Causes of Foot and Ankle Swelling

Foot and ankle swelling, also known as edema, can result from a variety of causes. Being overweight increases pressure on the veins and can lead to fluid buildup, while older adults are more prone to it due to reduced circulation. Blood clots in the legs can cause sudden swelling and require immediate attention, and infections in the leg or foot may also lead to localized swelling, redness, and pain. Other contributing factors include prolonged standing, injury, or certain medical conditions. A podiatrist can evaluate the underlying cause through a physical examination and diagnostic testing, provide treatment to reduce swelling, and recommend lifestyle or footwear adjustments to prevent recurrence. If your feet or ankles have become swollen, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management solutions.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact One of our Practitioner of Frankel foot & Ankle. Our practitioner 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 offices located in Milford, PA Middletown, NY Warwick, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Swelling of the Feet

Corns and Calluses: Similar Yet Different

Corns and calluses are very similar in that they both involve a thickening of skin on the feet and are caused by friction or pressure. What makes them different are their sizes and where they develop on the feet. Corns are smaller, rounder, and they usually show up on the soles of the foot as well as on the sides and tops of the toes. Calluses are larger, yellowish, and typically are found on the balls of the foot. Removing or greatly reducing the source of friction, as well as certain topical treatments may help to dissolve corns and calluses. In severe cases, or when the patient has diabetes or poor circulation, consultation with a podiatrist is suggested.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact One of our Practitioner of Frankel foot & Ankle. Our practitioner will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

  • Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
  • Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
  • Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Milford, PA Middletown, NY Warwick, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Understanding Corns and Calluses

Recognizing Symptoms of Ankle Osteoarthritis

Ankle osteoarthritis develops when the protective cartilage in the ankle joint wears down over time, leading to pain and stiffness. Symptoms often begin gradually and worsen with activity. Many people notice aching or tenderness in the ankle that increases after walking or standing for long periods of time. Swelling may occur surrounding the joint, and the ankle can feel stiff, particularly in the morning or after rest. As the condition progresses, the range of motion may become limited, making it harder to move the ankle smoothly. Some individuals experience a grinding or catching sensation due to rough joint surfaces. In more advanced cases, deformity and instability may develop, which can interfere with daily activities. If you are experiencing ongoing ankle discomfort or stiffness, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to receive a proper diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with One of our Practitioner from Frankel foot & Ankle. Our practitioner will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

  • Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
  • Ankle sprains
  • Broken ankles
  • Achilles tendinitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Milford, PA Middletown, NY Warwick, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Ankle Pain

Understanding Athlete’s Foot and How to Treat It

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, often appearing between the toes. It can cause itching, redness, peeling, and cracking, which may lead to discomfort and spreading if untreated. The fungus thrives in warm, moist environments such as locker rooms and swimming pools. Risk factors include wearing tight shoes, having sweaty feet, or walking barefoot in public places. A podiatrist can provide an accurate diagnosis, and recommend preventive measures to stop recurrence. If you have signs of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide effective treatment solutions, which often includes prescribed medication.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with One of our Practitioner from Frankel foot & Ankle. Our practitioner will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

  • Thoroughly washing and drying feet
  • Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
  • Using shower shoes in public showers
  • Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
  • Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

  • Redness
  • Burning
  • Itching
  • Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Milford, PA Middletown, NY Warwick, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about How to Deal with Athlete's Foot

Are You Suffering From Nerve Damage?

Neuropathy is a condition that can lead to numbness or loss of sensation in the feet, but it can also cause pain. This condition is more likely to develop for those who are diabetic, obese, or with high blood pressure.

Gout in Children and Adolescents

Hyperuricemia, or gout, is a condition caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood, leading to crystal deposits in joints. Although rare in children and adolescents, it can occur due to genetic factors, kidney issues, obesity, or certain medications. Risk factors include a family history of gout, poor diet, and metabolic disorders. Symptoms include sudden joint pain, redness, swelling, and warmth, often affecting the big toe. These painful flare ups can limit mobility and daily activities. A podiatrist can provide an accurate diagnosis, pain management, lifestyle recommendations, and supportive footwear to prevent recurring attacks. If your child or teenager has symptoms of gout, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment and relief tips for this painful condition. 

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact One of our Practitioner from Frankel foot & Ankle. Our practitioner will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Milford, PA Middletown, NY Warwick, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Everything You Need to Know About Gout

Major Causes of Ball of the Foot Pain

Pain in the ball of the foot, also called forefoot pain, can result from several conditions that affect the bones, joints, or soft tissues in this area. Metatarsalgia is one of the most frequent causes of pain in the ball of the foot. It develops when repetitive pressure on the metatarsal bones leads to inflammation and aching across the forefoot. Morton’s neuroma is another culprit, where a thickened nerve, usually between the  3rd and 4th toes, causes sharp or burning pain and sometimes numbness. A bunion deformity can shift pressure onto the ball of the foot, causing a change of gait that leads to pain and stiffness. A podiatrist can provide a thorough exam, identify the underlying cause, recommend footwear changes or orthotics, and determine whether surgery is needed. If you are experiencing pain in the ball of your foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with One of our Practitioner from Frankel foot & Ankle. Our practitioner 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 offices located in Milford, PA Middletown, NY Warwick, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Foot Pain

Can I Wear the Same Shoes for Walking and Running?

Although the movements of walking and running are similar, the areas of the body affected and the force of impact vary. When running, more force is exerted from the knees, ankles, and hips, with far greater impact than walking. Also, the heel, mid-foot, and toes bear the heaviest weight load as they strike the ground during running, while walking tends to distribute weight more evenly across the foot. All of these factors dictate that different types of shoes and levels of support are necessary for running versus walking. A good running shoe will have more cushioning than is necessary in a walking shoe, with a heel that is flared and raised higher than the toe. Running shoes are not as flexible as walking shoes, with most flexibility occurring in the arch and middle of the foot, whereas a good walking shoe will have more flexibility overall and particularly in the front of the foot to enable a powerful push-off. The heels on walking shoes should not be flared or much higher than the toes at all. A podiatrist can offer more specific criteria on footwear for runners and walkers to achieve peak performance and reduce the risk of injury. 

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact One of our Practitioner from Frankel foot & Ankle. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

  • Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
  • Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
  • Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Milford, PA Middletown, NY Warwick, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

When Running Leads to Achilles Tendon Pain

Achilles tendonitis is a common injury in runners, often linked to repetitive stress on the thick tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel. Early signs include stiffness in the morning, aching at the back of the ankle, or tenderness when beginning a run. With continued strain, the discomfort can worsen, making even walking or climbing stairs uncomfortable. Risk factors include sudden increases in mileage, uphill training, tight calf muscles, or worn shoes that fail to support the foot properly. Rest and gentle stretching may ease mild cases, while wearing supportive footwear and orthotics can help prevent recurrence. Severe or long-lasting pain may require more advanced treatment, including targeted exercise. If you are a runner struggling with persistent Achilles tendon pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a proper evaluation and care plan.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact One of our Practitioner of Frankel foot & Ankle. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

  • Inflammation
  • Dull to severe pain
  • Increased blood flow to the tendon
  • Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

  • Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
  • Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

  • Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
  • Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Milford, PA Middletown, NY Warwick, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Achilles Tendon Injuries

Non-Injury Causes of Toe Pain

Toe pain does not always come from an injury and can often result from underlying conditions that affect the feet. Skin problems are a common source of toe pain. Corns, calluses, blisters, warts, athlete’s foot, and ingrown toenails may cause discomfort, redness, or swelling. Infections can also lead to painful changes in the toenails or surrounding skin. Joint issues, such as bunions, bunionettes, hammer toes, arthritis, or gout, can make walking difficult and alter toe alignment. Pain may also develop in the ball of the foot from metatarsalgia. Nerve problems such as Morton’s neuroma, tarsal tunnel syndrome, or neuropathy can produce tingling, burning, or numbness in the toes. Additionally, circulatory changes, often seen in people with diabetes, can further contribute to nerve damage and pain. A podiatrist can diagnose the source of your toe pain and provide effective treatment, depending on the condition. If you are experiencing toe pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact One of our Practitioner of Frankel foot & Ankle. Our practitioner 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 contact our offices located in Milford, PA Middletown, NY Warwick, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Toe Pain
scroll to top