Items filtered by date: March 2023

Any number of conditions can cause your toes to become swollen, ranging from injury to an allergic reaction. Swelling, or edema, is generally an early warning system from your body, as it generally indicates a problem of some sort. Among the common reasons for toe edema are gout, arthritis, and diabetes. Another cause of swelling in the toes is a circulation problem known as venous insufficiency. This means blood doesn’t flow properly from the extremities to the heart. Edema in the toes also may be caused by cellulitis, a serious inflammation of the skin tissues that can result from a number of conditions. Other causes of swelling in the toes include ingrown toenails, an infection, and footwear that is too tight. Some of these conditions indicate underlying problems that may take time to be corrected, and others can be easily handled by a visit to the podiatrist. The main thing to remember is that swelling is a warning sign from your body that something is amiss. If your toe swells, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an examination and a diagnosis.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Mark Gagnon of Advanced 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 one of our offices located in Crestwood, Orland Park, and Summit, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

 

The Achilles tendon connects the muscles in the calf and lower leg to the heel bone. Like all tendons, this tendon is strong but not particularly flexible. If it is overstretched, it can become inflamed, which is tendonitis, or torn, and this is known as a rupture. When not taken care of, a condition called tendinosis can develop and chronic issues with the Achilles tendon will result. Achilles tendon injuries can cause mild to severe pain, burning, and stiffness in the Achilles tendon area or heel. These types of injuries are more common among athletes, especially runners, and those who play sports that require multiple starts, stops, and sudden changes of direction. Other groups of people who can be prone to getting Achilles tendon injuries are those who do not warm up prior to exercising, or those who increase the amount or intensity of their workouts suddenly. Additionally, patients who are obese, and those with prior health conditions, such as psoriasis or high blood pressure, may also be susceptible to incurring this type of injury. A rupture is a rare and serious Achilles tendon injury, and walking will usually be unbearable. If you have sustained an injury to your Achilles tendon, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can begin treatment as soon as possible, which may help to avoid further complications.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Mark Gagnon of Advanced Podiatry. Our doctor 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 one of our offices located in Crestwood, Orland Park, and Summit, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.