Items filtered by date: September 2024

Swollen feet are a common discomfort during pregnancy, often caused by the body retaining extra fluid and pressure from the growing uterus. This extra pressure can affect blood flow, leading to fluid buildup in the lower extremities. Swelling of the feet and ankles is typically more noticeable later in the day or during advanced stages of pregnancy. While this is usually harmless, it can become uncomfortable and limit mobility. It is important to monitor sudden increases in swelling, as they may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as pre-eclampsia, which requires immediate medical attention. A podiatrist can assess your feet, offer guidance on managing discomfort, and suggest ways to alleviate pressure on the feet and ankles. This medically trained foot doctor can also evaluate whether the swelling is part of a typical pregnancy experience or if further intervention is necessary. If pregnancy is causing swollen feet and ankles, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

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 one of our podiatrists from Advantage Foot and Ankle Center . Our doctors 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 Newark, DE . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A diabetic foot ulcer is a common complication of diabetes, characterized by open sores or wounds that develop on the feet, often due to poor circulation and neuropathy. These ulcers can result from minor injuries or pressure points and can be slow to heal, posing a risk of infection. Finding relief involves several steps. Firstly, controlling blood sugar levels is essential to promote healing. Regularly inspecting and cleaning the ulcer with mild soap and water helps prevent infection. Using appropriate wound dressings and ensuring the affected foot is kept dry and protected is also important. Offloading pressure through custom orthotic devices or specialized footwear can aid in healing. Seeking prompt medical attention from a podiatrist for advanced treatments, such as debridement or antibiotics, ensures effective management and reduces the risk of complications. If you have diabetes or have developed a foot ulcer, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat foot wounds. 

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Advantage Foot and Ankle Center . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

Engaging in regular exercises focused on the toes, feet, and ankles can significantly enhance foot health and alleviate discomfort. These foot exercises, such as stretching the Achilles tendon, rotating the ankles, and performing heel raises, are beneficial in improving flexibility, strength, and balance. They can be particularly helpful for individuals experiencing foot pain or stiffness. Starting slowly and gradually increasing intensity is advisable, especially for those new to exercise. While these exercises can be done at home, it is wise to consult a podiatrist before beginning any new regimen. A podiatrist can provide personalized advice, ensuring that the exercises you choose are safe and effective for your specific foot condition. This foot doctor can also identify underlying issues that may need professional treatment. If you have problems with your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Advantage Foot and Ankle Center . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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

The human foot is a marvel of anatomical engineering, consisting of 26 bones and about 100 ligaments that work in concert to support movement and balance. When taking a step, the foot's complex structure enables a smooth and efficient motion. As the heel strikes the ground, the ligaments and bones absorb and distribute the impact, while the arch provides essential support and flexibility. The toes then push off the ground, aided by a network of ligaments that stabilize the bones and facilitate propulsion. This intricate interplay of bones and ligaments ensures that each step is controlled and cushioned, highlighting the remarkable design of the foot's anatomy in enabling mobility and stability. Many people experience foot pain for various reasons, which may include injuring a part of the foot. If this applies to you, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer you effective treatment solutions.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Advantage Foot and Ankle Center . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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