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Ways Seniors Can Reduce Swelling in the Feet

Tuesday, 25 April 2023

Many older adults experience some degree of swelling in the feet, ankles, and lower legs. This can cause a senior to become less certain on their feet, thereby increasing the risk of falling, and this may lead to a more sedentary lifestyle. Swelling, or edema, in seniors is frequently the result of retention of fluid in the lower extremities. It can be caused by underlying conditions, such as congestive heart failure or other heart-related problems, chronic kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and vascular problems. A number of simple lifestyle changes can help to reduce edema. Among them are wearing compression socks or stockings, avoiding shoes that are too tight, and keeping the legs elevated as often as possible. Moving the feet, toes, and ankles is important, as sitting or standing in one place for too long can increase swelling. Performing simple ankle rotations or flexes can be beneficial. Eating foods rich in magnesium, such as legumes, fresh vegetables and leafy greens, and whole grains, may also help. If swelling in the feet becomes a chronic problem, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an exam and diagnosis.

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.

Symptoms and Causes of Metatarsalgia

Tuesday, 18 April 2023

Pain in the ball of the foot is termed metatarsalgia because it is felt in the area of the metatarsal bones. Metatarsalgia can affect one or all of the five metatarsal bones that connect the toes to the other bones of the foot. Symptoms include a burning or an aching sensation, a sharp shooting pain, and tingling or numbness. Some patients report a feeling of having a tiny pebble inside their shoe under the ball of the foot. One of the most common causes of metatarsalgia is footwear that fits improperly. High heels with pointy toes are frequently a cause of metatarsal pain because these shoes force the ball of the foot into a small space. Another cause of metatarsalgia is high-impact sports, especially running, that put extra pressure on the ball of the foot. Other reasons for metatarsalgia include being overweight, arthritis, certain foot deformities, and aging. If you have pain in the ball of the foot that continues to worsen, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for guidance.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Sybil J. Fisher from Texas. 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 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.

Cotton Socks and Blisters

Tuesday, 11 April 2023

Blisters on the feet can be an annoyance to anyone that develops them because they can cause potential pain and discomfort. Some individuals recommend wearing cotton socks to prevent the development of blisters. However, it is important to note that this is not a cure-all remedy because blisters can still form when wearing cotton socks. Specifically, since cotton socks retain moisture on the skin of the feet, this added moisture can essentially increase the friction that causes blisters in the first place. Rather, an effective way to prevent the onset of blisters is to wear shoes that fit properly and are spacious enough not to cause rubbing. If you are someone that is concerned about the development of blisters on the feet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for an appointment.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. Sybil J. Fisher of Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

Gout Pain Can Be Managed

Thursday, 06 April 2023

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

Foot Conditions That May Benefit From Orthotics

Tuesday, 04 April 2023

Wearing orthotics can help a variety of foot conditions. Orthotics are custom-made inserts for your feet that are worn in shoes. They can be effective in managing the symptoms of specific foot ailments, such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, and heel pain. Patients with flat feet or high arches may wear orthotics indefinitely, which might prevent these conditions from becoming worse. It is beneficial to practice stretches and exercises that can strengthen the feet. This may help to improve foot structure, and the need to wear orthotics may be eliminated. This is dependent on the reason orthotics are worn in the first place, so it is suggested that you are evaluated by a podiatrist. If you have foot pain and would like a proper diagnosis and relief options, it is suggested that you confer with this foot doctor who can determine if wearing orthotics is correct for you.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, 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 Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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