Swollen feet can arise due to various health concerns, including skin infections and underlying health conditions. For instance, cellulitis is a painful bacterial infection causing swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected region. Particularly vulnerable are individuals with diabetes. They often face complications due to reduced healing ability and decreased sensation, which can lead to unnoticed injuries becoming infected and subsequently causing foot swelling. Another condition, lymphedema, results from impaired lymph flow, often due to damaged or removed lymph nodes. It can be congenital or caused by factors such as cancer treatments or infections. Heart failure, a severe medical condition, results in fluid accumulation, with swollen feet as a common symptom. Prolonged immobility can cause deep vein thrombosis, a potentially life-threatening blood clot. Kidney issues can also lead to swollen feet if fluid balance is disturbed. Additionally, liver disease, especially cirrhosis, can cause fluid accumulation in the lower extremities due to portal hypertension. If you have swollen feet that do not respond to rest, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to identify the root cause of the swelling and get treatment appropriate to what is discovered.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Rouder of S.I. 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 Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a skin infection caused by dermatophytes, a type of mold-like fungi. These fungi naturally reside in the skin folds of the foot and generally remain in check if the foot is kept clean and dry. However, conditions like wearing tight, closed shoes or plastic footwear can create a warm, moist environment that promotes fungal growth. The two main fungi responsible for athlete's foot are trichophyton rubrum, which causes moccasin-like lesions and tends to be chronic, and trichophyton mentagrophytes, causing sudden, severe blister-like lesions between the toes. Both conditions are contagious and can be spread through direct skin-to-skin contact or indirectly via contaminated objects like towels, shoes, or wet floors. The risk of contracting athlete's foot increases with age and is higher among those with weakened immune systems. If you have athlete’s foot, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment.

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 Dr. Rouder from S.I. Podiatry. Our doctor 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 office located in Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bones that can result from excessive pounding or pressure and repeated trauma. One of the most common causes of stress fractures is engaging in high-impact activities. Sports like gymnastics, track and field  and tennis, which involve constant pounding on hard surfaces, can put tremendous stress on the bones of your feet. Another significant cause is making sudden changes in the duration, frequency, or intensity of physical activity. Pushing your body too hard without adequate rest and recovery often leads to stress fractures. Wearing ill-fitting or worn-out running shoes without proper foot support can also contribute to stress fractures. Sometimes, anatomical abnormalities like flat feet or high rigid arches can increase your risk of developing stress fractures. Repetitive stress from exercises, especially in sports, can weaken bones over time, making them more susceptible to stress fractures. If you have had a stress fracture in the past, you may be at higher risk of experiencing another one. Women are more prone to stress fractures from osteoporosis, low bone density, irregular menstruation, and poor nutrition. Symptoms of stress fractures can be tricky to diagnose, as they may not show up on X-rays in the early stages. However, common symptoms can include a dull, generalized pain, swelling, and tenderness in a specific spot. This discomfort may worsen during activities and can persist even at rest if left untreated. If you suspect you may have a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options. 

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. Rouder from S.I. Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

Studies show that ankle sprains are the most common injury experienced among runners. Additionally, if you have experienced an ankle sprain in the past, you are 75 percent more likely to develop chronic ankle instability. As a result, choosing the right running shoe is of paramount importance to avoid these outcomes. First, opt for shoes with a high-top design or added ankle padding. These features can help stabilize the ankle joint and reduce the risk of sprains and strains during your runs. Additionally, a snug and secure fit around the ankle area, particularly at the heel, is essential. Look for shoes with padded collars and lacing systems that allow you to adjust the tightness to your comfort level. Cushioning is another key factor in finding shoes with adequate ankle support. Shoes with ample cushioning in the heel and midsole provide shock absorption, which helps minimize the impact on the ankles. Further, choose running shoes with a durable outsole that offers excellent traction, ensuring a stable and confident stride. Finally, take into account the type of terrain you typically run on when deciding on the right shoes. For more information on protecting your ankles while running, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact Dr. Rouder from S.I. Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

• Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• There should be little to no slipping at the heel
• Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
• Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
• Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

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