Swelling in the feet can result from various factors that affect circulation and fluid balance. Long periods of sitting or standing can lead to fluid buildup due to reduced blood flow, causing discomfort and puffiness. Certain medical conditions, including heart, kidney, or liver disease, can contribute to swelling by affecting the body's ability to regulate fluids. A high salt intake may also cause water retention, leading to noticeable swelling in the lower extremities. Blood clots can obstruct circulation, resulting in one-sided swelling accompanied by pain or redness. Additionally, wearing tight footwear restricts movement and can worsen fluid accumulation. A sedentary lifestyle may also contribute to poor circulation, increasing the risk of swelling. If you notice your feet and ankles are swollen, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate relief and treatment solutions.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of DM Foot & Ankle Associates . Our doctors 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 Lemont, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Cracked heels can result from a combination of external and medical causes. External factors such as walking barefoot on hard surfaces, prolonged standing, or wearing open-back shoes can increase pressure on the heels, leading to dry, thickened skin that cracks. Environmental conditions, like cold weather and low humidity, can also contribute to dryness and skin breakdown. Medical conditions like diabetes, eczema, and psoriasis often cause dryness and inflammation, making the skin more vulnerable to cracks. Fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot, can worsen the problem by causing peeling and irritation. Additionally, poor circulation, common in individuals with certain health conditions, can also slow the healing process. If you have cracked heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer you effective relief and treatment solutions.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from DM Foot & Ankle Associates . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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

Flat feet can cause pain in the arches, heels, or along the inside of the ankles, especially after standing for long periods or engaging in physical activity. Some people may experience swelling near the ankle or general foot fatigue. Children with persistent foot or ankle pain should be evaluated to determine if flat feet are causing the problem. A podiatrist can assess flat feet by examining your foot structure, checking for an arch when you stand on your toes, and reviewing wear patterns on your shoes. If pain is present, imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans may be used to examine bones, joints, and soft tissues. Treatment focuses on reducing pain and preventing complications. Wearing supportive shoes and custom orthotics can help improve foot alignment and relieve strain from flat feet. In more severe cases, surgery may be required to repair any damaged tendons or realign foot structures. Without treatment, flat feet may contribute to tendonitis or joint pain. If you have foot pain related to flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from DM Foot & Ankle Associates . Our doctors 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 Lemont, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Turf toe sounds like a sports injury, but it can happen to anyone. This painful sprain of the big toe joint happens when the toe bends too far upward, overstretching the ligaments. Athletes on artificial turf are common victims, but so are yogis, dancers, and even people tripping on stairs. A simple misstep in flexible shoes can do it. At first, it may feel like a mild ache, but swelling and stiffness quickly set in, making it hard to push off when walking. Without rest, it can linger, turning a minor sprain into a chronic problem. Relief includes taping and wearing stiff-soled shoes to limit movement. Severe cases may require targeted exercises or surgery. If your big toe hurts after an awkward bend, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of DM Foot & Ankle Associates . Our doctors 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 Lemont, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.