Swollen feet can develop gradually or appear suddenly, and they often indicate that fluid is building up in the tissues. This condition, known as edema, may result from standing for long periods, hot weather, pregnancy, or wearing tight shoes. Injury, infection, and inflammation can also cause one foot to swell. In some cases, swelling in both feet may be linked to circulation problems, vein disorders, heart conditions, or kidney concerns. The skin may look stretched or shiny, and pressing on the area can leave a temporary indentation. Swelling may feel tight, heavy, or uncomfortable, especially at the end of the day. A podiatrist begins with a careful examination to determine whether the cause is local, such as tendon or joint inflammation, or related to a broader medical issue. Treatment depends on the source and may include supportive footwear, compression, elevation, and targeted exercises. If you have swollen feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for proper evaluation and care.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Joseph Creswell, DPM of Practice. 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 office located in Wallace, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Anterior ankle impingement occurs when soft tissue or bone at the front of the ankle becomes compressed during motion. It is often linked to repeated ankle sprains, high-impact activities, or long-standing joint irritation. People may notice pain at the front of the ankle when walking uphill, squatting, or bending the foot upward. Swelling, stiffness, and a feeling of blockage during movement are also common. Over time, this condition can alter gait and place added strain on surrounding structures of the foot and lower leg. Early management may include rest, footwear changes, bracing, or targeted therapy to reduce irritation and restore smoother motion. In some cases, ongoing compression requires more advanced care. If ankle pain, stiffness, or limited movement persists, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Joseph Creswell, DPM from Practice. 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 office located in Wallace, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Peripheral neuropathy affects the nerves that carry sensation from the feet and legs to the brain. In older adults, this condition often reduces the ability to feel the ground, notice uneven surfaces, or sense pressure changes. When balance feedback is dulled, walking becomes less stable, and the risk of falls rises. Falls in the elderly can lead to fractures, loss of independence, and long recovery periods. Neuropathy may be caused by diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, circulation problems, or certain medications. Symptoms can include numbness, tingling, burning pain, or weakness that worsens over time. Wearing supportive footwear, balance training, and early treatment may help lower fall risk. When numbness, frequent stumbles, or unexplained foot changes appear, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Joseph Creswell, DPM from Practice. Our practitioner will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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