Items filtered by date: December 2022

Tuesday, 27 December 2022 00:00

Are Foot Massages During Pregnancy Safe?

It is certainly no secret that pregnant women can experience potent foot pain as they bring their child to term. This is sometimes explained by the increase in body weight during the pregnancy, which consequently causes the body to exert more pressure on the feet. The feet therefore might ache and feel sore after a day of weight-bearing activity. Some pregnant women might benefit from having a foot massage to relieve the pain. However, it is important to note that foot massages might not be safe for all pregnant women, particularly if they are prone to blood clots. Therefore, a woman ought to first get permission from a medical professional to receive a foot massage. If she is cleared to receive a massage, this procedure might help to lower cortisol levels and reduce depression levels in pregnant women. If you are a woman that is soon expecting a child, contact a podiatrist today for more information.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Vivian C. Iwu, DPM from Choice Podiatry Center. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

  • Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
  • Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
  • Wear shoes with good arch support
  • Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
  • Elevate feet if you experience swelling
  • Massage your feet
  • Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

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Tuesday, 20 December 2022 00:00

Pain in Various Areas of the Foot

Many people experience foot pain, and there are several areas of the foot where this can occur. These can include the heel, arch, toes, or soles of the feet, and there are various reasons for pain to develop in different parts of the foot. Pain in the big toe may indicate the painful condition that is known as gout, or it may be arthritis, both of which affect the joints. A bunion is a bump that develops on the side of the big toe and may cause pain as shoes are worn. A corn on the pinky toe is one of the most painful foot conditions there is, despite its small size. It often develops as a result of wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. There are several causes for foot pain to occur, and these can consist of standing on hard surfaces for most of the day, being overweight, or having endured a foot injury. If you have foot pain for any reason, please consult with a podiatrist, sooner rather than later, who can accurately determine the reason why and offer effective treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Vivian C. Iwu, DPM from Choice Podiatry Center. Our doctor 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 office located in Marietta, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Have your feet inspected by a professional before starting a new sport or physical activity. Taking charge of your foot health will keep you in good physical condition and can help you avoid a potential injury, such as a fracture or sprained ankle.

Prevent injuries and see a foot specialist.

Tuesday, 13 December 2022 00:00

Blisters and Basketball

Blisters can develop on the feet for any number of reasons and there are several different kinds of blisters that may form. Blisters may form in response to repeated pressure or friction on the feet while an individual is playing basketball. If a basketball player is wearing inadequate footwear, then this may also cause blisters. Importantly, blisters are composed of a layer of skin that produces a watery kind of pus. If you have blisters from basketball, it is important to take care of your feet so that the blisters can heal. You might also try to prevent future blisters from developing by wearing basketball shoes that provide enough room in the shoes. You might even be sure to wear socks that properly cover the feet. Contact a podiatrist today for information about blisters from basketball.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Vivian C. Iwu, DPM of Choice Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

  • Bubble of skin filled with fluid
  • Redness
  • Moderate to severe pain
  • Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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

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Tuesday, 06 December 2022 00:00

Causes and Symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis

The Achilles tendon connects the heel with the two large muscles of the calf, allowing the bending and flexing of the feet. As the largest tendon in the body, the Achilles tendon has the duty of raising the foot for walking, running, and other activities. In short, it is a workhorse. As a result, it is prone to overuse injuries. One of the main causes of Achilles tendonitis is overuse. This condition is especially prevalent among runners and other athletes who may do too much, too soon. Symptoms include inflammation, a crackling sound when the ankle is moved, swelling, and pain when walking uphill or climbing the stairs. In the acute form of Achilles tendonitis sudden pain, swelling, and difficulty walking will occur. With chronic Achilles tendonitis, symptoms like pain and difficulty walking may develop more slowly. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms at the back of the heel, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist at your earliest convenience. 

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Vivian C. Iwu, DPM of Choice Podiatry Center. 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 our office located in Marietta, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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