foot pain during pregnancy, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

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. Sybil J. Fisher from Texas. 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 one of our offices located in Houston and Sugar Land, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Grades of Ankle Sprains

Tuesday, 21 February 2023

If an individual develops a sprained ankle, the ankle likely has, in some way, rolled or twisted into an awkward contortion. Importantly, there are several different grades of ankle sprains to be familiar with. Knowing these different grades of sprains might help an individual and their trusted medical professional assess the severity of their sprained ankle. Primarily, there are three different grades of ankle sprains. Grade I is the least serious level of an ankle sprain, and it is characterized by slight stretching of the ligaments. Grade II is a slightly more serious level of ankle sprain, and it is defined by a partial tear of the impacted ligament. Lastly, and most seriously, is a Grade III ankle sprain where the ligament is completely ruptured. If you or a loved one has recently developed a sprained ankle, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today to receive advice and treatment.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Sybil J. Fisher from Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

Mild to moderate bruising
Limited mobility
Swelling
Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
Stretching before exercises and sports
Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity. Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Houston and Sugar Land, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Finding the Right Shoes for Swollen Feet

Tuesday, 14 February 2023

Many people deal with the discomfort of swollen feet, or edema, on a daily basis. It is typical among diabetics, pregnant women, and people with kidney or liver ailments. Certain medications, especially those connected to heart or circulation issues, also can contribute to edema. Swelling is caused by a buildup of fluid in the feet, ankles, and legs. It can be the result of sitting for too long on a flight, and wearing compression stockings is often recommended. Reducing salt intake is another way to counteract the effects of swollen feet. Wearing shoes that are specifically designed for people with edema is also a good idea. Among the qualities to look for in this type of footwear is extra width in shoes made from flexible, but durable, materials. Shoe inserts may also help alleviate pain when standing or walking. Velcro fasteners are desirable so when the feet are particularly bothersome or extra swollen, the width of the shoe can be adjusted. For more help with finding out why your feet are swelling and how to deal with it, please consult a podiatrist.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Sybil J. Fisher 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 contact one of our offices located in Houston and Sugar Land, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Mandatory Education to Become a Podiatrist

Tuesday, 07 February 2023

A podiatrist’s job is to treat conditions of the feet and ankles. There are several years of mandatory school that must be obtained before the initials DPM can follow a students name. This is the abbreviation for Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, and the education begins with earning a bachelor’s degree. The courses that are taken will include physiology, anatomy, and patient care instruction. This is followed by completing a podiatric medicine program, which generally takes approximately four years. Attending a podiatric residency is the next step to take, which is done in a hospital or clinic. Some of the foot conditions that podiatrists treat are bunions, hammertoe, and athlete’s foot. Diabetic foot ulcers are treated by a podiatrist, in addition to painful conditions such as plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. If you are interested in pursuing a career in podiatry, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can help you to determine if this is the right path for you.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Dr. Sybil J. Fisher from Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

Physical therapy
Drugs
Orthotic inserts or soles
Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

Are Bunions Affecting Your Everyday Life?

Sunday, 05 February 2023

Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.

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