Swelling in the feet and ankles often develops when fluid builds up in the tissues. This type of swelling is known as edema and can affect one or both feet. The feet may look larger or puffier than usual, and the skin may appear shiny or stretched. Some people also experience discomfort, stiffness, or changes in skin color. In certain cases, pressing the swollen skin may temporarily leave a dent. Foot swelling can have many causes, so noticing when it begins and whether other symptoms are present can help determine whether medical attention is needed.

Several factors can contribute to swollen feet and ankles. Remaining in the same position for a long time can lead to swelling, as can pregnancy or certain medications. Varicose veins and thyroid problems may also contribute to edema. Other causes can be more serious. An injury may lead to swelling in the affected area, while an infection can cause additional symptoms. Problems involving the heart, kidneys, or liver can also cause fluid to collect in the feet and legs. A blood clot is another possible cause. Sudden, severe, or unexplained swelling should receive prompt medical attention.

A podiatrist can examine swollen feet and ankles and look for signs that may help identify the underlying problem. An evaluation may include checking the skin, areas of tenderness, and the extent of the swelling. Because edema can result from many different health concerns, a podiatrist may recommend additional medical evaluation when the swelling appears related to a condition outside the feet. Treatment depends on what is causing the fluid buildup rather than the swelling alone. Professional assessment is especially important when swelling is painful, appears suddenly, or occurs with redness and warmth. If persistent or unexplained swelling is affecting your feet or ankles, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Michael Bess, DPM of Florida. Our podiatrist 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 West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot pain can result from several factors, including poor biomechanics, excess weight, inadequate footwear, or underlying medical conditions. Carrying excess weight increases the pressure on joints in the foot, which may lead to inflammation or joint damage. Ill-fitting shoes or high heels may result in bunions, hammertoes, or ankle injuries due to poor support and altered gait. A tight Achilles tendon can impair foot mechanics and contribute to heel pain or strain in the plantar fascia. Repetitive stress from high-impact activities can also trigger conditions such as plantar fasciitis, especially when performed without proper footwear. Age-related balance issues can lead to uneven loading of the foot, increasing fall risk and foot strain. Prolonged standing without rest places sustained pressure on the arches and heels, contributing to foot pain. A podiatrist can evaluate the underlying cause of foot pain and provide effective treatment. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you make an immediate appointment with a podiatrist for treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Michael Bess, DPM from Florida. Our podiatrist 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 West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An ingrown toenail develops when the edge of a nail presses into the nearby skin instead of growing forward normally. The big toe is affected most often because it receives considerable pressure inside a shoe. Early signs include tenderness, redness, and swelling along one side of the nail. If bacteria enter the irritated area, drainage or a pocket of pus can appear. Patients with diabetes, poor circulation, or reduced feeling in the feet face a greater risk of complications. They should have any unusual nail changes examined promptly.

Several factors can cause an ingrown toenail. Cutting a nail too short or rounding its corners can encourage the edge to grow into the skin. Wearing tight shoes can squeeze the toes and increase pressure along the nail borders. A toe injury can also change the way the nail grows. Some patients inherit nails that curve sharply at the sides, making the problem more likely. Without professional care, continued irritation can lead to infection and increased pain. Severe redness, spreading swelling, or drainage requires prompt attention from a podiatrist.

A podiatrist can examine the nail, check for infection, and determine how deeply the edge has entered the skin. Treatment includes carefully trimming, lifting, or removing the troublesome nail section, depending on severity. When an ingrown toenail repeatedly returns, a minor procedure can treat part of the nail-growth area and prevent the same edge from growing back. The podiatrist can also address thick nails and recommend properly fitting shoes with enough room around the toes. Patients with diabetes or circulation problems benefit from professional nail care because small wounds can become serious quickly. Timely treatment eases pressure, protects nearby tissue, and lowers the risk of infection. Surgery is generally reserved for repeated or severe cases. If you have a painful ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Michael Bess, DPM of Florida. Our podiatrist can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

Flat feet occur when the arches are low or absent while standing. Some people are born with this foot shape without discomfort. In other patients, the arches flatten because of an injury or weakened tendons. Arthritis and excess body weight can also contribute. Symptoms include aching in the arches, heel pain, and swelling near the inner ankle. A person also may have tired feet after standing or notice changes in the way their shoes wear. Flat feet can affect how weight moves across the feet, placing added strain on joints and soft tissues.

A podiatrist can determine whether flat feet are responsible for the pain or another problem is involved. The examination includes checking the arches while the patient sits and stands. The podiatrist studies joint motion and the patient’s walking pattern. X-rays can show bone position, arthritis, or an injury. Other imaging can provide a closer look at tendons when damage is suspected. These findings help distinguish flexible flat feet from rigid flat feet. A flexible arch appears when no weight is placed on the foot, while a rigid arch remains flat. Identifying the type and cause allows the podiatrist to recommend care that matches the patient’s needs.

Treatment focuses on reducing pain, improving support, and helping the feet work efficiently. A podiatrist can prescribe custom orthotics that support the arches and guide weight across the feet. The doctor can also recommend shoes with firm heel support, adequate cushioning, and enough room for the toes. An ankle brace can provide added stability in certain cases. When a damaged tendon or severe bone misalignment causes lasting symptoms, surgery can repair the affected structures or improve their position. Regular podiatry visits can track changes in the arches and help prevent added strain on the ankles, knees, or hips. If you have foot pain related to flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions. 

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Michael Bess, DPM from Florida. Our podiatrist will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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