Swollen feet, also known as edema, occur when fluid accumulates in the tissues, causing puffiness and discomfort. Common causes include prolonged standing or sitting, high-sodium foods, processed meals, and certain medical conditions such as heart, kidney, or liver disease. Foods that contribute to water retention, including salty snacks, canned soups, and processed meats, can exacerbate swelling. Other factors such as pregnancy, medications, or circulation issues may also play a role. A podiatrist can evaluate the underlying cause, recommend lifestyle adjustments, provide supportive footwear or compression therapy, and create a plan to reduce swelling while protecting foot health. If your feet have become swollen and are uncomfortable, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you manage this condition.
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 contact our office located in Lemont, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Elderly foot care issues can affect comfort, mobility, and overall quality of life. Cold feet may result from reduced circulation, changes in skin thickness, or chronic health conditions. Wounds that do not heal are another serious concern, often linked to poor blood flow, nerve changes, or pressure points that go unnoticed. These problems can increase the risk of infection and limit daily activity, if not addressed early. A podiatrist can evaluate circulation, skin health, and foot structure to identify underlying causes. Treatment may include routine foot care, wound management, pressure relief, and guidance on proper footwear. Ongoing podiatric care helps an older person maintain independence and prevents complications. If you are elderly and have any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle conditions.
Geriatrics and Podiatry When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.
It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.
Visiting Your Geriatrician As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities.
Taking Care of Elderly Feet Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.
Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.
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.
A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that can develop on the feet of individuals with diabetes, often caused by poor circulation, neuropathy, or pressure on certain areas. These ulcers progress through stages, from superficial skin breakdown to deeper tissue involvement. Classification systems, such as the Wagner diabetic foot ulcer classification, help determine severity by assessing wound size, depth, and the presence of infection or gangrene. Proper assessment allows for targeted treatment and reduces the risk of complications. A podiatrist can evaluate the ulcer, provide wound care, recommend protective footwear, and guide therapies to promote healing and prevent recurrence. If you have diabetes and notice any sores, swelling, or changes in your feet, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.
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 DM Foot & Ankle Associates . 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 contact our office located in Lemont, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!
