Swelling of the feet, also known as edema, occurs when excess fluid collects in the tissues. It is often caused by prolonged standing or sitting, injury, pregnancy, or underlying medical conditions, such as heart, kidney, or circulation problems. Symptoms include puffiness or tightness and discomfort that worsens as the day progresses. The feet may look enlarged or shiny, and pressing on the skin can leave a temporary indentation. Swelling can feel achy, stiff, or tender, and may limit mobility or make shoes feel tight. A podiatrist can help by starting with a detailed evaluation of the feet, circulation, and medical history, sometimes using diagnostic testing to determine the cause. Treatment may include lifestyle modifications, compression support, targeted exercises to improve circulation, and management of contributing conditions. Early care helps prevent complications and maintains foot health. If you have swollen feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management tips.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of VIP Foot & Ankle Center. 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 Pembroke Pines, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing inflammation, pain,and possible infection. This condition often leads to redness, swelling, tenderness, and drainage surrounding the nail. Common causes include improper nail trimming, curved nails, wearing tight shoes that place pressure on the toes, and repeated trauma to the nail. Ingrown toenails are one of the most common nail problems treated in podiatry, and can worsen if not addressed early. A podiatrist can safely remove the ingrown portion of the nail, treat the infection, and provide guidance on proper nail care and footwear. If you notice toe pain, redness or swelling, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose the problem, and offer effective relief and treatment solutions. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of VIP Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

High-ankle sprains affect the joint above the ankle where the lower leg bones meet and often occur during twisting injuries or sudden changes in direction. Unlike typical ankle sprains, pain is usually felt in the front of the ankle and may extend upward along the lower leg. Swelling may be mild at first, but discomfort often increases with walking, especially during push-off or rotation. People may notice stiffness, weakness, or a sense of ankle instability with movement, while bruising often appears later. Because high ankle sprains involve key stabilizing structures, recovery may take longer if the injury is not correctly identified. A podiatrist can perform an exam and request imaging to determine severity of the high-ankle sprain. Then a plan to protect the joint and restore movement can be formulated. If you have pain in the front of the ankle, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact one of our podiatrists from VIP Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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

Bunions often develop gradually, starting as a small bump at the base of the big toe and slowly changing the shape of the foot. The bunion looks like a bony prominence forming as the toe pushes inward, and it may appear red or swollen. It can feel tender, stiff, or painful, especially when wearing tight shoes or walking long distances. Common causes include inherited foot structure, arthritis, and footwear that crowds the toes. A podiatrist begins with a careful exam and imaging when needed to confirm the diagnosis and assess joint alignment. Treatment may involve custom orthotics to improve support, padding, or shoe modifications to reduce pressure, and targeted exercises to maintain flexibility. In more advanced cases, surgical options may be discussed. Early care can slow progression and improve comfort. If you have a bunion, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of VIP Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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