Items filtered by date: February 2023

Pain on the outer edge of the foot can be debilitating, affecting how you walk or even stand. It can cause instability and keep you from participating in your everyday activities. This type of injury, termed lateral foot pain, can result in stabbing, burning pain, or severe aching. A number of conditions, including ankle sprains, arthritis, or a bunionette can cause lateral foot pain. Ankle sprains, particularly in people with high arches, are thought to be the most common cause of lateral foot pain. In addition, a fifth metatarsal fracture, which connects the pinky toe to the ankle, commonly accompanies an ankle sprain and contributes to the pain. Various forms of arthritis can produce inflammation in any one of the many joints in the feet.  A bunion on the small toe is a bone deformity and is often termed a bunionette. Pain is caused when the protruding bone rubs against the inside of the shoe. Among the other causes of lateral foot pain include a dislocation of the cuboid bone, which is located at the outside part of the foot. This injury is common among ballet dancers and other athletes. To find out exactly what is causing the pain on the outside of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Jordan Baker, DPM from Best Foot Forward Surgical Podiatry. 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 our office located in Florence, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When a pregnant woman brings a baby to term, her feet might undergo different and significant changes. For example, during a woman’s pregnancy, she might experience increased swelling in the feet, larger feet, and achy sensations in the feet. One often overlooked symptom of pregnancy is discoloration in the feet. Discoloration is another word for the alteration of color in human skin. Interestingly, discoloration in the skin is a common symptom that some women experience during pregnancy. The feet are certainly no exception to this phenomenon. Specifically, some pregnant women may notice that the soles of their feet have become more red. If you are pregnant or are planning to be, consider contacting a podiatrist today who will help you maintain the health of your feet throughout your pregnancy.

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 Jordan Baker, DPM from Best Foot Forward Surgical Podiatry. 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 our office located in Florence, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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 Jordan Baker, DPM of Best Foot Forward Surgical Podiatry. 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 feel free to contact our office located in Florence, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.